Fruit flies: how to deal with fruit flies in an apartment

Fruit flies and how to get rid of them

Drosophila melanogaster, also known as the fruit fly or vinegar fly, is a small, about 3 mm in length, insect of the Drosophiliadae family from the order Diptera. These flies can be observed near spoiled fruits. In nature, they also feed on plant sap and rotting plant debris. The larvae also feed on microorganisms. Drosophila (we call it “wine fly”) follows the smell of wine.

One way or another, everyone has encountered fruit flies. You should forget about vegetables or fruits that are stored outside the refrigerator, overwater indoor plants - they are right there. This time we got it when we put in apple cider vinegar. It's difficult to get rid of. Therefore, we are making a separate article - we are studying who they are and how to get rid of them without using chemicals.

Fruit flies (lat. Drosophilidae) are a family of the order of dipterous insects (Diptera), including more than 2000 species. It has a worldwide distribution. The most famous genus is Drosophila. Representatives of this genus are also called fruit flies.

The family includes two subfamilies - Drosophilinae and Steganinae - and about 70 genera. The larvae develop in decaying plant debris, fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms.

The easiest way to get rid of fruit flies within a few days is to completely deprive them of food. But here it is difficult to do this - in a village house, in the kitchen, there is always something for them. You can hang adhesive tape - it helps, but not much.

Young larvae cannot penetrate deep into the solid medium and die, while eggs laid in a liquid medium may die.

They say that fruit flies can also eat thermal insulation. True, this is unverified information, but rumors. However, I met them several times. Whether this is true or not, I don’t know.

The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is known to many aquarists. Both adult insects and their larvae are used as food.

Appearance of a fruit fly

What does a fruit fly look like?
The insects are yellow-brown in color with black rings across the abdomen. In nature, flies feed on rotting plant debris and plant sap, and their larvae also feed on microorganisms. Males are smaller in size than females, whose body length does not exceed 2.5 mm. Also, males have a darker back part.

Females and males of Drosophila. Reproduction

The Drosophila fly, like all dipterans, has three stages of development: egg, larva, and adult insect.

Morphologically, females and males differ from each other in a number of characteristics. Females are somewhat larger than males, although the size of both can vary greatly depending on feeding conditions, especially the larval period of development.

The female's abdomen is somewhat rounded, with a pointed end; in the male it is cylindrical, with a blunt end. Also, the male can be easily distinguished from the female by the last few segments, which are completely pigmented. The upper chitinous scutes of the chest in insects are called tergites (they, together with the sternites and pleurites, participate in the movement of the wings).

The female has eight well-developed tergites, and the male has six, with the sixth and eighth tergites fused, and the eighth included in the reproductive apparatus. The sternites are the same chitinous plates on the ventral side. The female also has one more of them than the male, and in representatives of each sex the first, second, seventh and eighth sternites are not developed.

Drosophila eggs are somewhat elongated, about 0.5 mm in length. In fresh cultures they are easily noticeable, being deposited on the nutrient medium.

The hatching of the larva from the egg and the beginning of postembryonic development is associated with increased nutrition and growth. Excess food at this stage of an individual’s life is of great importance: to a large extent it determines not only the size of the fly, but also its viability. The first time after hatching, the larvae remain on the surface of the medium. Then they go deep into it and remain there until the moment of pupation.

Pupation begins with the larvae leaving the environment, stopping feeding and crawling briskly for some time. Then they become motionless, significantly shorten in length and acquire the barrel-shaped shape characteristic of a pupa.

The pupal period of development is characterized, on the one hand, by the destruction of larval organs and tissues, with the exception of the gonads and nervous system, and on the other, by the development of the definitive organs of the adult fly from the imaginal discs. The period of puppet transformation is 4 days.

At the end of the third day, the outlines of the eyes become visible through the cover of the pupa, in which by that time a yellowish pigment is produced. A few hours before hatching, the wings are clearly visible, and by this time the eyes become bright red.

Hatching of the fly and its release from the pupa cover is achieved by pumping liquid, as a result of which the pupa shell ruptures and the fly is released.

Flies usually emerge from their pupa early in the morning. Young, newly hatched flies have a long yellowish body, almost devoid of pigment, and short, not yet straightened wings. After 8 hours, the females are ready for fertilization. Females begin laying eggs from the end of the second day and continue until the end of their lives.

Where do they come from?

“What kind of fruit flies are they and where do they come from?” is a common question on thematic forums. Many people have the impression that these midges literally materialize out of thin air. Some people confuse them with soil ones, but they belong to a different species and live on window sills in wet flower substrate.

The Drosophila egg is only 0.5 mm long. The female lays from 50 to 80 eggs at a time. With one apple or plum you can quietly bring a flock of midges.

They will hatch in 8-15 days. They live no more than 20 days, but during this time the female will have time to lay up to 400 eggs.

Other options for where midges come from on fruit in an apartment:

• ventilation shafts;
• open windows, doors;
• Pets.

Theoretically, eggs can even be carried on shoes.

Another source of fruit flies is rotting houseplants. Decaying pulp attracts fruit flies as a favorable nutrient medium.

This happens especially often with cacti. Externally, the plant often looks normal, but putrefactive processes are already underway inside.

Midge traps

Glass jar

1. Place bait (pieces of fruit, juice or compote) in a glass jar.
2. Make a funnel out of paper.
3. Make a small hole at the tip of the funnel.
4. Insert the funnel into the neck of the jar, tip down. Tape the joint area with tape.

The midges fly to the smell of the bait, end up in the jar, and it’s difficult to get out because the bottom hole of the funnel is small and difficult to find.

A plastic cup

1. Take a small plastic disposable cup (you can use one for yogurt, etc.).
2. We place bait for midges in a glass: pieces of fruit (apple, peach, nectarine, banana), juice, compote, used tea bag, etc.
3. We stretch cling film over the top of the glass.
4. We make small holes in the film with a thick needle (the size of the hole should be such that the midge can climb in, but not too big, otherwise it will crawl out back).
5. We put the glass where midges often live.

The midges follow the smell, get into the glass, but can’t get out because the holes are small. When the number of midges reaches about 15 pieces, you need to throw the glass in the trash. Repeat the procedure until all the midges are eliminated.

Plastic bag

Place several apple cores in a plastic bag for a day, preferably sour ones. Midges love sour and spoiled things. They will climb into the bag and begin to live there and feed. When they are in a bag, you need to carefully and quickly tie the bag. And throw it away.

Methods for controlling fruit flies

It will be much easier to get rid of fruit flies in an apartment if you start fighting as soon as the first midges are noticed. Various means are used to kill insects; the greatest effect is achieved by a combination of several methods.

Traps and repellers

One of the most popular methods of controlling midges at home is traps or natural repellents. Traps can be purchased at a specialized store or made yourself from scrap materials. The following are used as repellers:

• essential oils (eucalyptus, lemongrass, ylang-ylang);
• herbs (mint, lavender);
• substances with a pungent odor (ammonia, turpentine).

You can use an aroma lamp, incense sticks, and make sachet from dried herbs.

Adhesive tapes

Adhesive tape is a proven and absolutely safe way for people and animals to get rid of fruit flies. The tapes are hung in the room where insects are spotted and replaced as they are filled.

On a note. Additionally, the tape can be sprayed with beer or fruit juice so that the smell attracts more insects.

Homemade midge trap

Making a fruit fly trap is not difficult at all. Natural apple cider vinegar is used as bait, to which midges have an irresistible attraction. The product is mixed with a small amount of warm water, a few drops of dishwashing detergent are added, mixed and poured into deep plates or saucers. Midges fly to the smell, land on the water, but cannot get out of the soapy film.

Beer bottle

This is perhaps the laziest trap of all. However, it will help destroy a significant number of midges. It is enough to leave an unwashed bottle of beer or wine on the table, so that within a few hours a lot of insects will appear in it, swooping in on the smell. After that, all that remains is to close and throw away the bottle.

Glass jar

A simple object like a glass jar will help you get rid of fruit flies. A slice of ripe fruit is placed at the bottom. Roll up a cone of paper and place the narrow end into the neck of the jar. Midges easily make their way inside the jar. But it’s difficult for them to get out into the narrow hole of the cone, so they stay inside.

A plastic cup

Another simple and very cheap way to get rid of midges. Place a piece of fruit at the bottom of a plastic cup or pour a little sweet liquid. Place cling film on top and make holes in it with a toothpick. The midges fly towards the scent and fall into a trap.

Trap

Plastic bag

Bait (a slice of fruit, an apple core, a used tea bag) is placed in a plastic bag and left on the table. After a group of midges has gathered in the bag, it is carefully tied and thrown away.

Chemicals

If a large number of fruit flies appear, chemicals are used to destroy them. Insecticides act quickly and effectively, but when using them, one must remember that the products are toxic. Therefore, it is necessary to remove all food, dishes, kitchen utensils, put on protective equipment and follow the instructions exactly.

Aerosols

The most popular chemical remedy for fruit flies is an insecticide in the form of an aerosol (the most famous remedy is Dichlorvos). It is chosen primarily for its simplicity and ease of use, as well as for its quick effect.

Insects are poisoned by spraying the product indoors, after tightly closing the windows and doors. The disadvantage of this method is the unpleasant odor that remains after treatment and the low effectiveness of aerosols in the fight against larvae.

Fumigator

A small device connected to the mains. Under the influence of the heating element, the active substance evaporates, which affects insects. Fumigators are safe for people and animals and help quickly get rid of midges in the house.

Temperature changes

In the fight against fruit flies, you can use the fact that they cannot tolerate cold and temperature changes. It is necessary to ventilate the room more often, and in addition, if possible, store vegetables and fruits on the balcony during the cold season. Then the fruit flies will not lay eggs on the fruits, and if they have already been laid, the larvae will not be able to develop.

Folk remedies

Not everyone is ready to use chemicals at home or use unsightly-looking traps. In this case, to remove fruit flies from an apartment, use proven means, such as:

• spices (cinnamon, bay leaf, vanilla, allspice) repel insects;
• fresh horseradish root;
• tomato tops;
• lemon or orange peels.

Lemon peels

If you have pots of geraniums in the house or grow mint or basil on the windowsill, then fruit flies will not take root. In cases where there are already a lot of midges, folk remedies may not be effective enough.

other methods

A substance such as camphor will help fight fruit flies. A small amount should be placed in a frying pan, which is heated on the stove. When smoke appears, the frying pan is carried through all the rooms where midges were noticed.

A drain cleaner can help get rid of flies in your toilet. The pungent odor will repel adult insects, and the chemical poured into the pipes will cause the death of the larvae.

Another option is to catch midges with a vacuum cleaner. The method is not very effective, but in the process you can combine kitchen pest control and cardio training, which is so fashionable today.

Prevention of Drosophila

You need to wash the trash can and do some general cleaning in the kitchen. Remove all leftover food. If you have pets, clean out their bowls regularly, and if they leave food behind, clean out the refrigerator. Don't leave dirty dishes behind. Check bags of vegetables regularly and throw away any that are rotten.

You need to find their “home” - usually it is soggy potatoes, “brooding” or rotten vegetables and fruits. If fruit flies have nothing to eat and nowhere to reproduce, they will gradually disappear on their own, and there is no need to breed them with all sorts of dichlorvos and raptors. You need to remove all food, take out the trash, and do not water indoor plants (if any).

Check under the sink - food debris can remain there and become a breeding ground. They can start in a pumpkin that lies on the closet, or in an onion. Often grown in flower pots of indoor plants. Sometimes they fly into ground coffee. They are diluted in a teapot if you do not throw away the tea leaves.

Causes of fruit flies

The first necessary step in the fight against fruit flies is to identify and eliminate the cause of their appearance. It's important to know what attracts midges and where they might come from before you set out to expel them. Insects are attracted to the room by the aroma of vegetables and fruits. At the same time, they give preference not to fresh products, but to rotten ones.

Flies are attracted by the aroma of fermentation, which is pronounced in vegetables and fruits with signs of rotting

The appearance of fruit flies can also be caused by indoor plants. Fallen leaves or flowers on wet soil rot and begin to rot, which attracts pests. In addition, insects are often located on plants, in the trays of which water accumulates and “blooms.”

Useful tips - how to get rid of midges

We take these tips from the comments under the article on the site - many of the tips are original and very interesting! So:

• If a midge starts in flower pots, then you need to stick an ordinary match there, head down, they disappear.
• Most often, flies appear due to rotten potatoes, onions - all spoiled root crops are a breeding ground for flies. The main thing is to remove the source. Gradually they will disappear. Be patient.
• Once a week I do a total cleaning with ultraviolet light, and for a year I have had an ultrasonic trap running, and this is how we save ourselves.
• I solved the problem with flies simply: 1) I collected crawling and flying ones with a hand-held kitchen vacuum cleaner (fortunately they don’t fly fast). 2) at night in the place where they accumulate (for me it’s a jar of kombucha) I turned on a mosquito lamp. The effect is amazing - in the morning there are almost no flies!
• They can be caught perfectly with a vacuum cleaner, even on the fly!
• The jar of flies can be placed in the freezer for a few minutes. They'll die. Verified.
• I poured beer into the lid of the cake so that it barely covered the bottom, a lot of it collected and almost everyone drowned.
• I have found that they really like spoiled bananas. In the kitchen I put a crushed, rotten banana in a bag. Problem solved.
• Adhesive fly tape, spread with red wine. And here they are right there.

My husband accidentally left the remnants of apple compote in a jar on the table, during the night they filled with darkness, at first I covered them with a plastic lid and then thought for a long time about how to kill them, I can’t open them, throwing the jar away in this form is also not a good idea, I decided to put it in the microwave and turned it on for a minute!

The end came to them all instantly! The glass jar needs to be placed in the microwave, covered with a plastic lid, don’t be afraid, it won’t explode, 40 seconds at a power of 600 - 700 is enough.

Tip: pour part of the water, part of the apple cider vinegar or juice and a little dishwashing detergent into a glass jar and put this jar where you have the most flies, and in a few hours you will have almost no flies, they are attracted to this trap .

Apple cider vinegar attracts flies and they fly into this jar; dishwashing detergent prevents them from getting out. This fluid needs to be renewed once a week.

Getting rid of fruit flies is very easy. Buy fly or mosquito repellent plates that are designed for raptors. Install the plates to the window glass and the problem is solved! The sun heats up the plate and releases a deadly poison for flies.

I accidentally discovered a remedy for fighting flies: I started peeling horseradish roots for a horseradish snack, left the horseradish peelings in an open bag - all the flies instantly disappeared. Several days have passed and they have not returned.

Means for destroying fruit flies in the apartment

There are no insecticides specifically designed to kill fruit flies, but you can use any insecticide to kill flying insects and flies.

• Aerosols and foggers Dr.Klaus
• Plates, liquid, smoke bombs Mukhoyar
• Granules Evil Ted
• Rubit granules Don't buzz
• Gel Avgust Buzzard
• Aerosol Lethal force Extra
• Aerosol Bros against flying insects
• Spray against flying and crawling insects Delicia
• Aerosol Combat Super Spray
• Dichlorvos Varan A
• Aerosol against flying insects Raptor

You can purchase them in hardware stores and supermarket departments, specialized pest control stores and online.

When choosing self-treatment, remember that any insecticides are poisons that require compliance with certain rules when used.

• Follow all directions and instructions on the label of the product you choose.
• Use it only in the manner specified in the instructions.
• If you need to prepare the product yourself before use, follow the dilution ratios indicated by the manufacturer.
• Treat the room only when there are no people or pets in it.
• Use a respirator to protect your respiratory tract, a mask or eye goggles, rubber gloves, and wear covered clothing when handling to avoid contact of the insecticide with your skin.
• Do not use attractants when windows are open and do not use attractant preparations and repellent or destroying insecticides at the same time - they reduce the effectiveness of each other.

In combination with preventive measures, insecticides can be very effective, but there are no guarantees that you will be able to get rid of insects for a long time and completely, moreover, all responsibility for the treatment falls entirely on your shoulders, including the result and safety of the procedure for those who live in the apartment.
If you don’t want to do anything yourself or are afraid to make a mistake when preparing and using the products, you can turn to the SES for help.

Fruit fly traps

There are also ready-made products on sale to get rid of fruit flies, and they are effective. If you use homemade vinegar, place traps right next to it, otherwise the flies will scatter throughout the house.

The Raptor glue trap with bait liquid will provide effective protection against fruit flies. The principle of operation of the trap is simple. The liquid contains a special substance that attracts flies. Following the smell, insects end up on the sticky surface on the inside of the trap without the ability to get out of it again. At the same time, the trap remains clean and attractive in appearance. A feeling of comfort and cleanliness in your kitchen is guaranteed!

Directions for use: Open the box. Take out a can of liquid. Unscrew the cap of the can. Take out the cardboard tape with the sticky layer. With a sharp movement, remove the protective paper from the adhesive layer.

Fold the trap in the form of a “house” with the sticky side with the printed pattern inside, connecting the lock with the inscription “insert into grooves” in the direction of the arrows. Place the trap on the neck of the can. Make sure the perforation on the trap fits snugly around the neck of the can. Place the trap in places where insects grow - in kitchens near fruit and in pantries - cabinets for storing food - potatoes, onions, etc. Do not place in drafts. The trap retains its ability to attract flies for up to 30 days. Consumption rate – 1 trap per room of 10-12 m2.

And one more trap: Aeroxon trap for fruit flies. It is structured in approximately the same way, only here there are 2 pieces in the package. The flies begin to fly in very quickly - excellent cleaning of the room!

The Aeroxon glue trap is designed to kill tiny flies flying over rotting fruit. Fruit flies are found in kitchens, utility rooms and warehouses where fruits and vegetables are stored. The flies are lured with a special bait onto the adhesive surface of the trap and are firmly glued to it. The trap can be placed in close proximity to food products; it is completely safe.

Source: hnh.ru/food/2010-09-19-1

Traps

You can find ready-made fly traps on sale; they are highly effective ; the main manufacturers are Aeroxon , Raptor . The principle of their operation is that insects flock to the smell of the liquid and stick to the inside of the structure, while the outside of the trap remains clean.

There are also natural trap flowers, which feed on insects; they are absolutely safe for humans, are not large in size and do not require special care. The process of closing and opening the flower while capturing prey is also very interesting to observe.

DIY traps

The simplest method of getting rid of midges is considered to be an empty bottle with a fairly narrow neck, into which you need to pour a little mixture of fruit juice and soap solution.

1. The solution should be poured into several wide-necked jars and placed in places where insects accumulate.
2. Drosophila will fly towards the smell emitted by the solution, but if they get into the container, they will not be able to get out of it due to the absence of a film on the surface of the water.
3. The solution must be added as it dries.

This simple technique allows you to get rid of pests, but it takes more time.

There is a high probability that the insects have already deposited the larvae in a secluded place; the process of getting rid of them may take a week.

It must be taken into account that midges can appear even as a result of a piece of apple accidentally left on the table.

The principle of operation is the same, but in this case you only need kvass , juice , or rotten pieces of vegetables or fruits . An old mug or glass jar can be used as a container .

1. 1/4 of the container must be filled with bait;
2. the inlet hole must be covered with a paper funnel;
3. flies must fly in from the wide end, but they will no longer be able to find the narrow hole.

If midges appear at the end of summer, watermelon or melon .

1. Fruit slices must be placed in a bulk bag and left overnight in the kitchen.
2. The bag should have no holes, but should be open to allow insects to enter.
3. In the morning you need to close it with a sharp movement and take it to the trash.
4. If after this midges begin to fly in the kitchen again, it means that the insects laid larvae, from which new individuals hatched.

Fruit flies: how to quickly get rid of annoying insects

Once fruit flies appear in your kitchen, they will not leave. And, what good, they will also multiply. You can’t do this without special tools—some of them are stored in your home.

Small fruit flies, attracted by the smell of rotting fruit, garbage and forgotten food, settle in the apartment for a long time, refusing to voluntarily leave the nourishing place. They are quite harmless - at least they do not bite humans or domestic animals. But they multiply at tremendous speed.

Just imagine: a female Drosophila can lay up to 500 eggs, and within 24 hours the first larvae are born! So, if you notice a swarm of small brown flies in the kitchen, don’t hesitate: sort through the food (flies are attracted to darkened bananas and rotting fruits and vegetables), throw out the trash, clean up the kitchen and start eliminating annoying insects - with the help of these simple household funds.

Preventive measures

If you adhere to basic rules, it will help you completely forget what these annoying insects look like. The appearance of insects in an apartment is a signal to reconsider some habits and start putting things in order in the house. That's why:

• Dishes should be washed immediately after eating and dirty dishes should not be allowed to accumulate in the sink.
• Empty the trash can regularly and promptly, especially in the warm season.
• Regularly wash and dry cloths in the kitchen and bathroom.
• Do not store vegetables, berries and fruits outside the refrigerator.
• Water the plants only when necessary.
• If plants are fertilized with tea leaves, then it is necessary to regularly remove its remains and not allow it to begin to rot.
• Dishes for cats and dogs should be kept clean, as should their trays.
• If Drosophila flies appear in your home, then the fight against them should not be postponed until later, since they reproduce quite quickly if conditions contribute to this.

Order and cleanliness in the house is a guarantee that such insects will never become interested in a person’s home. Conversely, a mess in the house is the conditions that attract not only fruit flies, but also other, more dangerous pests.

A wonderful trick on how to get rid of fruit flies in 60 seconds.

Vinegar

Unfiltered apple cider vinegar is considered the best weapon in the fight against fruit flies. You can buy it at an organic grocery store or make it yourself.

Pour a small amount of liquid into a glass, cover it with a layer of cling film and secure it with a rubber band. Using a sharp pencil, make several holes in the “lid”.

The sweet smell of apple cider vinegar will definitely attract insects. Once they get inside the glass through the tiny holes, they will not be able to get back out.

Note: Add a small amount of dishwashing liquid to the vinegar. It will give it viscosity - stuck flies will definitely not be able to get out of the trap and will soon die.

Using traps

You can get rid of fruit flies in the kitchen using various traps. You can purchase them at a hardware store or make them yourself. Among the purchased products, the leader can be called sticky tape for flies. Homemade traps are based on attracting flies into a container - a trap from which they can no longer get out.

Adhesive tapes

The most common commercial trap for pesky fruit flies is sticky tape. Its operating principle is to attract flying insects with a pleasant smell. The adhesive surface of the strip prevents them from flying away, after which the insects slowly die. The tape is packaged in a tube and sold individually or in packs of several pieces. Ribbon width 4-5 cm, length 50-70 cm.

Popular companies producing similar products include:

1. Clean House - pack with four ribbons. Validity period – 2 months. Package price from 50 rubles.
2. Argus is a Russian fly repellent. One package worth 35 rubles contains 4 ribbons.
3. Aviora is a sticky trap for fruit flies and other types of flies. Produced individually, the price for one product is about 25 rubles.

Homemade traps

You can get rid of fruit flies at home using easy-to-make traps. To do this, you will need any bottle, jar or container with a wide enough neck. A liquid mixture is poured into the bottom of each container, acting as bait. This mixture contains a soap solution and a strong-smelling sweet treat: fruit juice, jam, honey. Dishwashing detergent, shampoo or liquid soap are suitable as a soap solution.

Traps for fruit flies

A funnel made of thick paper or cardboard is inserted into the neck of the vessel with the narrow edge inward, but so that the funnel does not touch the liquid. Drosophila react quickly to jam and juice. Attracted by the sweet smell, midges fly inside the container, but cannot fly back out. And if liquids get on the surface, they begin to flounder helplessly.

Important!

It is not recommended to use chemical-based fly baits if there are small children and pets in the house. The pleasant smell of the trap's contents may attract their attention and encourage them to taste it.

You can catch fruit flies using a regular saucer or bowl with sweet and sticky contents. Insects will land on the surface of the liquid, stick to it and drown. The bait should have a rich, sweet smell. You can use it as:

• kvass;
• Apple vinegar;
• jelly;
• compote;
• beer;
• syrup;
• juice.

Lemon

Fruit flies are attracted to sour smells. If you have a lemon on hand, use it to catch insects. Trim the edges of the fruit so that it can be placed horizontally when cut.

Take a plastic or glass container with a lid. Squeeze a little lemon juice into it, and place the citrus itself on top. Make a small hole in the lid of the container - large enough so that the fly can easily crawl through it, but small enough so that it cannot find its way back.

Close the container and place it in a place where there is a high concentration of insects. Once there are enough fruit flies inside the trap, pour water into it (through the hole in the lid) and place it in the microwave for 15-30 seconds.

Description of the insect

Drosophila are otherwise called fruit flies. These insects have long settled near humans and are now found only where people live. And all because man is an inexhaustible source of food for them.

Flies feed on rotten fruits, flower nectar and sour plant juice. There is all this in abundance around people.

Drosophila are very small midges. They do not live long, reproduce extremely quickly and develop from an egg to an adult also rapidly - in 10 days. Therefore, they can very quickly move into the apartment in which they live. Fly eggs are laid in foods, rotten berries, fruits, and plants . The emerging larvae penetrate deep into them and pupate there.

Cleanliness and cleaning are the most effective means of prevention

After hatching from the pupa, the fly becomes capable of laying eggs on the second day.

During her two-month life, the female lays from 200 to 2000 eggs. At this rate, there will soon become a lot of them in the apartment and it will be impossible not to notice the flies.

Red wine

These fruit flies are such gourmets - they love to pamper themselves with fruit, and they will not refuse red wine. If you have some left at the bottom of the bottle, use it to fight off pesky insects. Place the open bottle in the area where the largest number of flies have accumulated and wait a little.

The smell of wine for fruit flies is like an exquisite aroma of perfume. Once they feel it, they will immediately head inside the bottle. And all you have to do is close it in time and throw it in the trash.

Preventing the appearance of midges in the house

All problems associated with the appearance of insects in the house most often arise from poor hygiene and order. The more secluded corners with dust, food debris, and high humidity appear in a room, the higher its attractiveness among pests.

All household members should know and follow the usual rules for protecting their homes from unwanted guests:

• regular wet and dry cleaning;
• taking out the trash every day;
• installation of mosquito nets on windows and doors;
• timely repair of premises;
• control of products stored at room temperature;
• daily ventilation of all rooms.

This small list of recommendations will help protect your living space from the appearance of fruit flies and other insects.

Paper funnel

Place a piece of rotten fruit or a banana peel soaked in beer at the bottom of a glass jar (alcohol attracts flies no less than the aroma of fruit). Make a funnel out of carbon paper and place it in the container with the sharp edge facing down.

This is the simplest version of a fruit fly trap. Attracted by the pleasant smell, they will get inside the jar and will not be able to get back out.

Source: goodhouse.ru/home/najdi-vremja-dlja-zhizni/plodovye-mushki-kak-bystro-izbavitsya-ot-nadoedlivyh-nasekomyh/

Reasons for the appearance of fruit flies in the house

Drosophila flies can appear in the house at any time of the year. The main reasons for their occurrence in an apartment are:

1. Rotten fruits or vegetables stored at room temperature in a cupboard or drawer.
2. Berries, fruits, open jam, left on the table at room temperature.
3. A trash can overflowing with food waste.
4. Proximity to a public dump or garbage dump.
5. Excessive soil moisture in indoor plants, the presence of water in containers under flowers. Eggs and larvae of insects can be found in purchased flower soil.
6. Presence of animal food residues in bowls.
7. Insects can be brought into the house along with food.

On a note!

Getting rid of a small number of midges yourself is quite simple - you need to find the source of the smell that attracts them and eliminate it by throwing it in a street trash bin. The remaining midges will have nothing to eat and will die.

But sometimes it is difficult to find the original source that attracted the midges. Sometimes these can be several places in the apartment where midges have found food and a place to breed. It becomes impossible to remove fruit flies without the use of special means and traps.

How to get rid of midges in the kitchen in 3 steps

These small midges themselves do not pose a threat to humans, but a larva accidentally swallowed with food can cause infection of the digestive tract. The fertility of fruit flies is extremely high: one female produces from 200 to 1,500 or more eggs. Insects can live in the kitchen for two months, which means the risk of developing myiasis increases.

Drosophila eggs can enter the home on the fur of cats and dogs, in food, or on shoes. The food supply of midges is rotting organic matter.

This could be rotten fruit, an unfinished glass of wine, spilled milk, waste lying in the trash can, a piece of meat that fell into a crevice while cooking, or damp soil from indoor plants. The list can be expanded endlessly. Midges even feast on pet food.

Something about the fruit fly

photo from businessinsider.com

The fruit fly, or fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster), is an indiscriminate eater. She eats a variety of foods, but prefers foods that ferment or decompose. An insect can smell the smell of food a kilometer away, and there is little that can interfere with it on its way.

Even a mosquito net, through the small holes of which it manages to penetrate, will not protect against the penetration of fruit flies into the house. During her short life, one female lays up to 500 eggs, the larvae of which hatch within a day. After 10 days they will develop into adult insects.

In autumn there is usually a lot of vegetables and fruits in the house. Tomatoes ripen in boxes, onions are braided and hung in the kitchen, apples and pears are made into jams and jams. And here the fruit fly has something to profit from.

And as soon as you leave a glass of wine or beer on the table, there are already flies swimming in it, which love any fermented drinks. However, they do not disdain slime on the kitchen sink. So, to drive them out of your home, you first need to do a thorough cleaning.

How to get rid of midges

Step 1. Conduct an audit

The main enemy of kitchen midges is the most ordinary hygiene, which deprives them of food. Therefore, when fruit flies appear, first check the inside of the kitchen:

• Sort through the potatoes, onions, and carrots stored for the winter. Throw away or recycle rotten vegetables. Do this regularly.
• Place separate containers for bulk products to prevent moisture from getting into them. While pouring, carefully check the grains for the presence of fruit fly larvae.
• Place all spoilage foods in the refrigerator. Try to fill the vase with fruit as it becomes empty, rather than later.
• Wash the bread bin thoroughly and dry. Only after that put bread in it.
• If there are plants in the kitchen, loosen the soil, remove fallen leaves, thoroughly wipe the outside of the pots and wash the tray with cleaning product. If there are midges in flower pots, change the soil to new one, and irrigate the leaves of the plants with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
• Take out the trash and wash the bucket several times with a strong disinfectant.
• If you have pets, regularly change the water in the drinking bowl and make it a rule to put leftover food in the refrigerator or a specially designated container.
• Check the cleanliness of the refrigerator. Be sure to tidy it up if there are any smudges, old food debris, or moldy food.

Step 2: Do some spring cleaning

It is very important to thoroughly clean all kitchen surfaces. The breeding ground for midges may suddenly appear in some crack where, for example, a piece of an apple accidentally fell.

1. Wash the stove thoroughly, especially its side walls. The oven can be quickly cleaned with steam. Place a baking tray with water diluted with dishwashing detergent inside. Preheat the oven to 100°C and leave for 30 minutes. Now the grease and burnt marks can be easily removed with a damp cloth.
2. Be sure to check your microwave. To get rid of stubborn fat, use a mixture of 500 ml of water and 1 tablespoon of citric acid (or 4 tablespoons of lemon juice). Heat the resulting solution in the microwave for 5–10 minutes at maximum power, then let the device cool for 5 minutes and wipe the surface with a sponge.
3. Thoroughly clean all hard-to-reach places with a brush and wash the floors. Pay special attention to the compartment under the sink.
4. One of the breeding places for midges is the sink drain, where small pieces of organic matter often get stuck. To clean the drain, you can use any pipe cleaner or a traditional recipe. Pour a few teaspoons of baking soda into the hole, pour in a glass of vinegar and wait 20 minutes. Then rinse with hot water.

Traditional methods

If there are fruit flies, they can be scared away by unpleasant odors. Such, for example:

• Tansy, fern, elderberry. Their leaves must be spread throughout the rooms, and the pests will fly away. Just keep in mind that tansy can cause headaches in people with weak brain vessels.
• Turpentine or kerosene will repel house flies quite quickly. To prevent it from scaring away your household, add a small amount of these products to the water you use to wash your windows or floors. The human nose cannot smell the unpleasant aroma, but uninvited winged guests can. This is a great way to breed fruit flies.
• Tomato seedlings are also an excellent remedy. The smell of tomatoes is pungent, and no one will like it.

If you are annoyed that you will have to use such powerful heavy artillery, then perhaps you will not be upset by a geranium in a pot or a myrtle or eucalyptus tree? Their smell is very unpleasant for flower flies, so there is a chance to get rid of them once and for all. And laurel oil is rubbed on door jambs and window frames, which also contributes to success in the fight against household pests.

Midge poison

• Take half a glass of milk, pour in 40 grams of sugar and black pepper powder. Soak a napkin or a piece of toilet paper in this mixture and place it on a plate... Voila! And the uninvited guests disappeared!
• Mix three tablespoons of milk with formalin (half a teaspoon) and sweet baking soda (5 teaspoons). Pour into saucers and add pieces of black bread. Such poison should attract and destroy fruit flies.
• Mix honey (10 g) with saccharin (1 g). Soak the napkins in the solution and dry them. After sprinkling a little water, place them on the windowsill.

The easiest way is the apple bite trap. Pour into a deep container (the smell will attract pests), add water and dishwashing detergent. The latter will prevent the fly from flying back.

All these methods will help you fight against household insects. All you have to do is choose to suit your taste!

By using available means, you can get rid of fruit flies without extra costs. Many plants are natural repellents, the smell of which helps to quickly remove insects from an apartment or house. You can fight fruit flies using the scent of tansy, tomatoes, geranium, fern, elderberry, and laurel. Their leaves should be placed in kitchen cabinets, next to the trash can.

Fruit midges do not like the smell of citrus fruits: lemon, orange, lime. Their peel will be an excellent repellent against flying midges. The pungent smell of kerosene, turpentine, vinegar will rid the room of midges if you add these liquids to water during wet cleaning

Poisoning midges in this way should be done with caution - household members can also suffer from chemical odors

Drosophila midges can take a liking to damp soil and rotting leaves in pots of indoor flowers. The following measures will help destroy annoying midges and prevent their re-production:

1. Reduce watering of plants. Remove water from trays.
2. Clean the top layer of soil in pots from fallen leaves.
3. Insert matches into the ground with their heads facing down. Sulfur negatively affects the underground inhabitants of pots.
4. If it was not possible to destroy fruit flies in flowers, it is necessary to replace the soil with a new one, previously dried in the oven.

Prevention of the appearance of fruit flies

How to prevent kitchen bugs from returning

To prevent fruit flies from appearing again, you must follow these simple rules:

• Take out the trash promptly and do not allow the waste bin to become dirty.
• Do not leave food or uneaten food on the table. Be sure to make room in the refrigerator for perishable foods and in plastic containers for cereals.
• Wash dishes on time.
• Wet clean the kitchen every week. Try to wipe the stove, sink and counters dry.
• Water your house plants in moderation, immediately remove fallen leaves, and sprinkle the soil with sand or decorate with decorative stones. This will prevent the appearance of midges.

Source: lifehacker.ru/kak-izbavitsya-ot-moshek/

Prevention of the problem

Before killing insect colonies, find the root cause of their appearance. Otherwise, in a couple of days the masses of fruit flies will be reborn again. And you will have to deal with uninvited guests again:

1. Go through all the fruits and sweet supplies. Store food in closed containers or cover dishes with special lids.
2. Throw away any rotten fruit that could become a new home for a colony of insects.
3. Clean kitchen surfaces from crumbs, sticky residues, drips and smudges. Wash your stove, sink, microwave and other appliances regularly. Change foam sponges, rags and towels often.
4. To grow indoor plants, purchase soil from specialized stores. This way you will be sure that the soil substrate is completely treated from insect larvae and pests.
5. Do not overwater the plants to the point of creating a swamp. Be sure to allow a short period for the soil to dry out. Fly larvae, which love moisture and warmth, will not reproduce in such soil.
6. Remove rotten fragments from indoor flowers in a timely manner. Fruit midge colonies are especially fond of them.
7. Carry out general cleaning of the premises at least once a week.
8. Take out the trash on time and treat the bin with disinfectants.

Keep a close eye on your pets' dishes. If they don't finish the food, throw away the leftovers to avoid waiting for fermentation or rotting to occur.

Drosophila flies do not appear on their own. They are the result of conditions created that are favorable for their reproduction. To get rid of hated midges in your apartment forever, you just need to remove those factors that contribute to their habitation and development.

Prevention measures

To prevent flies from multiplying and infesting again, you must adhere to a number of simple rules.

Cleanliness and cleaning are the most effective means of prevention.

You should not leave fruits and delicate berries on the table for a long time in the heat - after a few hours, fruit flies are guaranteed to appear. Fruits should be stored in the refrigerator.

The trash can should be taken out of the house every day.

You can also learn about effective methods for controlling house flies.

It is necessary to regularly clean the sink and unclog the drains using chemicals.

Getting rid of fruit flies is quite simple. And this does not require toxic agents at all - the simplest methods described in the article also turn out to be the most effective.