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How can I get rid of fruit flies in the kitchen?

Ehrlich Answers

"I keep seeing small brown flies around my kitchen. Are these fruit flies, and how do I get rid of them?"

If you’re noticing small brown flies in the house, especially in the kitchen, you’re probably dealing with fruit flies. These pests are tiny, usually no more than an eighth of an inch long, and are drawn to ripe or rotting produce, damp drains, and garbage bins. Because they breed quickly, even a few little flies in the kitchen can turn into a swarm in just days.

Fruit flies are often mistaken for other pests, like gnats or fleas. If you’re unsure whether you’re seeing a flea or a fruit fly, look at where they’re gathering. Fruit flies tend to hover near fruit bowls, compost, or drains, while fleas usually stay close to pets and bedding, and crucially, do not fly.

Steps you can take

If you’ve spotted tiny brown flies in your kitchen, try these steps to reduce them:

  • Remove or refrigerate ripe produce and wipe down counters
  • Empty trash and compost regularly
  • Clean sink drains where food particles collect
  • Use traps designed to lure and capture fruit flies

These steps can help bring down numbers, but because fruit flies multiply so quickly, DIY methods may only offer short-term relief.

Our technicians can locate breeding sites and apply targeted fruit fly treatments to help protect your home, including specialist bioremediation services. By addressing both the flies and the conditions attracting them, we can recommend a plan that helps prevent the cycle from starting again.

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