Fruit fly infestation

[elfinbaby]

We just moved into a new (old) house and inherited a fruit fly infestation. I have never had a problem keeping my fruits on the counter. It's disgusting. I can't even keep bananas on the counter. We are being as "clean" as possible. But it's gross and so irritating that they're all over the bananas and peaches that are ripening in a paper sack.

Any ideas?
Thanks,
April

[Pierre]

Take the banana out of the paper sack and click on it ;)

Can you make a tent out of mosquito netting and put the paper sack in it?

Make a fruit fly trap. Fill a jar 1/4 full of water and add a few drops of dish soap and a few ml of ACV.

[Beckla]

Here's what we did once to solve a similar infestation:

We got a small cooler that had a spout type thing - a small opening for sipping, like on waterbottles... (like the one pictured). Fill it about 1/2 way with equal parts water and vinegar and a squeeze of honey. Leave it out on the counter with the spout open. They are attracted to the sweet water and fly in through the spout - but can't get back out and drown.

[RowanC]

How about something like this? They also make net ones you can sometimes find cheap at the dollar store. I'll see if I can find a link.

http://search.klinq.com/?strkey=food+cover&mtcPromotion=GooAw_outdoor_foodcover&gclid=CM2j2M6lxYwCFRdNYQodOHpTYQ

http://www.cooking.com/products/shprodde.asp?SKU=207437

This one from Bali is under $4 !!
http://www.balifurnish.com/handweaved-bamboo-food-cover-bali-indonesia.html

Ok.. this is the one I was looking for. You can buy it at REI for under $3

http://www.rei.com/product/678285

[Beckla]

Oh duh - sorry - meant to post the pic.

[beanblossom]

First clean all of your counter tops and your sink drains with white vinegar. There could be spots you aren't cleaning 100% with fruit juices, etc. Remove all sources of open food, including the trash can (put it outside).

Then pour some mint oil on the countertops and in the sink and use a sponge to spread that around. The flies hate it. It works for ants, too.

Trapping them in the manner Beckla suggested is good after you do the above steps. You want to concentrate them to one area though.

We've had this problem in two homes. I thought it would be worse when we moved to South Florida, but *knock on wood* we haven't had problems yet.

[solarliving]

Hanging your bananas will at least keep those fly's away. Honestly, it works.2903