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We all know that feeling. We’re sitting at the table or doing dishes or making dinner, and there they are. Hovering in the air or buzzing around our face or sitting on a bowl of fresh apples – fruit flies. They seem to come from nowhere and then they seem to be everywhere, especially in your sink drain. Why? Where do they come from? Why do they like the drain so much? And most importantly, how do you get rid of them? Let’s take a look at what you need to know about those irksome fruit flies stuck in your drain.
Where do fruit flies come from?
You can get an infestation of fruit flies from a number of different places. They can come in on a batch of fresh produce, either from the grocery store or a farmer’s market. They can be hiding in plants and flowers that you bring into the house. And worst of all, because they’re so small, even adult fruit flies can get into your house through screens on windows and doors.
Why do they always end up in the drain?
In addition to eating your ripe or rotting food, fruit flies need a place to live and reproduce. What they like best is a dark, damp place. What fits the bill? Your kitchen sink drain. It’s like a dream home for a fruit fly. It’s dark and wet and full of food residue. This is especially true if you have a clog or plumbing issue. It’s particularly dark and dank when the sink is stopped. Why do they need a dark place to hang out? To lay their eggs. You read that right – their eggs. And they can lay up to 500. Once the larvae hatch, they do the same thing as their parents - they eat your food and infest your kitchen.
How can you get rid of fruit flies?
Fruit flies are like ants – once they’ve taken over, it seems impossible to get rid of them. But there are some simple tricks you can try to give them the boot:
- Keep your sink drains clean and free of old food and debris
- Create traps using apple cider vinegar and dish soap
- Leave out an almost-empty bottle of soda or beer to trap them
- Throw away old fruit and vegetables that attract the flies
- Store produce in the refrigerator
- Wash produce as soon as you bring it home to remove larvae that might be present
- Take out the garbage frequently
What if your drains are the problem?
For fruit flies, your kitchen drains are the perfect place to hide, lay eggs, and multiply. The first thing to do is keep your drains clean and cover them at night to keep them out and prevent breeding and egg laying. If you get a drain clog, a quick fix is crucial to keeping the flies at bay. What do you do if you have a clogged drain? Contact the courteous plumbing professionals at Mr. Rooter online, or by calling us. With upfront pricing and experience you can count on you’ll rest easy knowing your drains are clear and the fruit flies are long gone.
