There are few things more unpleasant than discovering a fruit fly infestation in your kitchen drain. If you are currently dealing with this issue, don’t panic. There are plenty of steps you can take to eliminate a fruit fly infestation fairly easily. The next several paragraphs feature common questions and answers regarding fruit flies, as well as tips for how to get rid of them once and for all.
How do fruit flies get inside?
A lot of homeowners are aghast at the fact that fruit flies even got into their homes in the first place. It’s important to remember that these insects are so small, it’s nearly impossible to know they are present until they multiply in number. Fruit flies can enter a home on the leaves or flowers of a potted plant, on freshly picked fruit, or even through mesh screens on windows.
Why do fruit flies always go to drains?
Fruit flies are attracted to kitchen drains for a few reasons. They prefer dark, moist areas when they mate and they live off of rotting fruit and other food particles. Drains are, in essence, their ideal home. Unfortunately, after mating, females can lay up to 500 eggs in your kitchen drain, making your fruit fly problem far worse than it initially was. Due to this, it is important to get rid of fruit flies as quickly as possible.
What can be done to eliminate fruit flies?
As mentioned above, there are many steps you can take to make sure your current fruit fly problem doesn’t become a long-term aggravation. First, have your drain inspected. If it is backed-up, no amount of effort on your part is going to get rid of fruit flies for long; they will keep returning to the old food clogging your drain.
If it is determined that your drain is clear, flush your drain with a solution of apple cider vinegar and liquid dish detergent. This should clear away most food particles. Then, remove any produce that is getting old from your kitchen and make a point of washing all new produce immediately when you bring it inside.
It is also a good idea to put fruits and vegetables in your refrigerator instead of leaving them on your counters. This prevents fruit flies from finding them so easily even if they do enter your home from the outside.
If you need professional help to make sure your drain is functioning properly, schedule an appointment with the Elite Plumbing & Heating team. We have years of experience helping people just like you with their household plumbing problems. Our skilled crew will be respectful and professional while they are in your home and you’ll be sure to choose our services time and time again! Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer.
