Banish fruit flies: Simple home solutions to a pesky problem

They're small, annoying, and exceptionally persistent. When the bowls in the kitchen fill up with fruit, a cloud of black flies can be a real nightmare that can keep you up at night. It's better to prevent than to cure, but when the problem arises, there are ways to deal with it.

In summer, unwanted guests appear in many homes – small, black flies. All it takes is to forget about a left-out banana or leave an open juice bottle, and we can have a problem. These tiny insects multiply rapidly, so seeing even one fly is worth acting quickly. You don't have to immediately tie your shoes and run to a specialised store for insecticides - open your kitchen cabinets and search for a solution.

Fruit flies usually enter our kitchens through open windows, attracted by the aroma of fruits and vegetables. The sweet smell and vinegar emitted by overripe fruit work like a magnet. Attracted by the allure of food and the vision of an ideal place to lay eggs, they flock to the fruit basket.

Some plants can effectively repel fruit flies. Herbs such as basil, mint, and lavender have scents that flies can't stand. Placing these plants on the windowsill can help keep the kitchen free of insects.

Pieces of fruit or peels can serve as bait. You can use bananas, apples, grapes, or even watermelon. The fruit should be somewhat overripe to attract flies even more. Then, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and make a few small holes with a fork. Flies, attracted by the sweet smell, will fly in through the holes but won't be able to get out.

You can also prepare a trap with fruit vinegar and washing-up liquid. The vinegar's sweet smell will attract flies, and the washing-up liquid will drown them. After a few hours, you can enjoy a peaceful kitchen. Fruit vinegar attracts flies with its sweet smell, and the washing-up liquid reduces the water's surface tension, causing the flies to sink.

Dealing with flies may take some time - you can't trap all the flies at once. However, it's worth arming yourself with patience to get rid of the pesky problem.