Fruit fly warning issued to millions of homes nationwide

Once inside a home, they can be hard to shake. <i>(Image: HelinLoikTomson)</i>
Once inside a home, they can be hard to shake. (Image: HelinLoikTomson)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

A warning has been issued to UK households who may be experiencing pests that are 'extremely hard to get rid of'.

Fruit flies - that can also be found on veg - can be really annoying during the summer months, often showing up in the kitchen.

As soon as temperatures rise, they seemingly appear out of nowhere, drawn to anything from overripe fruit to spilt drinks.

Once inside a home, they can be hard to shake.

However, pest control expert Jonathan Nicholls at HomeHow.co.uk has revealed his top tips for eliminating fruit flies from your house.

He said: "Adult fruit flies are often attracted to fermenting fruits, vegetables and sugary substances. Once they find a food source, females lay hundreds of eggs on the surface, which hatch into larvae within 24 hours, making it easy for infestations to spiral out of control quickly.

"This rapid reproductive cycle means that, if not addressed quickly, fruit flies can get out of hand in no time.

"To effectively eliminate fruit flies, both the adults and their breeding grounds must be addressed."

Jonathan recommends one of these three different traps to help eliminate these pesky flies.

  • Apple Cider Vinegar Trap : Start by pouring a small amount of apple cider vinegar into a bowl or jar before covering it with cling film and poking small holes in the top. The sweet aroma through the small holes will attract the flies, while the cling film will trap them inside.
  • Wine or Beer Trap : Similar to the vinegar trap, pour a small amount of wine or beer into a container. The scent will lure the fruit flies, causing them to fall in and drown.
  • Soap and Water Solution : This trick is as simple as mixing water with a few drops of dish soap in a bowl. The soap will break the surface tension of the water, making it difficult for the flies to escape once they land.

Recommended reading:

Royal Mint : 'Error' £1 King Charles coin worth £600

Tradie says Domino's 'didn't give him 7 inches he paid for'

Electrician warns Brits about costly plug socket mistake


The expert recommends removing any overripe fruits or vegetables that have started to ferment and placing them in a bin outside.

As well as cleaning all surfaces where food or drinks may have been spilt, paying close attention to countertops, sink drains, and the insides of cupboards.

Additionally, any sticky residue can attract flies and serve as a breeding ground for them.

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos