What Essential Oil Do I Use to Get Rid of Fruit Flies?

If you wondering how you could repel fruit flies and get rid of them, you’re most likely familiar with ineffective essential oils and may even have a few bottles left. Let’s see the top options.

Essential Oils for Fruit Flies

If you want to keep fruit flies out of your kitchen but hate the idea of using toxic products, you’ll be happy to know that a plethora of natural oil remedies treats fruit flies just as well as those expensive solutions.

The Top 10 Essential Oil to Repel Fruit Flies?

Let’s look at the best 10 essential oil options for Repelling fruit flies.

1. Thyme Oil

Thyme Oil

Thyme oil was also tested in the previously mentioned 2016 study. Fruit flies that came into contact with thyme oil had a higher mortality when compared to the other essential oils.

Since thyme oil is known to be effective on other pests such as stick bugs and mosquitoes the Researchers noted that it could be a good candidate for a natural insecticide.

A bundle of thyme. Thyme was used to ward off nightmares in the Middle Ages and is now a staple in most kitchens.

2. Clove Oil

5 Recommended Essential Oils for Fruit Flies And How to Use Them

Clove is oftentimes used in the kitchen when preparing holiday meals and during other times of the year. It’s also beneficial for toothaches and numerous other health concerns.

But, clove oil also rids a kitchen of flies fairly quickly and without a lot of effort required. If you experience a problem with flies, try a bit of clove oil to remedy the problem.

3. Lavender Oil

5 Recommended Essential Oils for Fruit Flies And How to Use Them

Lavender oil is known for its relaxing properties. It’s a favorite essential oil for adults who want a bit of comfort in their day.

However, fruit flies aren’t so keen on lavender. If you have flies in the home and any lavender essential oil, use it to eliminate the problem.

4. Lemongrass Oil

5 Recommended Essential Oils for Fruit Flies And How to Use Them

Lemongrass oil is highly effective in treating fruit flies. Fill a spray bottle with water and add 10 drops of lemongrass oil.

Spray the oil/water concoction in areas where you see flies. In no time, any active fruit flies will die off and risks of any future infestations are eliminated.

5. Peppermint Oil 

5 Recommended Essential Oils for Fruit Flies And How to Use Them

Peppermint is another smell that fruit flies simply don’t like. They’ll also avoid any area with a peppermint smell.

Place a few cotton balls dipped in peppermint essential oil in the area where fruit flies are present and watch them quickly dissipate.

Along with peppermint oil being an effective essential oil for fruit flies it’s also known to be an effective natural pest repellent against cockroaches, house flies, and mosquitoes.

6. Basil Oil

A wonderful essential oil for repelling fruit flies is basil oil.

Based on studies to determine the specific chemical components in Basil and its effects on fruit flies, the chemicals they isolated were trans-anethole, estragole, and linalool.

If you don’t have access to the individual components of basil try a high-quality basil essential oil for fruit flies. Just make sure it’s properly mixed.

7. Tea Tree Oil

Just because some essential oils repel fruit flies doesn’t suggest they all do.

Tea Tree oil is actually understood to have the opposite effect, it attracts fruit flies. Tea tree oil was the subject of a 2015 investigation to find a natural fruit fly attractant.

When exposed to Tea Tree oil male fruit flies were more prone to mate than those not exposed.

How to Use Essential Oils for Fruit Flies

When using essential oils it’s important to remember that they should never be used at full strength. To use essential oils for fruit flies you have two main options.

Option one is to make a spray, and hit the buggers as you see them. The second option is to use a diffuser near the fly outbreak.

1. Essential Oil Spray

The first step is to create an essential oil mix. To do this you will need basil or peppermint oil, distilled water, and grain alcohol. It’s important to use at least 190 proof grain alcohol.

The higher alcohol content is needed for the components to mix.

Remember oil and water typically do not mix. The higher alcohol content also prevents bacteria from growing in your spray.

2. Using a Diffuser for Fruit Flies

If you elect to use a diffuser to fight flies just use a few drops of essential oil and water and place the diffuser near the fly infestation.

If you do not already own a diffuser there are many to choose from.

Essential oil diffuser options range from elaborate one-hundred-dollar models to the basic under-twenty-dollar price range. For most people the basic model is adequate.

Amazon offers a great basic model that includes a night/mood light mode along with auto-shutoff.

This is my personal favorite since it’s under thirty dollars with an almost five-star review.

Once you select a diffuser be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Diffusers often have specific settings that will relate to your room size and how long you want it to run.

Be careful if using a diffuser around pets and small children. This is especially true with cats, as essential oils can be fatal to cats.

Other Home Remedies to Eliminate Fruit Flies

Consider utilizing the options below if essential oils don’t work for you.

1. Detergent Trap

Simply add a drop of detergent to a quarter of a glass of wine and leave it overnight next to your fruit bowl. The flies will drop in for a little tipple, and die in the process.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

One to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a small bowl near your kitchen bench will attract any flies, and trap them in the process.

3. Fruit Trap

Make a DIY fruit trap with a few pieces of fruit combined with two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar in a small bowl.

Cover with plastic wrap, piercing a few holes with a fork. The flies will be attracted to the fruit, sneak in the holes, and be trapped.

4. Sink Drain

Pour a bucket of boiling water mixed with detergent down your sink. This will kill any fly eggs, and eliminate any flies living in that area.

In summary. essential oils provide relief for a variety of concerns around the home, including the treatment of fruit flies.

Although other oils eliminate the problem, those listed above are the best and most commonly used products.

Try them out at your home if you notice a problem with fruit flies and discover an easy and affordable fruit flies solution.

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