How can I get rid of fruit flies without pesticides?
by
Patti
+8
I keep trying to grow something - anything - in my yard, in containers, even inside my house, but every single time the dirt is deluged with (what I assume are) fruit flies that decimate the plants. I’ve tried spraying with soap and various herb infused concoctions, but nothing works. The little things move into the dirt to the extent it’s literally crawling with them. Inside, my house becomes so overwhelmed by them I can’t have even the smallest house plant. I’m sure this is partly a regional problem - I live in Arizona - but there has to be an answer!
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Wow, that is bad! I feel for you. I would first contact your local Ag Extension office for the best answer.
Hello Patti. Fruit flies and gnats are attracted to many different locations in the home depending on any number of variables. Click on the link below where you will find six different ways to get rid of fruit flies in your home depending are where they are coming from. Goid Luck!
https://www.organiclesson.com/6-ways-to-instantly-get-rid-of-gnats-at-home/amp/
use a cheap vine in a cup, fruit flies are attracted to the wine and drown in it
I think the most important thing is to truly identify the bugs. They may not be fruit flies at all. The Ag office can certainly help. ( here it's called Cooperative Extension Unit ) In the meantime, here's a link that might help.
https://cals.arizona.edu/urbanipm/pest_press/2007/march_april.pdf
Leave a bottle of juice open on the counter with dish liquid it in
You dont need to fill it, just a little juice and dish liquid
You can either use apple cider vinegar or yeast, a little sugar and warm water. Place in a low dish and put a plastic wrap over top. Punch a small hole in the top and they will come to feed. They cannot get out.
Thanks to all who offered answered. I think my proximity to water - we live very near the Colorado River - is what makes this such a great area for these little bugs!
Here's a tutorial I wrote that might help you - https://chascrazycreations.com/diy-bug-repellents-traps/
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. Microwave the bowl so the mixture becomes even more aromatic. Leave the bowl out uncovered as fruit fly bait. The soap will reduce the surface tension, causing any fruit fly that lands on the surface to drown. Now, if what you have might be drain flies...if that is what you have try this: Boil some water on the stove and pour down your drain several times a day for about a week or Mix 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar and then pour the mixture down the drain, leaving it overnight. In the morning, pour boiling hot water down the drain.
If a drain fly infestation lasts longer than 20 days despite different approaches to get rid of them, then it’s time to call a professional exterminator.
Here's a post that might help https://chascrazycreations.com/irish-spring-soap-and-flies/