If youve ever had fruit flies in your home, you know how big of a nuisance they can be. From buzzing around sink drains to nesting in your fruit bowl, fruit flies can feel impossible to get rid of. This is largely due to how quickly they multiply—in fact, adult fruit flies can lay up to 2,000 eggs at a time. The good news? You can get rid of fruit flies (and prevent future infestations) with some effective natural remedies and simple lifestyle changes.
Fruit flies can’t stand the smell of basil, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass, lavender and clove. If you’ve had a fruit fly problem in the past, try placing these fragrant herbs in muslin sacks or tea bags and hanging them around the house. You could also buy them in essential oil form and use them in a diffuser.
Make a Fruit Fly Spray
As tempting as it may be to buy over-the-counter pesticides, consider making an alcohol spray as a safer alternative. “Instead of dangerous and toxic pesticide spray, use 91 percent isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle,” says Timothy Wong, technical director at MMPC, an environmentally sensitive pest control company. “It is effective at killing the flies on contact and less harmful than conventional pesticide.”
How to Prevent Fruit Flies
Some simple lifestyle changes and home upgrades can keep fruit flies away from your home.
What smells repel fruit flies?
FAQ
What smell do fruit flies hate?
What repels fruit flies the most?
What is the fastest way to get rid of fruit flies?
What essential oils get rid of fruit flies?
What smells keep flies away?
Some smells that keep flies away are pepper, pine, mint, eucalyptus, citronella, lavender, and white vinegar. Knowing what smells flies hate and how to use these smells can help you repel flies naturally, without using poisons or strong chemicals around your home.
What scents do fruit flies hate?
Lavender is another wonderful scent that is often used for anything from perfume and cologne to a car air freshener. While it may be a pleasant smell to take in, the scent of it is something that fruit flies hate. Look into getting some lavender essential oil. Once you do so, you can add a few drops into a spray bottle with some water.
Do essential oils repel fruit flies?
While many essential oils repel fruit flies, they do not stop the itching and irritating feel. Lavender’s anti-inflammatory properties allow it to heal bug bites and stop itching. It is an essential oil very close to home.
What scents repel fruit flies?
Citronella and lemongrass are two more scents that fruit flies can’t stand. Both have strong citrusy notes that are highly effective in warding off these unwelcome guests. Citronella candles are a popular choice, while lemongrass oil can be used in a diffuser. Pro tip: Combine the two for a double whammy of fruit fly repelling power!