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Tired of those pesky fruit flies in your home? Our frugal readers share tips on how to get rid of fruit flies in the house and prevent them.
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Dear Dollar Stretcher. I have had a big problem with those pesky little “fruit flies” in my home. I do not leave fruit out on the counter, so I know that isn’t the problem.
I wanted to know if any of your readers have had this problem and how they solved it without spending a lot. I would appreciate any assistance. Mary from MA
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One thing that attracts fruit flies is beer or soda cans. If you save them to later recycle them, this could be the source. You will either have to rinse out each can or put them in a sealed garbage bag or container.Amy
Fruit flies can be a real nuisance when they start breeding on your houseplants. Their rapid reproductive cycle means just a couple of flies can turn into an infestation in no time. African corn lily (Ixia) flowers seem to be particularly vulnerable to these tiny pests.
If your ixia flowers have been invaded by fruit flies don’t panic. There are several effective methods you can use to get rid of them without harming your plant. In this article I’ll walk you through why fruit flies are attracted to African corn lilies and provide actionable tips to eliminate and prevent future infestations.
Why Fruit Flies are Drawn to Ixia Flowers
Fruit flies are naturally attracted to the nectar of flowers. The tubular shaped blooms of ixia offer an ideal breeding ground for them.
These flies are also drawn to moist decaying matter. The damp soil of potted ixia plants provides a perfect environment for female flies to lay their eggs.
As the larvae hatch, they feed on fungus and debris in the soil. Within a week, a new generation of adult flies will emerge from the potting mix.
Left uncontrolled you can have thousands of flies reproducing in the potting soil and on the flowers of your African corn lily.
5 Ways to Get Rid of Fruit Flies on Ixia Flowers
1. Allow the Soil to Dry Out Between Waterings
Fruit fly larvae need moist soil to survive. By allowing the potting mix to dry out more between waterings, you can disrupt their life cycle.
Be sure not to let the soil get too dry, as this can damage the ixia’s roots. Aim to keep the soil just slightly drier than usual.
2. Use Sticky Traps Around the Plant
Sticky traps can help catch adult fruit flies as they emerge from the soil looking for nectar sources.
Place a few small sticky traps around the base of the plant and near the flowers. Check and replace the traps frequently to remove captured flies.
3. Remove Dead Plant Matter
Eliminate any dead leaves, spent flowers, and other decaying plant debris located around the base of the ixia. This organic matter provides food for developing larvae.
4. Repot the Plant in Fresh Soil
Repotting your African corn lily in brand new, sterile potting mix will effectively eliminate any fruit fly eggs and larvae from the old soil.
Be sure to thoroughly wash the plant’s roots before transferring it to the new pot to remove any clinging larvae.
5. Use a Natural Insecticide Drench
As a last resort, you can use a mild insecticide drench to kill larvae in the soil. Look for a natural, organic product that uses ingredients like neem oil or pyrethrins.
Always follow label directions carefully when applying any insecticide to avoid harming your plant.
Preventing Future Fruit Fly Infestations
Once you’ve succeeded in ridding your ixia of fruit flies, you’ll want to take proactive steps to stop the pests from returning. Here are some tips:
- Allow soil to dry out a bit between waterings
- Remove any organic debris around the plant
- Discard spent flowers promptly
- Use yellow sticky traps routinely to monitor for flies
- Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive soil moisture
- Repot in fresh soil every 2-3 years
- Introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings
With diligence and the methods above, you can keep annoying fruit flies away from your beautiful African corn lily blooms. A small infestation can be managed with some patience. Don’t let these tiny flies detract from enjoying your ixia plant!
Try Apple Cider Vinegar To Control Flies
The easiest way I’ve found to get rid of fruit flies is to put about an inch of apple cider vinegar in a jar with some small holes poked in the lid. The flies go in, but they can’t find their way out.A
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Get Rid of Moisture and Flies
We had a problem with fruit flies for months. We couldn’t even have fresh flowers in our home. During a visit from my dad, he noticed that the kitchen sink faucet had a small leak that caused perpetual dampness around the faucet. We bought a new one and Dad replaced it.
By eliminating the extra moisture in that spot in the kitchen, the fruit flies suddenly disappeared.Carol from AB, Canada
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No more black flies ’round your indoor plants – Fungus Gnat Control tips // The Gardenettes
FAQ
What gets rid of fruit flies permanently?
How to solve a fruit fly infestation?
Why are my plants infested with fruit flies?
How to get rid of fruit flies?
It goes without saying that you need to throw away anything from the fruit bowl which is starting to ferment. Method 1.Apple cider vinegar trap: This is the most traditional method for getting rid of fruit flies. Simply fill a small bowl with about a cup of apple cider vinegar. Then, cover it with plastic wrap and seal it using an elastic band.
How do you get rid of fruit flies with apple cider vinegar?
Apple Cider Vinegar Trap Fill a small container or an empty soda bottle with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of water, and a few drops of fruity-smelling dish soap. Place the container wherever the pests are most active. Fruit flies are highly attracted to apple cider vinegar, so they’ll fly right into this homemade fruit fly trap.
How do you catch fruit flies?
Use a bowl with apple cider vinegar and dish soap to catch the flies. Pour enough apple cider vinegar into a bowl so it’s two-thirds full. Add a drop or two of liquid dish soap to the bowl, and then cover it with a sheet of plastic wrap. Poke about 10–15 holes in the wrap with a toothpick and set it out to attract the fruit flies.
How do you get flies out of rotten fruit?
Place rotten fruit into a large bowl or container. Cover the container with plastic wrap. Puncture the plastic wrap with a fork, creating lots of small holes. Just make sure the holes aren’t too big or the fruit flies might be able to escape after entering. Rubbing Alcohol Spray