‘Get rid of fruit flies’ using three common household ingredients

People have been told they can ‘get rid’ of fruit flies in their home using three common kitchen ingredients. According to a social media user, the ‘hack is a miracle’, and it is cheap to try, as you don’t typically need to buy anything new. Instead, you simply mix a few items likely already available in most cupboards.

In a post that gained almost four million views, TikTok user @Genevieve.levy.creates demonstrated the viral method. Genevieve told viewers: “Kitchen hack – do you always get fruit flies in the summer like I do, even if you’ve got a very clean kitchen? Well this hack is a miracle and cheap with all things you will have in the cupboard.”

In her video, she demonstrated how to use the hack and showed off her results. Genevieve said: “Let me teach you, probably one of the most unsexy kitchen hacks, but a really useful one, and that is how to get rid of fruit flies. As you can see, it does work because that’s quite a few.

“So you mix together some Fairy Liquid, some sugar or honey, some vinegar, and then you top it with water. And then pop on some cling film, and then you’re gonna want to use a sharp knife to basically spear in some holes.

“They need to be big enough for them to get back in, but also small enough that they don’t get out. So just bear that in mind, and then literally put it on the side where you normally get some.”

The video impressed social media users on TikTok, where it gained over 140,000 likes, and it was saved by almost 50,000 viewers. In the comments, people also shared their own recommendations.

Someone replied: “This works great! Make sure to keep the rest of the kitchen or house clean and no food visible. The flies will only go to this. And there won’t be more flies coming.”

A second reply read: “Apple cider vinegar works really well, I don’t bother with the cling film.” Another comment said: “Another hack if you have a fruit bowl and don’t want fruit flies in the summer then put some corks under the fruit they absorb any moisture and stop the flies.”

A different viewer wrote: “White vinegar and washing up liquid I don’t bother with a lid.” Someone else said: “Works fine without sugar and cling film too.”

According to Pest Solutions, fruit fly problems can occur around bins which need to be emptied or cleaned, or places where food, such as fruit or vegetables, has been stored and has gone off. The advice says: “Cleanliness and good hygiene are important to prevent fruit fly infestations. Keeping surfaces and bins clean and dry will remove breeding sites which will reduce the risk of fruit fly infestation.

“Also consider food storage – open food especially overripe fruit or vegetables will attract flies. Storing ripe fruits in sealed containers or in refrigerators will prevent this from happening.”