Massachusetts DEP on How to Deal With Fruit Fly Infestation

I do not recall experiencing a fruit fly infestation like the one that has taken shape inside my apartment in recent days. Those little boogers keep on coming.

It turns out we are not alone. I have heard from others through social media that they too have been deluged by fruit flies. In mid-September, I joked when my cousin Nancy posted on Facebook that she needed suggestions for deleting the little critters.

Not 24 hours later, they invaded my place.

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"Okay, peeps...Need Help!" posted Nancy. "Fruit flies have taken over my kitchen!"

Nancy said she'd tried everything she could to rid her kitchen of the pests but to no avail.

Nancy's plea generated nearly 60 responses, many from those also waging war against fruit flies. Some offered suggestions ranging from bug lights to liquid concoctions on countertops.

It is not unusual to see a fruit fly or two when the bananas are getting a little long in the tooth, but even after the fruit got tossed the flies kept coming.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection says, "Fruit flies and fungus gnats are the most common flying insects found in and around compost bins."

"These insects are not dangerous or harmful; however, their presence can be a nuisance, particularly indoors," the DEP said. " A little information about the food and environments these insects are attracted to can be used to help us control their presence in places where they are not wanted."

We eradicated the invaders by cleaning thoroughly, removing standing water, tossing rotting fruit, and storing good fruit in the fridge. They like damp things such as wet dishcloths and sink drains. It's where they lay their eggs.

My wife also mixed apple vinegar with dish detergent in a small bowl and placed it near the kitchen and bathroom sinks. It works.

DEP also recommends putting a rotting banana peel inside a jar and poking a few small holes in the lid. The flies crawl in and can't get back out again.