From the Mailbox:

A while back you had an answer in our paper as to how to get rid of fruit flies. I cut it out and have since looked high and low for your answer. Could you please tell me what it was or what to do?

Joan

For Reena’s solution, please read on!

Reena’s Household Solution:

No problem Joan. This is absolutely the worst time of year for fruit flies!

Firstly I’ll state the obvious: Ensure screens are on all windows, that they are undamaged, and then concentrate on sealing up any cracks or crannies around windows and doors to make sure bugs stay out.

Bowls of vinegar won’t bother these little guys. In fact, you are likely giving them a taste bud party. What you need is a vinegar dispenser (available at dollar stores) with a funnel top. Keep this filled with vinegar and near your drain or put several in areas where you notice them congregating.

Also, flush bleach down drains and sinks regularly to make sure flies don’t breed in them (unless you have a septic tank). A more environmental alternative is to pour baking soda down the sink and chase with vinegar. Leave for 5 minutes and follow it with boiling water (also a great way to deodorize your drain).

Fruit flies commonly lay eggs in plant soil so if you have a room with many plants, put some of those vinegar dispensers around the plants. Or find a narrow-necked 2 or 3 litre soda bottle and fill the bottom inch with fruit juice, beer, soda, V8, apple cider, or vinegar along with a few drops of cooking oil or dish soap to break the liquid’s surface tension so any bugs
that attempt to land will get caught in the liquid. Place the bottle in the area of infestation and watch all of the little fruit flies get trapped in the bottle. Or find 10 small mason jars and put grapes, bananas, strawberries, and watermelon in them. Cover with plastic wrap and punch tiny holes into the plastic. Scatter them around your home.

All the best!

All solutions are to be used at the risk of the user.

Reena Nerbas is the author of the two National Best Sellers, “Household Solutions 1 with Substitutions & Household Solutions 2 with Kitchen Secrets,” available in stores across Canada. Reena is a columnist and Home Economist in a lab coat (and she’s not afraid to use it). She can be heard on CBC radio programs across Canada.

To learn more about Reena, click here.