If you got fruit flies you’re doing it wrong!
Indoor compost bins have been a headache for years. Acting sustainably wasn’t supposed to cause more problems (I have so many fruit flies now!). Fruit flies are attracted to fruits of all ripeness and fermented goods such as beer and wine. Female fruit flies can lay as much as 500 eggs at a time which can hatch in as little as 24 hours. However, there are ways around these issues that can ease the pain of your kitchen compost.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been a staple for composters everywhere. The fermented apples attract the fruit flies and instantly kills them upon landing in the drink. By simply heating a half cup of apple cider vinegar in a jar with a makeshift tunnel you have a fruit fly killing machine. However, this method isn’t visually attractive as it involves a jar full of floating dead bugs on your kitchen counter
Saran Wrap Trap
Another option is to cover a container with saran wrap and poke holes in the top to trap the fruit flies inside. Once the fruit flies enter the container they are automatically stuck inside and eventually die. You can add fruit or alcohol to the container to attract them more effectively.
BinBreeze
BinBreeze is a product that, when used correctly, is the best way to kill fruit flies. It can kill fruit flies at the source and prevent eggs from hatching. Just sprinkle it at the base of a clean food waste bin and over any fresh food waste you add. This is an all-natural, non-toxic solution that will also eliminate the odours that come with organic waste.
Another big problem is the fruit bowl. Fresh fruit on the counter will attract fruit flies and they’ll start laying eggs. Pretty gross eh? Best to keep fruit in the fridge or covered.
