Fruit flies may be small, but they can quickly become a big nuisance. As their name suggests, they’re naturally drawn to decomposing fruits and vegetables—key ingredients in any good compost. Rotting produce is packed with nutrients that are fantastic for creating healthy soil, but unfortunately, it’s also a magnet for fruit flies. Every gardener knows that compost is essential for a thriving garden, but fruit flies. Not so much.
Thankfully, with a few simple pest control tips, you can keep these pesky insects out of your compost and focus on creating nutrient-rich soil for your plants.
Tips to Keep Fruit Flies Out of Your Compost
Keep It Covered
A covered compost bin is one of the easiest ways to stop fruit flies in their tracks. While your compost needs ventilation, make sure it has a secure lid to keep flies out when you’re not actively adding scraps.
Balance Your Compost
A healthy compost mix should include equal parts green materials (like fruits, veggies, and food scraps) and brown materials (such as leaves, twigs, and grass). Always cover green scraps with a layer of brown to create a natural barrier that masks smell and deter flies.
Wrap Your Scraps
Before adding fruits and vegetables to your compost, wrap them in newspaper. This simple step helps lock in the odor of rotting food that attracts flies, while the paper breaks down naturally in your compost pile.
Seal Pre-Compost Containers
If you collect food scraps in a bucket before transferring them to your compost pile, make sure the container has a tight-fitting lid. An airtight seal keeps flies away from fermenting food until you’re ready to compost it.
Fruit flies are drawn to the same things that make compost great for gardening, but they don’t have to ruin your efforts. By following these easy tips, you can keep your compost pile fruit-fly-free and focused on what matters: nourishing your garden with healthy, nutrient-rich soil.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
It's finally here - sweet, sweet summertime at last! But has your time outside already been rudely interrupted by swarms of pesky bugs trying to take a stab at you? This season, let's say no more to swatting, slapping or clapping at these insects who seem to be tormenting innocent outdoors enthusiasts every year. Fortunately, the solution isn't as chemical ridden as you might think. As it turns out, some of your favorite scents are insects least favorite.
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
Discovering a mouse is loose in your home can be a real headache, and for restaurant owners, such an infestation can be an even bigger problem. Mice may be cute, but they simply do not belong in the kitchen, attic or anywhere else. If you've noticed any of these signs around your house or business, it may be time to call in a professional rodent exterminator:
The customer is always right, and this is especially true if he or she is complaining about seeing a mouse or cockroach. Pests have no place in your organization, as bugs and rodents will turn away potential business or even lead to a possible lawsuit. Keeping your company protected requires a proactive approach. Work with a pest removal specialist to identify the best ways to stop creatures from infesting your business. Here are just a few ideas for successfully mitigating and preventing any issues:
