Buzz Off! How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in the Kitchen

Nothing spoils a spotless kitchen faster than a swarm of tiny, persistent pests like fruit flies. These winged intruders can seem to appear out of nowhere and multiply overnight.

If you’re tired of playing whack-a-fly, don’t worry—we’re here to help you get rid of fruit flies and enjoy a buzz-free kitchen again. In this blog, we’ll cover everything from cleaning routines and traps to pet-safe tips and gardener-friendly advice. So, roll up those sleeves and let’s show these bugs the door.

Why Are There Fruit Flies in My Kitchen?

Fruit flies in the kitchen are a year-round annoyance, but they tend to spike during warmer months. They’re drawn to ripe or fermenting produce, garbage disposals, damp dish rags, and even the sticky residue on your blender!

Here’s what attracts them most:

• Overripe or decaying fruit
• Leftover wine or juice in glasses
• Garbage or compost bins
• Dirty drains
• Moist mop heads or sponges
• Houseplants with wet soil

Since they reproduce fast (we’re talking hundreds of eggs at a time), a few fruit flies can turn into an infestation before you know it. Below, we’ll cover the best steps to remove these pesky invaders.

How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies

Step 1: Remove the Food Source

Adult fruit flies feed and lay eggs near their food—and they’ll eat anything! Clear your kitchen of exposed food sources, including fruit, drinks, trash, and moisture.

Here’s your checklist:

• Toss overripe produce or store it in the fridge.
• Rinse empty juice, wine, or soda containers before tossing them.
• Take out kitchen trash and compost daily.
• Clean food scraps out of the sink strainer.
• Wipe down counters and cabinet fronts with a mild cleaner.
• Replace old dish towels, sponges, and mop heads.

Pro Tip: If clearing out fruit flies has you ready to enjoy a cleaner kitchen all the time, check out our kitchen cleaning guide!

Step 2: Use Passive Defenses

Once the temptations of food, sugar, and refuse are gone, it’s time to take action. One of the most effective methods to reduce the active population is a DIY fruit fly trap. Here are a few homemade options that actually work:

The Classic Apple Cider Vinegar Trap

• Fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and poke small holes in the top.
• Fruit flies are attracted to the vinegar but get trapped in the soapy liquid.

The Fruit & Jar Trap

• Drop a piece of ripe fruit (a banana works best) in a mason jar.
• Cover the jar with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band.
• Poke holes in the top—fruit flies get in but can’t get out.

Alternatively, you can use the mason jar’s lid instead of plastic wrap. Poke or drill a few small holes in the lid to create an effective and less noticeable trap. While very effective, this method has the downside of sacrificing your mason jar lid.

Wine Bottle Trap

• Leave a small amount of red wine at the bottom of the bottle.
• Add a drop of dish soap.
• Leave the bottle uncorked near the problem area.

These DIY fruit fly trap options are safe, affordable, and easy to set up in minutes.

Step 3: Make a Homemade Spray to Kill Fruit Flies

If you need something a little more aggressive, try a homemade spray to kill fruit flies. This works well on visible flies buzzing near sinks, plants, or trash bins.

Pet-Safe Vinegar Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• ½ cup water

Shake and spray directly on fruit flies when you see them. As a bonus, this spray doubles as a surface refresher.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have pets, consider adding 10 drops of essential oils like eucalyptus, lemongrass, tea tree, or peppermint for freshness and added effectiveness.

Step 4: Focus on the Drain

Wondering how to clean drains to prevent fruit flies? It’s an often-overlooked breeding ground. Drain gunk provides the perfect home for fly larvae, so give your kitchen pipes some love.

Here’s how:

• Boiling water flush: Pour a full kettle of boiling water down the drain.
• Baking soda & vinegar: Add ½ cup baking soda, then 1 cup vinegar. Cover the drain for 10 minutes. Flush with boiling water again.
• Scrub the stopper: Remove the stopper and scrub it with an old toothbrush to get rid of buildup.

Repeat this process every week to keep your kitchen drain clean and fly-free. For more expert cleaning hacks, check out our home cleaning tips.

Step 5: Deep Clean for Long-Term Results

If you’ve done everything right but fruit flies keep coming back, you may need a more thorough cleaning routine. That includes:

• Cleaning under appliances
• Emptying and sanitizing the fridge
• Washing your trash can and compost bins with hot, soapy water
• Wiping cabinet interiors and pantry shelves

If you're tight on time, let the pros handle the heavy lifting. Contact your local Molly Maid^® for a free estimate to help you reclaim your kitchen.

Tips for Gardeners: Keep It Clean from the Roots Up

If you have a green thumb, you might be bringing in fruit flies straight from the backyard. Here's how to keep things under control:

• Pour some apple cider vinegar in a plastic water bottle and poke a few holes in the top to create an outdoor fruit fly trap.
• Don’t harvest overripe fruit—pick early and use quickly.
• Rinse produce outside before bringing it in.
• Keep compost bins tightly closed and away from doors.
• Avoid placing potted plants with moist soil near the kitchen.

Additionally, fruit flies love damp organic matter, so garden waste can become a silent culprit. Maintain a clean, dry garden area to minimize the risk of fruit flies and other pests.

Tips for Pet Owners: Tidy Pets, Tidy Kitchen

Pets are family—but their messes can contribute to bug problems if not addressed.

Here’s how to get rid of bugs in the kitchen spaces that house pets:

• Clean up food spills immediately.
• Wash food and water bowls daily.
• Store pet food in sealed containers.
• Don’t leave wet food out longer than 30 minutes.
• Rinse and dry pet toys and grooming tools often.

Pro Tip: Most fruit flies won’t be interested in pet food, but the moisture and crumbs can still attract other pests. Clean your pet’s food area regularly and remember to check under counters to ensure you pick up any stray bites.

Don’t Let Fruit Flies Ruin Your Kitchen Vibe

Fruit flies may be small, but they can be a major nuisance. Mess prevention and consistent cleaning are the keys to keeping your space bug-free. From setting up a DIY fruit fly trap to mastering how to clean drains to prevent fruit flies, each step adds up to a cleaner, fresher kitchen.

Do you need more than just a quick fix? Contact your local Molly Maid team for professional cleaning from the experts. Whether you need an occasional kitchen refresh or a full-house clean, we’re here to help, with all services backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise^® to ensure your satisfaction. So, are you ready to take back your space? Find a location near you and let your local Molly Maid cleaning professional handle the grime—so you can enjoy the shine.

This article is intended for general guidance only and is not applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and situation. Molly Maid is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of advice and/or guidance derived from its blog content. Molly Maid services may vary by location. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Molly Maid nearest you for more information and a professional on-site assessment.

FAQs About Getting Rid of Fruit Flies

Since 1984, Molly Maid has proudly provided a reliable, professional, and affordable solution to a messy, dirty home. Providing the house cleaning services that busy homeowners need also includes using our years of experience to answer your questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about how to get rid of fruit flies.

What’s the fastest way to get rid of fruit flies in the kitchen?

As a quick fix for fruit flies in the kitchen, set a trap using apple cider vinegar and dish soap in a shallow dish. The scent attracts the flies, and the soap traps them. While the trap does its work, make sure to clean drains, take out trash, and remove any exposed fruit to prevent new eggs from hatching.

Where do fruit flies come from?

Fruit flies are drawn to ripened produce, sugary liquids, and food scraps. Drain buildup and dirty garbage bins also attract them. Adults often lay eggs where they eat, so take care to wash any produce you bring into the house, rinse used cups and glasses, and empty the garbage regularly.

What are the best long-term fruit fly removal strategies?

The most critical step to long-term fruit fly removal is to keep your kitchen clean. Messes, spills, drain gunk, and food debris can keep fruit flies coming back again and again. Store produce in the fridge, clean drains regularly, and take out trash daily—these steps are key to effective prevention.

Can I use bleach to kill fruit flies in the drain?

Bleach is not recommended to kill flies in the drain. First, bleach is caustic and can damage older or plastic pipes. Second, while initial contact with bleach may kill some fruit flies, it won’t solve the root issue of the organic matter they feed on. Instead of using bleach, flush the drain with boiling water, baking soda, and vinegar to clear organic buildup.

How to keep fruit flies away for good?

Empty compost and trash bins daily, wipe up spills promptly, and keep sink drains clear to help ensure long-term relief from fruit flies. Sealing fruit and storing food properly are also essential steps in how to keep fruit flies away.