{
  "id": 9715657,
  "title": "How to banish fruit flies with apple cider vinegar — and prevent them from coming back",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/how-to-banish-fruit-flies-with-apple-cider-vinegar-and-prevent-them",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T06:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/home/how-to-banish-fruit-flies-with-apple-cider-vinegar-and-prevent-them-from-coming-back"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Banishing fruit flies can feel like an uphill battle, but apple cider vinegar offers a simple and effective solution. Many of us have struggled with these pesky pests despite our best efforts to keep our kitchens clean. However, using apple cider vinegar traps is a natural and affordable method to tackle the issue. Our Sleep Editor discovered this method, reporting success in eliminating fruit flies from her home.\n\nTo create a fruit fly trap using apple cider vinegar, fill a small jar or bowl with the vinegar and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Secure the wrap with an elastic band, then poke tiny holes in the plastic to allow the flies to enter. The vinegar's scent attracts the fruit flies, and once they're inside, they cannot escape. This method is non-toxic and safe for both your family and pets.\n\nWhile apple cider vinegar traps are effective in the short term, it's crucial to address the root cause of the problem. Identify and eliminate items that attract fruit flies, such as overripe or rotting produce, and maintain a clean kitchen. Store fruits in the refrigerator, wash fresh produce immediately, and clean drains and sinks regularly, as fruit flies can breed in drain waste.\n\nFor an additional option, pre-made liquid baits like Super Ninja Fruit Fly Traps can be used to lure fruit flies away. These traps are easy to use and safe for indoor environments. By following these steps and keeping your surroundings clean, you can effectively banish fruit flies and prevent their return.",
  "summary": "How to make a fruit fly trap with apple cider vinegar — and prevent them from returning.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}