Fruit flies may be small, but they can become a pest quickly. Like their name suggests, fruit flies are attracted to decomposing fruits and vegetables, which happen to be great for compost. Rotting veggies and fruits contain a lot of beneficial nutrients for healthy soil. Every gardener knows that a good soil mix includes compost, but not fruit flies. Consider these pest control tips to keep the pesky insects out of your compost.
Unlike humans, fruit flies love the fermentation process that fruits and veggies succumb to over time, the University of Kentucky stated. This is also where fruit flies like to lay their eggs. So, moist soil mixed with fermenting foods and manure is a breeding ground in paradise. Compost also usually holds a lot of heat, making the environment cozy. After the babies are born, they can feed on the fermenting food. Fruit flies can reproduce in large numbers, laying approximately 500 eggs each time.
Contemplate these insect control methods to prevent fruit flies from buzzing near your compost.
Though it may be difficult to spot fruit flies at first, a colony can quickly ruin any compost. Prevent your compost from being wasted by following these tips.