Fruits flies trapped if you add washing up liquid to an ingredient | UK | News

It’s a pest that usually shows up in summer – but legions of Brits have been left stunned to find hordes of fruit flies invading their kitchens well into autumn, reports the Daily Mail.

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?” The advice comes as air fryers will be grease and odour-free in less than 10 minutes if you do 30p trick.

Expert blames mild weather for invasion

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 turned into a breeding ground for fruit flies, don’t panic – there are several straightforward steps you can take to prevent an infestation in your home.

Warm conditions speed up breeding cycle

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.”

Insects play vital role in science

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% of our disease–related genes. In fact, fruit flies have contributed to six Nobel Prizes in Medicine.”

Simple tricks to banish unwanted guests

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, fermented 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?, advises.

Recycling bins need regular cleaning

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.”

Pet owners warned about food bowls

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.”

Homemade trap offers final solution

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.”