Those tiny pests are gross, but are they harmful to your health?
It seems to happen overnight.
I always eye the bananas on the counter and figure they are to blame.
Simply Recipes / Getty Images
However, just because you find one fruit fly doesnt necessarily mean you have an infestation in your kitchen.
First, Rogers recommends a little bug identification.
Determine whether your pests arefruit fliesvs.drain fliesorfungus gnats.The latter two pests require a different approach than for fruit flies.
Simply Recipes / Getty Images
Simply Recipes / Getty Images
Fruit flies have large red eyes and a tan body.
If you dont want to get close enough to note their features, theres another way to tell.
The mature larvae will leave the breeding site and pupate away from where they were eating.
He suggests sealing produce in airtight containers or keeping it in the refrigerator to prevent the flies from returning.
Pour about an inch of apple cider vinegar into an empty jar with a metal lid.
Punch four to five holes into the lid and screw it on the top of the jar.
Place the jar on the countertop to catch any fruit flies, replacing the vinegar about once a week.
Are Fruit Flies Dangerous?
When and how often you see fruit flies depends on the weather and season.
They are most active in summer and fall when theres typically more fruit around.
That means they are most likely to invade your kitchen during these months, Rogers says.
