With summer’s amazing weather and sunshine comes a pesky issue: fruit flies. If you have a fruit bowl in your kitchen, chances are you’ve been seeing these tiny pests buzzing around. Fruit flies seem to appear out of nowhere and, if left unchecked, will multiply. Fortunately, there are simple techniques you can implement to get rid of fruit flies in your home effectively.

Here are some tips to successfully get rid of these pesky insects:

Locate the Source

The first thing you should do to banish fruit flies in your home is to locate their source. Check your kitchen for overripe fruits, vegetables, and decaying perishable foods. Fruit flies are attracted to the sugars in these foods. Eliminating the fruit flies’ food source will help eliminate these insects and prevent them from multiplying.

Keep Your Kitchen Tidy

Make sure that your kitchen’s countertops, sinks, and garbage disposal are kept clean. Keep surfaces thoroughly clean using a mix of vinegar and water or a mild detergent. It is also important to keep your dishwasher clean. If moisture or food particles are left in your dishwasher, fruit flies will have a place to breed.

Store Fruits and Vegetables Properly

One of the keys to preventing fruit flies from infesting your home is to store fruits and vegetables properly. Keep produce in the refrigerator or in sealed containers that minimize their exposure to the air. If fruits or vegetables become overripe, discard them in outdoor trash.

Take the Garbage Out Regularly

If you don’t take your garbage out regularly, fruit flies will have a place to multiply in your home. These insects are attracted to the odors from your trash bin. Clean the inside of your trash regularly to remove spilled liquids and residue.

Set Traps

Homemade traps are a great way to catch and eliminate fruit flies. A simple solution is placing a small dish of apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish soap on your counter. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and poke small holes in it. The fruit flies will be attracted to the scent of the vinegar, but the soap will cause the insects to sink into the liquid and drown.

Get Rid of Moist Areas

Fruit flies thrive in moist environments. Check for areas in your home where water may accumulate, such as drains, potted plants, or the sink. Get rid of standing water and make sure that your drains are clean.

Natural Repellants

There are natural ingredients you can use to repel fruit flies. Place slices of lemon, orange, or basil leaves in areas where fruit flies are commonly seen. The strong scents will deter the insects from lingering in those areas. You can also use essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint. Dilute the essential oils with water and spray them around the infested areas in your home.

Keep Windows and Doors Closed

As tempting as it is to open your windows for the breeze and fresh air during the summer, this can invite fruit flies and other insects into your home. To avoid this, make sure that you install netted screens that are tightly sealed.

It won’t take a day to get rid of fruit flies. It’s a process, and it’s important to remember to be consistent and patient. Repeat these cleaning and trapping methods until fruit flies permanently make an exit from your home.