Keep fruit flies out of homes in autumn with 1 simple but effective kitchen ingredient

Fruit flies can be a major nuisance in autumn as they are searching for somewhere to reproduce (Image: Getty)

Fruit flies are often seen as a summertime problem, but as the temperature drops these pests are much more likely to come into homes in search of food. 

John Stewart, a pest prevention specialist at Pest-Stop, has shared with the Express that it is important to try and get rid of fruit flies as soon as possible as they can reproduce at an alarming rate.

He told Express.co.uk: “Fruit flies from the garden can sneak inside through open windows, doors, or other small openings. Once indoors, they target any fermenting produce and spread quickly.

“To make matters worse, as temperatures drop, many people turn on their heating. This warm environment speeds up the development of fruit flies, allowing them to multiply faster.”

However, it is very easy to banish fruit flies from your home as all you need is apple cider vinegar.

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Apple cider vinegar will bait fruit flies into a DIY trap to kill them (Image: Getty)

Fruit flies will be strongly attracted to apple cider vinegar due to its strong scent that mimics the smell of fermenting fruit. It may seem bizarre to attract fruit flies but apple cider vinegar can be used as a bait to draw these pests into a homemade trap that will kill them and stop them from laying eggs. 

John said: “A simple DIY trap using apple cider or red wine vinegar, along with a drop of washing-up liquid, works wonders because fruit flies are irresistibly drawn to the smell of vinegar.

“These flies rely on their sense of smell to find overripe fruit, attracted by the acetic acid that forms as the fruit ferments - the same compound that gives vinegar its sharp, sour aroma.”

Fruit flies can stand on water but washing up liquid can reduce the surface tension of liquid so the flies will fall into a trap and drown. 

How to make a homemade trap to keep fruit flies away 

According to John, setting up this homemade fruit fly trap is “quick and easy” as all you need is a jar, washing up liquid and apple cider vinegar.

This homemade trap will kill fruit flies easily and quickly (Image: Getty)

All you have to do is pour 20ml of vinegar into a jar, then add 10ml of water and a single drop of washing-up liquid. 

Fruit flies can stand on water but washing up liquid can reduce the surface tension so the flies will fall into the water and drown. 

Cover the jar with clingfilm and then poke multiple small holes in the material using a toothpick.

Then place the jar where fruit flies are most active such as next to a windowsill or near a fruit bowl.

The best way to prevent fruit flies is to make sure there is nothing in the home to attract them (Image: Getty)

How to prevent fruit flies from coming into your home 

Getting rid of fruit flies is simple but the best way to stop these pests and other insects from coming into your home in autumn is to keep your kitchen clean so there is nothing to attract them. 

John said: “These traps are highly effective at capturing adult fruit flies, but they won’t solve the problem entirely unless you address the root cause.

“To fully eliminate an infestation, it’s essential to remove their breeding grounds. Discard any overripe or rotting fruit, clean out drains and ensure that food waste and recycling are regularly taken out.

“If you need to keep windows or doors open for ventilation, consider using screens to block the flies from getting in.

“With a little diligence, you'll be rid of these pesky invaders in no time!”