How to Kill Fruit Fly Eggs in a Garbage Pail: 5 Tips

Fruit flies thrive in damp, organic waste, which makes your kitchen and trash can an ideal place to breed. If you need to learn how to kill the eggs of fruit flies living in your garbage pail, the good news is there are several measures you can put in place to get rid of fruit flies and their eggs while preventing them from making a return visit. Our tips below help break the life cycle of these pesky insects with little to no added cost.

1. Keep Things Clean

It may sound simple, but keeping your garbage pail clean can go a long way in getting rid of and preventing fruit flies from visiting and laying eggs. Make sure to clean your garbage can regularly, keep it lined with a bag, and closed with a lid. This practice helps remove any trace of food waste and provides a barrier between the eggs’ food source so they don’t multiply and lead to a serious infestation. 

2. Try A Trap

Thankfully, you can create your own fruit fly trap with items from your kitchen. To get rid of fruit flies, you’ll need a small bowl or glass, vinegar, water, and dish soap to create a solution that attracts then traps the flies. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in the container, then add a few drops of dish soap and cover with plastic wrap. Poke holes in the plastic wrap, then wait for the simple solution to work its magic.

3. Freeze Food Scraps

If your leftovers go straight from the pan to your garbage pail, you might consider freezing them first to kill off any fruit fly eggs. You can put the scraps in a plastic bag, or purchase a designated compost bin for your freezer to help with temporary storage. Either way, freezing the scraps before throwing them away is a proven method of fruit fly prevention. 

4. Clean Your Disposal  

Even though your garbage pail may be the central meeting site of your fruit flies and their eggs, they may be attracted to the gunk and grime in your garbage disposal. Run your disposal frequently to get rid of any leftover food lining your pipes or pour boiling water down the drain to clear out any tempting residue. 

5. Call in the Fruit Fly Removal Pros

You’ve tried the fly trap, the scrap-freezing method, and cleaning your garbage pail and disposal to no avail. At this point, we recommend calling your local bug control professional to assess the severity of your infestation and determine the best treatment plan to get rid of fruit fly eggs. They’ll likely have specific equipment and solutions to target fruit flies and their eggs so you can enjoy your kitchen in peace and not spend your days swatting at the pesky insects.