Sometimes the flies aren’t from your fruit. Check your pantry. Look for an old potato. Or an onion with a soft spot. One rotting onion can be a fly condo complex.
Don’t forget the recycling bin. Empty beer cans and juice cartons are fly heaven. Rinse everything before tossing it. If you can’t rinse, freeze it—flies can’t breed at 32°F.
Check your houseplants. Overwatered soil grows fungus gnats. They look similar but are less annoying. Stick a yellow sticky trap in the pot. Problem solved.
When You Go Nuclear
If traps aren’t cutting it, buy a zapper. Yes, the electric racket kind. Swatting flies with a zapper is deeply satisfying. The zzzzzt sound is pure justice.
How To Get Rid of Small Flies in the Kitchen: Proven Tips
Or use a spray made from rubbing alcohol and water. It kills flies on contact. But avoid your spices—alcohol + basil = bad pasta night.
For serious infestations, use chemical sprays. But read the label. You don’t want your pancakes tasting like insecticide. Trust me.