With so many fruit fly infestations reported in households across the country, people are being urged to follow these simple and easy steps to get rid of them for good.

The experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk are offering five hacks to help catch fruit flies and prevent others from festering indoors.

Although fruit flies are not harmful to humans, they can lay up to 500 eggs at a time, making homes across the country potential breeding grounds for even more of these tiny flies.

Those concerned about flies breeding in their homes should follow steps that include trapping them with apple cider vinegar and storing all produce in airtight containers.

A spokesperson from Garden Buildings Direct said: “Many people across the country have noticed a huge increase in the amount of fruit flies pestering them in their homes. They often make their way in after being attracted to the scent of fermenting fruit or veg, and then lay eggs in moist areas like kitchen and bathroom drains.

“Luckily, there are a few simple and cost effective tips people can use to get rid of pesky fruit flies for good. There are even some cupboard essentials which will come in very handy and are easily accessible to all.”

Here are Garden Buildings Direct’s five hacks for keeping fruit flies at bay:

Apple cider vinegar
You can trap any of the tiny bugs flying around your home with just a few cupboard essentials. Pour apple cider vinegar into a small bowl and add a couple of drops of washing up liquid – the scent of the vinegar will draw the flies in, and the washing up liquid will ensure they remain trapped.

Place the bowl in a central area to attract as many flies as possible. Refill and replace as often as needed.

Sugar
For those who don’t have vinegar to hand, a super easy but effective bait for flies is anything sweet, like honey, syrup or sugar. Fill a small glass jar with water and add one teaspoon of sugar and place it in your kitchen – once flies have been captured in the jar, pour away and repeat the process.

Food storage
One of the best ways to prevent further infestation is to seal all loose food products in air tight containers, and store them in the fridge. This is especially true of fruit and vegetables. If any produce becomes overripe, dispose of it immediately.

Food waste
Fruit flies are known to be attracted to fermenting fruits and vegetables. However, they are also drawn to drains, cleaning cloths, bins, empty bottles, food waste and any warm, moist spaces. The best way to avoid a re-infestation is to ensure all food is disposed of appropriately, cleaning materials are not left out in the open and fruit and veg are not left on the side or in easy accessible fruit bowls.

Cleaning habits
Once you have followed the steps to get rid of the creepy crawlies, increase your chances of keeping them away by ensuring your kitchen surfaces are as clean as possible. Wipe them down at the end of each day to make sure the flies won’t be attracted to any food remnants and prevent female flies from laying more eggs.