Keep ripe or damaged fruit from sitting exposed for long periods, remove spoiled pieces quickly and clean the bowl and surrounding countertop. Fruit flies are attracted to fermenting material.
Sort fruit by ripeness
Inspect bananas, peaches and other soft fruit regularly. Refrigerate varieties that tolerate refrigeration when fully ripe, while following produce-specific storage guidance.
Wash the bowl and counter
Fruit juice and sticky spots beneath fruit can attract flies. Clean the bottom of the bowl and any nearby cutting boards or reusable produce bags.
Check more than fruit
Flies may also breed in recycling, compost or forgotten vegetables. If you still see adults, search those sources rather than repeatedly replacing the fruit alone.
Frequently asked questions
Does washing the outside of bananas remove all fruit flies?
It may remove surface residue, but an indoor breeding source can still exist elsewhere. Good storage and sanitation matter more.
Related: how to get rid of gnats in kitchen.
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