What is the difference between a fruit fly and a mourning fly?
First of all, it is important to check if you are suffering from fruit flies. As the name suggests, these flies love (overripe) fruit but also empty wine or beer glasses. Their body is light brown and they have large red eyes.
Caution! Mourning flies are also common in the home but mostly on plants. They have a black color with transparent wings. Not to be confused with the fruit fly so … but definitely quick to control as they can cause a lot of damage.
How to prevent fruit flies in the home
- Do not leave overripe fruit lying around and/or store fruit in the refrigerator. There are only a few fruits such as banana and pineapple that are better stored out of the refrigerator. Use a fly screen for these.
- Keep all surfaces clean: throw away empty cans and bottles, put dirty glasses in the dishwasher or clean them immediately, regularly clean the countertop and table, …
- Throw as little food waste in the trash as possible. If possible, put it in the GFT container which is best in a cooler place (outside).
- Clean the coffee maker after each use.
- Ventilate regularly by opening windows or doors well. Fruit flies do not like breezes.
Additional tips for controlling small flies
Can’t get rid of those pesky fruit flies? Then you can control these tiny flies in one of the following ways:
- Place some cloves, garlic cloves or sprigs of lavender among the fruit. Or place a fragrant herb plant such as basil or dill next to it.
- Try to collect all fruit flies (e.g., lure them with a rotting piece of fruit) and vacuum them up. Vacuum all surfaces thoroughly to be sure to include all fruit fly eggs.
- Make a fruit fly trap with a small bowl and a piece of fruit covered with cling film in which you poke a small hole. Or fill a small bowl with some vinegar and dish soap.
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