TikTok's Hack To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies Before They Even Appear

Fruit flies can be the bane of your existence once they take up residence in your home. If they have found their way in, it may feel impossible to banish them completely, despite the many DIY fixes available. This is partly because even though fruit flies only live for up to 50 days, one female fruit fly can lay 500 eggs during that time. So why not try to eliminate them before they appear? According to TikTok, the best way to get rid of fruit flies before they show up is simply to wash your produce (specifically, your bananas) when you get home from the grocery store.

Washing bananas upon returning from the market is essential to prevent fruit flies, as they are especially attracted to the fruit and will lay their eggs on the peel. These eggs will develop into larvae within days, leading to an infestation. Washing bananas effectively removes potential eggs and larvae, halting the life cycle before it begins.

While TikTok user @thatcleanhome simply rinses bananas with water after bringing them home from the market, you can also take it a step further using vinegar. Start by preparing a solution of one part vinegar to three parts water. Gently place the bananas in the solution, ensuring they are submerged for 30 seconds. Rinse them thoroughly under running water and pat dry. This process helps remove any existing eggs or larvae from the peel's surface.

Sometimes, despite best efforts, fruit flies make it into your home and create an annoying infestation. While prevention is key to controlling fruit fly infestations, eliminating their food sources and breeding grounds will help, too. You should clean countertops, fruit bowls, and trash cans regularly, ensuring no ripe or decaying fruits are left exposed. At the same time, maintaining proper sanitation by wiping up spills and crumbs promptly can deter fruit flies from moving in and becoming unwanted pests.