Fruit flies are pests that seem to appear out of nowhere in our homes, and we want them gone fast. Here's everything you need to know about fruit flies, including prevention and elimination methods, just in time for summer.
 

We've all been there. That bunch of bananas meant for smoothies or healthy snacks sits on the kitchen counter, turning an unappealing shade of brown. But the unsightly fruit isn't the worst part - it's the fruit flies that come with it.
 

What are fruit flies?
 

You've probably seen fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) in your kitchen. These tiny, annoying pests have brown bodies and red eyes, and they often hover around fermenting food or sticky spills. Overripe fruit and decomposing waste are like siren calls for fruit flies. Their microscopic bodies make it easy for them to sneak into homes through cracks in windows and doors, according to a study from The University of Kentucky.
 

Fruit flies can lay about 500 eggs in one reproductive cycle, and they develop from egg to adult in just one week. For insects with such short lifespans, they sure stay busy! While fruit flies can be a year-round issue, they're especially abundant during summer and fall when fresh produce is most common in homes.
 

How to Get rid of fruit flies
 

Once you spot fruit flies in your home, it's crucial to act fast to get rid of them. While you can buy commercial fruit fly traps, you can also easily make your own using common household items. Here's how to create an effective DIY fly trap solution.
 

Apple cider vinegar: Fruit flies can't resist the tangy-sweet smell of vinegar. Here's how to trap them:
 

1. Fill a mason jar or any container with apple cider vinegar.

2. Create a funnel using notebook paper or a coffee filter, or cover the top with plastic wrap and poke a few tiny holes.

The flies will be drawn to the vinegar but won't be able to escape.
 

Alternatively, if you don't have funnel materials:

• Mix 3 parts apple cider vinegar with 1 part blue dish soap.

• The soap will make the flies' wings too heavy to fly.
   

Beer and wine: Similar to vinegar, fruit flies are attracted to the fermented sweet smell of wine and beer. Use the same funnel or plastic wrap method to trap them in a container.
 

Rotten fruit: Put those overripe bananas to good use. Place the peel and pieces of the banana in a container, again sealing the top with a funnel or plastic wrap.
 

Alcohol spray: Skip the potentially harmful chemicals in some household products and make your own spray. Use 91% isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle to kill flies on contact without exposing yourself and others to harsh chemicals.
 

Fruit fly trap: If you don't want to make one yourself, buy a fruit fly trap and set it near the infestation. These traps can be quite effective. The fruit flies are attracted to them and get stuck on the sticky surface.
 

Ways to prevent fruit flies
 

The best way to get rid of fruit flies and keep them away is to eliminate things that attract them, like decomposing food or a dirty sink. Here's how to prevent them in your home:
 

Clean all surfaces regularly: Fruit flies feed on the liquid of decomposing food and sticky substances. Wipe down all your countertops and clean up any spilled food on the floor or under your fridge.
 

Empty the trash: Take out the trash and recycling regularly. Fruit flies can still find rotten food in the trash and drink cans with liquid, so keep lids on bins for extra protection. Clean trash cans and recycling bins, as spills or buildup may attract fruit flies.
 

Keep drains clear: Fruit flies can breed in drains with clumps of food caught in pipes. Use a baking soda-vinegar solution or boiling water to clear drains. Remove clogs and clean the garbage disposal. If the problem persists, call a professional to check for plumbing issues like leaks or cracked pipes.
 

Check your fridge and countertops: Don't leave overly ripe fruit on countertops or in your fridge. Store food in air-tight containers if left on countertops.
 

Fix window and door screens: Adult fruit flies can easily get in through cracks and tears in bug screens. Regularly inspect screens and check for cracks around air conditioning vents and window seals.
 

Buy unblemished fruit: When buying produce, choose fruits and vegetables free of cuts and nicks. Fruit flies may lay eggs in cut or split skin, which will hatch when you bring them home.
 

Frequently asked questions
 

• Are fruit flies harmful to humans? Fruit flies don't bite or carry diseases. They do carry bacteria on their bodies, which can transfer to food they touch or lay eggs on.

• Do fruit flies have benefits? Fruit flies are beneficial for genetic research due to their simple genetic structure and short life span. They share 75 percent of disease-causing genes with humans, allowing scientists to study mutations quickly across generations.

• How long do fruit flies live? Fruit flies live 40 to 50 days. A single fruit fly may lay 500 eggs during its life.

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