The Fruit Fly is among the smallest flies found in the home. Populations tend to be greatest in late summer and early fall as they infest fruits during the harvest season. CSU Extension says in Colorado, October is the "hot" fruit fly season and based local Ace Hardware sales data, it appears this October we're expected to see more than ever.

A year-to-year comparison shows an 88 percent increase in sales of fruit fly traps.

With the end of the summer season, many homeowners often encounter fruit flies in and about their kitchens and near garbage storage areas. The kitchen drain can be a popular breeding ground.

Fruit flies are generally found hovering around decaying vegetables and overripe fruit. Fermenting materials, such as leftover beer, wine or soft drinks are also a favorite food of fruit flies. Consumers may also see an infestation after major home canning efforts.

To prevent fruit flies from moving in, consider keeping fruits and veggies in the fridge or in a paper bag. You want to keep food scraps out of the kitchen trash and take compost out nightly or keep in a tight container. You also want to keep organic matter from building up in your kitchen drain.

To find out if your kitchen sink is a breeding ground, cover the drain with duct tape, leave a small space for air, if you find flies stuck to the tape you have your answer. If you determine the flies are breeding in your drain, use a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar to clean the drain. Use equal parts (1/2 cup) - let the two react for a few minutes and wash down with really hot or boiling water.

Wine will attract fruit flies. If you have a bottle that's almost gone, leave one half inch or so in the bottom; the fruit flies will fly into the bottle and won't be able to fly back out. You could cover a glass that has a small portion left with plastic wrap and poke a few small holes into it.
Another trick is to put some malt, red wine or preferably cider vinegar in a dish with or without a small piece of fruit. Cover with plastic wrap and make small holes in the wrap. The flies will come in but can't get out. White vinegar doesn't work. If you're not having luck with vinegar you can also try soy sauce and if you don't have plastic wrap you can mix some dish soap in with the vinegar, the soap will prevent the fruit fly from flying.

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