Don’t Let Fruit Flies Get Comfortable in Your Trash Can—8 Ways to Get Rid of Them Fast

With the summer sun baking through our windows, trash inevitably gets smelly fast. With that can come an unwelcome influx of fruit flies. Despite their tiny size, these pesky insects are mighty in their ability to linger for days on end.

If you’re dealing with a small storm of fruit flies over your trash can, fear not. There are methods to ensure they don’t make your kitchen their new home.

We tapped three pest control experts for the top ways to get rid of fruit flies in and around trash cans—using everything from traps to ingredients you already have in your pantry.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Fruit flies are attracted to decaying fruits, vegetables, and sugary drinks.

“We’ve seen success in using these preferences to create DIY traps using bottles or jars and adding apple cider vinegar as an attractant,” says pest control expert Kris Bagnara.

You can also make a vinegar trap by filling a small container with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap.

“The scent attracts flies [and] the soap breaks the surface tension, so the fruit flies sink and drown,” explains certified entomologist Shannon Harlow-Ellis.

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Essential Oils

On the other hand, certain herbal scents can deter fruit flies from coming to your trash in the first place.

“Spraying either an over-the-counter insecticide or a mix of essential oils—[such as] peppermint, eucalyptus, or citronella—around the trash can can help to repel flies,” says Dr. Louisa Messenger, entomologist and assistant professor of environmental health.

Seal Up Holes

Securing the trash can lid tightly and ensuring there are no other holes or cracks on the can is key.

“Flies are attracted to [food] and lay their eggs in rotting organic material, so if you can seal the trash can, this will block both odors that are attracting the flies, as well as access for the flies to continue to reproduce,” Messenger says.

You should also avoid over-stuffing your trash can so that the lid fully closes.

“If you leave your trash can lid propped open, you are leaving an open buffet invitation to any flies in the immediate area,” Bagnara notes.

Rinse Food Containers

Any food in your trash means an increased risk of flies. So, it’s helpful to rinse recyclables before disposal to remove any residue.

“Avoid leaving food scraps or liquids unwrapped—this will accelerate decomposition and attract flies,” Messenger adds.

Fly Traps

Fly traps, like hanging glue strips, are usually effective at capturing fruit flies.

“But when dealing with a large number of flies, these treatments may not be enough to make an impact on the population, especially when used outdoors,” Bagnara cautions.

Use Scented Liners

A trash can liner makes cleaning easy and prevents your trash can from developing funky odors. Similarly, deodorizing products like baking soda and charcoal filters can keep your trash from smelling and ultimately attracting fruit flies, Messenger says.

Clean the Can Regularly

Preventive measures are often more effective than treating the problem later. A simple rule to follow? Clean the trash can thoroughly and regularly.

“Homeowners can use hot water and soap, or a vinegar-based cleaner to remove sticky residue and odors that attract fruit flies,” Harlow-Ellis suggests.

Also, be sure to take out the trash frequently so it doesn’t become a breeding ground for insects.

Keep Trash Cans in the Shade

Messenger notes that storing trash cans in the shade can slow decay and odor production during hot summer days. Find a spot away from windows and in a cool spot of your home to keep smells and fluttering friends at bay,