Get Rid of Fruit Flies without Killing Your Plant

Last Updated on August 16, 2022 by Real Men Sow

Fruit flies (Drosophila spp.) are very usual in restaurants, homes and any other places.  These pests can quickly multiply when they are attracted by fermented and ripened vegetable matter. One female can lay up 700 eggs in four weeks. These eggs can become adult flies in a matter of days, especially in hot summer temperatures. It can also spread disease-causing bacteria. You can quickly use a variety of methods to get rid of the flies, without causing damage to your plants.

Health Risks

Research has shown that fruit flies can transmit germs from dirty surfaces onto clean surfaces. Salmonella, E. coli and listeria are just a few of the bacteria that they might carry. Each of these germs can cause food poisoning. Severe cases can lead to life-threatening complications and may even require hospitalization.

What Attracts Fruit Flies?

These pests love moist, fermenting vegetables and fruits. They are attracted to drains, garbage disposals as well as empty cans, empty bottles, trash bags, and cleaning rags. They are attracted to food waste and moist environments. The likelihood of flies infecting humans is very low as they only feed on food surfaces.

How Long Do Fruit Flies Live?

Fruit flies can live up to 24 hours, contrary to popular belief. They can also live for up to 40-50 days if they are kept in good health.

Where Do They Lay Eggs?

They can lay as many as 500 eggs per hour, primarily in fermented fruits or other sweet, decaying organic material.

Ways To Get Rid of Fruit Flies

  1. Remove any damaged, cracked, or rotten fruit and leaves from your plants. These could attract the flies. You must identify the root cause of the problem.
  2. Use a fly swatter to kill any flies that you see or a vacuum cleaner equipped with a hose attachment. Throw the vacuum cleaner bag out.
  3. Place sticky fly traps near the source of any problem. The glue will trap the fruit flies so they can’t escape.
  4. Combine 1/2 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup lukewarm. Put the liquid in a spray bottle to spray the liquid on the fruit flies and let them dry. To wipe the flies from the plants, use a soft cloth.
  5. Fill a jar 12 inch with beer or cider vinegar. Secure a sandwich bag made of plastic over the opening with an elastic band. The plastic bag should look like a funnel. Place this trap near the source of your problem. The flies are attracted to the beer. They can’t escape once they get inside the funnel and drown in the vinegar or beer.
  6. Spray insecticide on plants that are attracting flies. To ensure that the insecticide is safe for use on your plants, read the label and make sure you are using it in a well ventilated area.

All Materials Used:

  • Fly swatter
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Sticky fly traps
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Spray bottle
  • Soft cloth
  • Beer or cider vinegar
  • Elastic band
  • Sandwich bag
  • Insecticide
Real Men Sow
Real Men Sow

Hello, I’m Pete and I’m currently based in the west of Scotland, in a small place called Rosneath, where I’m exploring my garden adventures. I personally started gardening around 6 years ago and initially, I started out by growing my favorite fruits and berries, such as strawberries, Raspberries & Gooseberries. Since then I’ve added a lot of vegetables and working closely with my neighbor, it’s been a lot of fun.