Brits warned over infestation of FRUIT FLIES – how to get rid of them

It’s a pest usually associated with summer – but many Brits have been shocked to discover swarms of fruit flies taking over their kitchens well into autumn.

Speaking on a recent episode of The Monday Club podcast, host Chris Ward said: ‘I’ve got three fruit fly traps in my kitchen, and they’re all full with fruit flies.

‘Where are they all coming from?’

So, what’s behind this late infestation? 

According to Dr Luke Tilley, Entomologist and Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society, the mild weather is to blame. 

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he explained: ‘Fruit flies are attracted to warm, humid conditions, particularly around drains, sinks and kitchens. 

‘They lay their eggs in moist, organic material, which is why compost caddies and fruit bowls are common hotspots.’

If your kitchen has become a haven for fruit flies, don’t panic – there are several easy things you can do to prevent an infestation in your home.

Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) can be spotted all year round, but really flourish in warm weather which shortens their life cycle – meaning they breed more quickly. 

Replying to a clip of The Monday Club podcast on TikTok, several Brits shared their own encounters with the insects this autumn. 

‘Never had them before and have them this year. Driving me mental,’ one user replied. 

Another added: ‘I don’t remember them 20 years ago now everyone has them. What’s going on?’

And one vented: ‘Ugh we’re inundated this year. We don’t have any fruit out anymore but they still come.’ 

While they can be a nuisance, fruit flies play important roles in nature, according to Dr Tilley. 

‘They help break down rotting fruit, contribute to nutrient cycling, support pollination and provide food for other animals,’ he told the Daily Mail. 

‘These tiny insects have helped researchers unlock some of the big scientific discoveries in cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 

‘Remarkably they share around 60 per cent of our disease-related genes. In fact, fruit flies have contributed to six Nobel Prizes in Medicine.’

Thankfully, there are several easy, chemical-free ways to manage fruit flies in your home.  

Firstly, make sure you put all the foods they enjoy away – not just fruit. 

Fruit flies also enjoy munching on white bread, vegetables, femented products (including beer and wine), and yoghurts and other cultured foods. 

‘Store these foods where fruit flies can’t get to them, such as in a fridge, sealed container or bread bin, and wipe away spills and drips on the sides and tops of jars and bottles that might attract them,’ consumer champion Which? advised. 

Next, make sure you rinse out your recycling. 

‘Dirty bottles and jars or containers from last night’s takeaway are a magnet for fruit flies,’ Which? warned. 

‘They don’t need to be squeaky clean, so a quick rinse should do the trick.’

If you have pets, it’s also worth cleaning their bowls and cages regularly. 

‘Leftover food languishing in a pet bowl can attract fruit flies, so clear away any that hasn’t been eaten and wash the bowl out with boiling water before putting the next meal in,’ Which? added. 

‘A fruit fly infestation could also start in the cage of your rabbit, guinea pig or any other small animal that feasts on fruit and veg.’

If your house is spick and span and you’re still struggling with fruit flies, try making a homemade trap.   

Dr Tilley advised: ‘Place a bowl of apple cider vinegar with a drop of washing-up liquid nearby to trap adults.’