Get Rid of Fruit Flies – The Easy Way

Where do all these fruit flies suddenly come from?

They seem to appear with summer – even when the warm temperatures haven’t. Fruit flies settle on fresh fruit, feel unhygienic, and spread rapidly throughout the kitchen. Often, they’re brought in with groceries, as their eggs are already on the food. In the warmth of your home, entire swarms can hatch in no time. Ripe fruit and open windows do the rest – and the infestation begins.

A natural trick: cork

A viral hack making the rounds on social media actually works – and it's surprisingly simple: natural cork. It contains plant-based tannins that repel fruit flies. Just cut a few corks (e.g. from wine bottles) into small pieces and place them in your fruit bowl. Important: it must be real cork, as only this contains the active compounds. Bonus: the trick is not only effective, but also sustainable, since it reuses a material that would otherwise end up in the trash.

What else works: From vinegar to lavender

Natural cork isn’t the only effective remedy. Other household tricks have stood the test of time:

► Vinegar trap: A glass filled with apple cider vinegar and a drop of dish soap lures fruit flies in – and traps them.
► Red wine: Just like vinegar, an open glass of wine can act as bait.
► Lemon with cloves: The strong scent keeps flies at bay.
► Lavender: While many people love the smell, fruit flies avoid it. Use lavender oil or scent sachets.
► Paper funnel: Placed in a glass with vinegar or overripe fruit – flies get in but can’t find their way out.

For best results, combine multiple methods.

How to prevent fruit flies

Even better than fighting them? Preventing them in the first place. A few simple habits can make a big difference. Most important: store fruit dry and well-ventilated – not in plastic bags where moisture can build up. Since fruit fly eggs often hitch a ride from the store, wash fruit thoroughly after shopping. Use or refrigerate overripe fruit quickly before it becomes a magnet. Also keep fruit bowls away from trash or compost bins. And don’t leave dirty dishes lying around – wash them or put them straight into the dishwasher. That way, your kitchen stays appetizing – and fruit fly–free.

Small & annoying, but easy to stop

They may be persistent, but fruit flies are easy to handle.

With a few cork pieces in your fruit bowl and a little extra care in storage and cleanliness, summer can stay fruity – without the flies.

Photo by Julia Zolotova via Unsplash