Banish fruit flies in summer as expert shares foods that 'attract' the pests

People are being urged to steer clear of mistakes that could invite a fruit fly plague as the temperatures rise this summer season.

Paul Jackson, NRC Business Waste's waste management expert, offered tips on keeping your home fruit fly-free.

Emphasising the role of effective rubbish disposal, he told Devon Live: "The predicted increase in fruit flies this summer highlights the need for good waste management.

"Rotten food attracts these pests, so it's important to dispose of it quickly."

Here's how you can get rid of fruit flies...

Managing your compost

One of Paul's suggestions is utilising a firmly fitting lid on the kitchen compost bin, an easy yet efficient method to deter the tiny invaders and thwart population explosions.

"Emptying your kitchen bin regularly, ideally every one to two days, can also help reduce the amount of food scraps attracting flies."

"Consider relocating the bin outside during warmer months to minimise the risk further," the authority on waste added when interviewed by the Mirror.

If space permits, contemplate freezing your food waste. This practice curbs rotting and eradicates any fruit fly eggs.

Several kitchen compost bins available in the market fit conveniently in your freezer, offering a solution other than letting them occupy your countertop.

If you find freezing unfeasible, frequent cleaning and using bleach on your compost bins can keep fruit fly populations under control.

Your bins

Paul offered his top tips for managing waste effectively: "Carry food waste outside in a kitchen caddy before disposal to avoid spills, keep the environment clean and make food caddies well-ventilated. Also, keep waste out of direct sunlight to reduce bacteria growth and discourage fruit flies."

He also advised against overfilling caddy liners to prevent them from splitting and spilling, sticking to the recommended fill levels.

Such measures are essential to dodge health risks and keep those pesky fruit flies at bay.