Every summer, it happens. You clean the kitchen, everything looks perfect — and then suddenly, a couple of tiny gnats show up. Give it a few days, and they’ve multiplied.
In Florida’s climate, this is normal. But it’s not something you have to live with.
Here’s a straightforward plan to keep your kitchen from becoming a fruit fly hangout this July.
Start by Controlling What Attracts Them
Most infestations begin with two things: overripe produce and moisture.
If you keep fruit on the counter, especially bananas or peaches, they’ll ripen fast in the heat. Once that starts, even tiny spills of juice or sticky spots on a cutting board are enough to bring in gnats.
Here’s what helps:
- Move fruit to the fridge once it’s ripe
- Wash produce after bringing it home
- Wipe the counter after each meal, especially near fruit bowls
- Avoid storing fruit near windows or hot appliances
Don’t Let Waste Sit Overnight
In cooler months, you might take out the trash every other day. In summer? Not a great idea.
Compost scraps, food wrappers, and even recyclable bottles with juice residue can bring in flies within hours. It’s not about how full the bin is — it’s what’s inside.
A simple routine:
- Take out kitchen garbage daily
- Rinse your trash can with vinegar weekly
- Wash out recyclables before tossing them in the bin
- Clean up under and behind the bin — spills often go unnoticed
Check the Drains and Sink
You may not see anything, but drains are common breeding spots. Bits of food can build up just out of sight.
To prevent that:
- Pour boiling water down the drain once a week
- Follow it with baking soda and vinegar
- Run the garbage disposal with ice and citrus peels
- Keep sponges dry and replace them regularly
Airflow and Screens Matter More Than You Think
Gnats don’t need a lot of space to get inside.
Make sure window screens are intact, especially near the kitchen. If you leave sliding doors open during the evening, even briefly, fruit flies can drift in.
Also, fans help. They keep air moving and make it harder for gnats to settle near counters or sinks.
Indoor Plants Can Be a Hidden Problem
If you have potted plants in or near the kitchen, the soil can attract fungus gnats. They thrive in constantly damp dirt.
Solutions:
- Water less often — let the topsoil dry out
- Empty standing water from plant saucers
- Cover the top layer of soil with sand or gravel
If They’re Already There: Act Quickly
Once fruit flies show up, it’s best to trap them fast. One of the simplest methods is a small bowl of apple cider vinegar with dish soap. It’s cheap, takes 30 seconds to prepare, and works.
Place it near where they gather and change it every couple of days. You can also use a glass jar with plastic wrap over the top and holes poked through.
It’s not about being perfect — it’s about staying a step ahead. A clean counter and empty trash might not seem like much, but in Florida’s heat, they make all the difference.
With just a few habits, your kitchen can stay fly-free all summer.
