They're annoying, but there's a solution: 6 ways to get rid of fruit flies.

Fruit flies are a common nuisance in homes , especially in kitchens where ripe fruit, organic debris, or moisture are present. Although they appear harmless, they reproduce quickly and can become a difficult problem to control. What are six ways to get rid of these pesky flying insects? There are solutions.

The website Mejor Con Salud states that this type of fly, also known as Drosophila melanogaster, seeks out rotting foods to lay its eggs and feed on, especially fruits and vegetables high in fructose. For example, bananas, grapes, melon, and pumpkin.

Researchers in entomology and pest control have identified several effective methods for eliminating and repelling these insects, without resorting to pesticides that are dangerous to human health or the environment. Below are the six most effective methods:

1. Homemade traps with apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar emits a fermented odor that is highly attractive to these flies. When mixed with a few drops of detergent, the liquid breaks the surface tension, causing the flies to sink and die. Studies published in the Journal of Economic Entomology have confirmed the effectiveness of this technique. The recommendation is to place the mixture in a glass covered with plastic wrap, with small holes poked in it to allow the insects to enter.

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2. Eliminate food and breeding sources. Fruit flies breed on moist surfaces, especially those with sugary residues such as fruit, juice, or food scraps. Keeping the kitchen clean, storing fruit in the refrigerator, and removing organic waste daily are essential measures to interrupt their reproductive cycle. According to the Department of Entomology at Cornell University, the key is to deprive them of access to both food and egg-laying sites.

3. Use essential oils as repellents. Essential oils such as citronella, eucalyptus, lemon, and basil have been shown to be effective in repelling fruit flies. Research published in the journal Insects has shown that these oils can reduce the presence of flies by more than 80 percent by interfering with their olfactory system. It is recommended to use them in diffusers, diluted in water as an ambient spray, or applied to cotton in problem areas.

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4. Regular Drain and Trap Cleaning One of the most overlooked, yet most critical, areas is the dishwasher drain. The organic debris that accumulates there is a perfect egg-laying site. Organizations like Purdue University suggest pouring hot water, vinegar, or enzyme products down the drains regularly. This preventative measure can help nip the problem in the bud—literally.

5. Drafts or Forced Ventilation: Fruit flies have difficulty flying in drafts. Therefore, using fans in fruit-bearing or humid areas can discourage them from settling. Research in Physiological Entomology has shown that airflow impairs their ability to fly and reduces their reproductive activity. This is especially useful in warm climates like those found in many Colombian regions.

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6. Refrigeration of fruit and timely disposal of waste. Lowering the temperature significantly reduces the metabolic activity of fruit flies. Storing ripe fruit in the refrigerator and disposing of waste daily limits their access to food sources and eliminates potential breeding sites. Studies in the Journal of Insect Physiology showed that temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius significantly reduce the activity of these insects. What diseases do fruit flies transmit?

Fruit flies don't pose a high health risk, but they are responsible for carrying germs. "When they pass through different foods and surfaces in the home, they can deposit microorganisms that, if ingested, can transmit digestive illnesses. Some are very serious, such as salmonella," reported Mejor con Salud. (READ: What does it mean when a person has a lot of plants at home, according to psychology?) For this reason, it's important to disinfect the areas where they appeared, sanitize fruits and vegetables, and, of course, discard infected ones . Fruit flies are often confused with other similar pests, such as fungus gnats or plant gnats.