Fruit fly infestations!

Hi all, I’m really enjoying fermenting the stuff I grow and sell quite a lot of it, BUT I’m so fed up with the flies no matter how I cover the jars etc with towels. I know it’s part of the process but I had flies all over my face when I was laying in bed last night ha ha! The problem is I’m very short on indoor space so my only option is putting my ferments in the garden under some plastic. I know temperature affects the rate of fermentation though I’m not too bothered about that. I just want the flies out of the house (we don’t have a garage). How do other people handle the flies please? Thank you! Gemma

All of my ferments, liquid or solid, are in glass jars/carboys with an airlock. I haven't had any problem with fruit flies unless I let my compost bucket sit too long. They aren't around the ferments. The water in the airlock may absorb some of the yummy odors that attract fruit flies.

Fermenting this way requires more equipment but I've had fewer issues with contamination using airlocks.  Good luck with your fruit flies. They're a real nuisance.

I have never had a problem with fruit flies and fermenting.

My suggestion would be to give them a bowl of something they like such as apple cider vinegar or a bowl of soapy water.

clean drain with the baking soda/vinegar method until the fruit flies are gone.

The airlocks that Robin mentioned are great to keep fruit flies out and also help make the fermenting process easier.

[quote=Robin Katz]All of my ferments, liquid or solid, are in glass jars/carboys with an airlock. I haven't had any problem with fruit flies unless I let my compost bucket sit too long. They aren't around the ferments. The water in the airlock may absorb some of the yummy odors that attract fruit flies.

Fermenting this way requires more equipment but I've had fewer issues with contamination using airlocks.  Good luck with your fruit flies. They're a real nuisance.[/quote]

Hi Robin, Thank you for your suggestion. I use these items of equipment, too, but a few of the ferments I’ve done require no lid or a partially closed lid to start off with - which is how the problem started, though I do cover them with a thick cloth. Maybe I won’t use these more ‘open’ methods in future…

Anne Miller wrote:I have never had a problem with fruit flies and fermenting.

My suggestion would be to give them a bowl of something they like such as apple cider vinegar or a bowl of soapy water.

clean drain with the baking soda/vinegar method until the fruit flies are gone.

The airlocks that Robin mentioned are great to keep fruit flies out and also help make the fermenting process easier.

Many thanks, Anne! Some great advice here. Much appreciated!

Two weeks ago I had fruit flies everywhere! They sat in clouds on my window panes and circled over our dining table, landed on every plate, drowned in the wine glasses etc. It was disgusting and I don't know why it took so long for me to take action.
They were attracted by the compost (lots of apple peels, soaked in lots of rain), the tomatos and apples on the counter, the Kombucha etc.

So I got more diligent with sorting out the fruits and veggies with even the tiniest spots, I did not collect veggie scraps and tea leaves inside the house and above all I installed three traps with vinegar, a little water and dish soap. I guess I read the tip here in the forum.
They drowned by the dozen.
And they need very little to breed, a little apple peel, water runoffs at the side of the sink, sinkhole etc.

If I look close I can see some, but most are gone.

Anita Martin wrote:Two weeks ago I had fruit flies everywhere! They sat in clouds on my window panes and circled over our dining table, landed on every plate, drowned in the wine glasses etc. It was disgusting and I don't know why it took so long for me to take action.
They were attracted by the compost (lots of apple peels, soaked in lots of rain), the tomatos and apples on the counter, the Kombucha etc.

So I got more diligent with sorting out the fruits and veggies with even the tiniest spots, I did not collect veggie scraps and tea leaves inside the house and above all I installed three traps with vinegar, a little water and dish soap. I guess I read the tip here in the forum.
They drowned by the dozen.
And they need very little to breed, a little apple peel, water runoffs at the side of the sink, sinkhole etc.

If I look close I can see some, but most are gone.

Anita; how awful! I think you’re right… they’re attracted to the smallest spot of juice and I think my problem all started with  partially covered kombucha! Like you, I make sure composting material goes straight outside and your other tips will prove very helpful I’m sure. I hope you continue to be freer of the little wotsits and thank you!