Common mistakes that will “attract” fruit flies this summer: how to stop them

Britons are being warned not to make mistakes that could lead to the arrival of fruit flies this summer. A waste expert has offered some preventative measures to keep the pests at bay during the warmer months.

Paul Jackson, from NRC Business Waste, told Devon Live: “The predicted increase in fruit flies this summer highlights the need for good waste management. Rotting food attracts these pests, so it’s important to get rid of it quickly.”

How to get rid of fruit flies

Managing your compost

Paul advised: “Keeping your kitchen compost bin covered with a tight-fitting lid is a simple but effective way to deter fruit flies and prevent infestations. Emptying your kitchen compost bin regularly, ideally every day or two, can also help to reduce the amount of food scraps that attract flies. Consider moving your bin outside during the warmer months to further minimise the risk.

“Try freezing food scraps if space allows. This prevents them from decomposing too quickly and kills any fruit fly eggs that are present. Some kitchen compost bins are designed to fit snugly in the freezer, offering an alternative to countertop storage. If you don’t have this option, regularly cleaning and bleaching your compost bins can also help reduce fruit fly infestations.”

Your containers

Paul suggested: “Take food waste outside in a kitchen container before disposing of it to prevent spills, keep the environment clean and keep food containers well ventilated. Also, keep waste out of direct sunlight to reduce bacteria growth and deter fruit flies.

“Do not overfill containers as this can cause them to break and spill, and follow recommended fill levels to avoid this. These waste management steps are important to prevent health risks and nuisance from fruit fly infestations.”