How to get rid of fruit flies in your kitchen

Fruit flies aren’t just hanging out for fun—they’re breeding somewhere in your kitchen. Start by checking the usual suspects: that bowl of bananas sitting on the counter, the compost bin you haven’t emptied in a week, or even the damp sponge by the sink. Don’t forget to peek inside your trash can, especially if it’s got food scraps or a sticky soda spill. They’re sneaky, so look in less obvious spots too, like under the fridge or near houseplants where moisture collects. Once you’ve identified their favorite spots, you can cut off their food supply and start evicting them.

Now that you’ve found their hideouts, it’s time to clean house. Throw out any overripe or rotting fruit—yes, even that one mushy apple at the bottom of the fruit bowl. If you’ve got produce that’s still good but attracting flies, store it in the fridge or in sealed containers. Don’t forget about onions, potatoes, and garlic; they might not seem like fly magnets, but they can be if they’re starting to spoil. And if you’ve got a bunch of ripe bananas, consider freezing them for smoothies instead of leaving them out. The goal is to make your kitchen as uninviting as possible for these little pests.

Fruit flies can’t resist the smell of apple cider vinegar, and that’s their downfall. Grab a small bowl or jar and pour in about half a cup of apple cider vinegar. Add a drop of dish soap—this breaks the surface tension, so when flies land on the liquid, they’ll sink instead of flying away. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and poke a few small holes in it with a toothpick. The flies will crawl in but won’t be able to escape. Place the trap near where you’ve seen the most activity, and let it do its thing. Check it every day; you’ll be grossed out (but satisfied) by how many flies you’ve caught.

Fruit flies thrive in grime, so it’s time to give your kitchen a deep clean. Start with the sink—scrub it down, especially around the drain where gunk can build up. Pour a mix of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by boiling water, to break up any organic matter that’s lurking there. Wipe down counters, tables, and even the top of your fridge (crumbs love to hide there). Don’t forget to clean your trash can, both inside and out, with hot soapy water. And if you’ve got a dishwasher, run it empty with a cup of vinegar to kill any lingering odors that might be attracting flies.

If you’ve got a little leftover red wine in a bottle, don’t pour it out—put it to work. Fruit flies are drawn to the fermented smell, so leave the bottle open with just a splash of wine at the bottom. They’ll fly in and get stuck. No wine? A small amount of beer or even a bit of fruit juice mixed with a drop of dish soap works too. Place the bottle near their hotspots, and let the flies check in but not check out. It’s weirdly satisfying to see how many you can trap this way. Just remember to empty and refresh the trap every couple of days.

Fruit flies love moisture, so drying out your kitchen is key to keeping them away. Wring out sponges and dishcloths after each use, and let them air-dry completely. If you’ve got a leaky faucet or a damp spot under the sink, fix it—standing water is like a fruit fly spa. Empty your compost bin regularly, and if you keep it indoors, make sure it’s sealed tight. Even something as simple as wiping down your counters after cooking can make a big difference. The drier your kitchen, the less appealing it is to these pests.

Now that you’ve kicked the fruit flies out, let’s keep them from coming back. Start by making it a habit to check your fruit bowl regularly—toss anything that’s past its prime before it becomes a fly magnet. Store produce in the fridge or in sealed containers, and don’t let trash or compost pile up. If you bring home groceries, give your fruits and veggies a quick rinse to wash off any eggs that might be clinging to them. And if you’ve got houseplants, avoid overwatering them—damp soil can attract flies too. A little prevention goes a long way in keeping your kitchen fly-free.