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The source: Fruit flies breed in moist, fermenting organic material. Common breeding sites include overripe or rotting fruit, vegetable scraps in compost bins, residue inside drains, forgotten spilled juice under the refrigerator, damp mops and sponges, and even residue in recycling bins. 

Elimination process: 

Step 1: Find and eliminate all breeding sources. This is non-negotiable. Trapping adults without removing the source is a losing battle because new adults are constantly hatching. Inspect every possible source — the most overlooked are drains and the residue inside recycling bins. 

Step 2: Clean drains. Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down kitchen and bathroom drains, followed by boiling water. Or use an enzyme-based drain cleaner weekly. This breaks down the organic film inside drain pipes where fruit flies breed. 

Step 3: Set DIY traps. Pour a small amount of apple cider vinegar into a glass or jar. Add a drop of dish soap (breaks the surface tension so flies sink). Cover with plastic wrap poked with small holes, or make a paper cone. Flies are attracted to the vinegar smell, enter, and cannot escape. 

Step 4: Commercial traps. TERRO Fruit Fly Traps and similar products are highly effective and aesthetically cleaner than homemade solutions for kitchen use. Complete elimination usually takes 1–2 weeks after all breeding sources are removed. If fruit flies return, look for a source you’ve missed.