how do you get rid of fruit flies?

[binny]

Does anyone know? At leats I think theyre fruit flies. Theyre hanging out around my herb garden (inside).

I thought I read to put out a bowl of vinegar and cover with cling wrap then poke holes in it I did that but it doesnt seem to be working at all.

help?

 

[Kissimmee JP]

Getting rid of the garden and/or fruit aughtta do it.

You're welcome.

 

[binny]

you are such a help today JP! Thanks!!!

 

[Kissimmee JP]

Originally posted by binny
you are such a help today JP! Thanks!!!

My wife tells me that I'm such a help every day. She deserves a medal for putting up with me.

 

[Jillpie]

I think JP's right on this one, the only way we have rid these critters is to just throw away the bananas on the counter. Done, their gone.

 

[doxdogy]

I had to use a fly strip to get rid of our fruit flies.

 

[Joyciemc]

This thread made my scalp crawl. We had a mysterious problem with fruit flies this fall. We could NOT figure out where they came from as we had no fruit out, no food at all was out. Finally I remembered- I bought potatoes and completely forgot about them. When my BF checked, and said that's what it was, I screamed and ran away crying. The last thing I wanted was to see the condition of thos potatoes (which I'm sure bore no resemblence to potatoes at this point). They flies were gone almost the next day. It was a very traumatic thing for me as I have a phobia of rotten food and this combined with a colony of fruit flies... ugh....
So, I guess the best way is to get rid of whatever is the food source. I wouldn't think a live plant would attract them, but I'm no expert. Could there be anything around the herb garden of a food-nature?

 

[binny]

well I dont see any other source for food other than my lavendar plant I wonder if its an attractant?

I might have to break out the fly strip.


hmmm oh well. Thanks anyway gang

 

[Snowwark]

I don't suppose a very small gun would work?

There needn't be fruit around to have fruit flies. Here's more info than you probably wanted to know, Binny.

~Fruit flies can reproduce anywhere there is fermenting organic matter that stays consistently wet or moist. Like other flies, the fruit flies develop >from larvae, and fruit fly larvae must have moist, fermenting organic matter in order to survive. The most likely of such sites in the home is a slow-moving or seldom-used sink, bathtub, shower, or floor drain in which a layer of slime (gelatinous film) has built up above the water line. Other moist accumulations of fermenting organic matter are possible and should be considered. These include wet areas under dripping pipes and refrigeration equipment, garbage containers, and discarded bottles and cans. Regardless of where the flies originate, they will be seen at windows and at sinks, as they are attracted to light and to moisture.

Fruit flies are best controlled by locating and eliminating the source of the infestation. Persistent presence of fruit fly adults indicates the larvae are developing nearby. Fly breeding areas are occasionally very difficult to locate and perseverance and imagination will be required. Refer to the list of possible breeding sites given above. One way to check individual drains is to cover the drain with a plastic film (e.g., "Saran Wrap"®) taped to the floor or fixture. If the flies are breeding in that drain, the adults will accumulate underneath the film within a day or two.~

 

[Serena]

take off their wings?

sorry for some reason I felt compelled to say that. lol

 

[luvdzny]

I got this tip from my MIL (about the only usefull info she has ever given me!) Pour a small amount of brandy in a shot glass or other small glass, cover it with Saran Wrap & poke small holes in the Saran wrap. The flies will be attracted to the brandy, fly in & not be able to make their way out again. It has always worked for me.
If this does not help you could drink the brandy and then maybe you wouldn't care about the fruit flies anymore.

 

[Rajah]

Venus Fly Trap?

 

[kasar]

I have always put a glass of fruity wine out overnight. Evidently, they are attracted to the fruit and then die (drown?) in the wine. Hope that helps.