Asked on Aug 13, 2015

The fruit flies are taking over, inside and out!

Helene Salowitz
by Helene Salowitz
What kind of spray concoction can I make to spray the plants directly?
  9 answers
  • B. Enne B. Enne on Aug 13, 2015
    Do you keep fruits and vegetables on your counter? I have found that even if I spray them they will keep coming back if I leave fruit out. When I buy a watermelon or bananas I wash the outside of them with soapy water. It has helped greatly. I wonder sometimes if there is larvae on them from the market. One year, I couldn't eradicated them no matter what. I even bought fruit fly spray. Everything was spotless. I discovered that an orange had been left in a plastic bag in a backpack over summer. Once that was thrown out, the problem was gone. I find that vinegar, lemon juice and dishwashing liquid works really well on ants and for general cleaning, but I wouldn't put it on plants. Maybe you could spray with soapy water (dishwashing liquid). It works on aphids.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Aug 13, 2015
    There are traps available at gardens centers. You should not use a spray.Try not to leave your fruit out past the ripening stage. The sweet smell is what is attracting the flies.
  • Helene Salowitz Helene Salowitz on Aug 13, 2015
    Thanks Janet, I'll try home depot.
  • Rel1349504 Rel1349504 on Aug 14, 2015
    I use apple cider vinegar in a little dish on my counter near the fruit/veggies. I add 1-2 drops of dish washing liquid to the vinegar. It attracts them and they can not get out. Pour out after a day or two and start fresh again. I have found that keeping my windows and doors closed instead of letting the breeze come through the screens also keeps them away. Hope it helps.
  • Helene Salowitz Helene Salowitz on Aug 14, 2015
    Thanks so much
  • Kathy Ortega Kathy Ortega on Aug 14, 2015
    Google killing fruit flys, you can find some non-poisonous baits you can make with things you already have in your home. You can also find the recipe for a natural spray for inside or out.
  • Helene Salowitz Helene Salowitz on Aug 14, 2015
    Thank you kindly.
  • Helene Salowitz Helene Salowitz on Aug 15, 2015
    thank you all for your wonderful information. Have a great day!