When the temperatures rise, it’s not just the sun that makes its grand appearance. Enter the tiny culprits: fruit flies and gnats. These little invaders, with fruit flies being drawn to the freshness of fruits and vegetables and gnats having an affinity for indoor plants and damp terrains, aren’t merely irritants in our living spaces. They can also drastically cut short the lifespan of our food and plants.
The sheer speed at which they breed and colonize can be both surprising and maddening. And it’s no wonder that in such moments of frustration, many dash to the nearest store, eager to grab the first insecticide they lay eyes on. A quick solution, yes, but how many of us pause to think about the potential harmful chemicals we’re introducing into our homes?
However, there’s good news for those seeking safer alternatives! The wonders of household items come to the rescue, providing not only effective but also eco-friendly solutions. With just a few simple ingredients, you can craft traps so cunning, these pests won’t know what hit them.
These DIY methods are not only efficient but also ensure a chemical-free environment for you and your loved ones. So, the next time you spot these winged annoyances, remember: nature often has the best answers, right within our reach!
You will have the choice between:
red wine
Fruit flies and mosquitoes are attracted to red wine because of its aroma. Mix 126ml (12 cups) of red wine with 375ml (1 12 cups of water) in a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap that you will pierce with a toothpick or a paper towel cone. Leave the jar on the kitchen counter, where you see the most fruit flies. And change the mixture after a week or when it contains a lot of dead flies. It takes about two weeks to eliminate all fruit flies, as they lay eggs very quickly.
Apple cider vinegar:
This is the most popular trick for getting rid of fruit flies, and it’s cheap. Heat 125ml (12 cups) of apple cider vinegar for a few minutes in the microwave or in a saucepan to increase its strength. Add a few drops of dish soap and mix well. Then add this potion to the trap and follow the directions for the red wine trap. The vinegar attracts flies, and the soap kills them.
moldy food
Strange as it may sound, this is actually what lured these little creatures in the first place, perhaps not to your home, but to the supermarket and they were carried on to fruits and vegetables afterwards… Replace liquids with spoiled food in a trap. Fruit or vegetables will also work. Submerge the pot under the water as soon as it becomes full of insects.
Milk, pepper and sugar:
Heat 500 ml of milk, add 8 tbsp. tablespoons of white sugar, add 4 tbsp. black pepper. Leave it to simmer for 10 minutes. Then leave this potion in a covered deep container like the previous bars. Flies are attracted to the sweet scent. They will stay there.
Lemon scented spray:
Mix 500ml (2 cups) of hot water and 10-15 drops of lemon oil in a clean bottle and spray on your kitchen surfaces. If the problem persists. Mix 1000ml (4 cups) of hot water and 2 tbsp. Lemon-scented dish soap and spray infested plants.
Tip: Keep in mind that it takes more than a week, almost two weeks, to get rid of fruit flies completely, because they multiply very quickly by laying eggs. Keep the kitchen, counters, and refrigerator clean at all times.
Especially when it’s very hot.
