Fruit flies are attracted to ripe, rotting or decayed fruit and produce, as well as fermented goods like beer, liquor, and wine. To kill fruit flies, there are several methods that can be used, including:

• Old wine or beer trap: Fruit flies love the smell of wine. Try leaving out an open bottle with a little leftover liquid — the skinny neck will keep the flies trapped.

• Apple cider vinegar trap: Fill a bowl with either apple cider vinegar or white wine and detergent and place it in the kitchen. The mixture will attract the flies, and when they feed on it, it will kill them.

• Paper cone, vinegar, and old fruit trap: Place a little vinegar and a chunk of very ripe fruit in a jar. Roll some paper into a cone and stick it into the jar, placing the narrow opening down. The smell of rotting produce will help entice the fruit flies into the mixture, but the cone part of this fruit fly trap makes it difficult for them to get out.

• Rubbing alcohol: Fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and spritz any of the insects you see in your home. Make sure to avoid spraying the alcohol on any plants or surfaces that could be damaged.

• Boiling water and vinegar: Pour boiling water and some vinegar down the sink drains. This should kill them all.

• Lemongrass essential oil spray: In a small spray bottle, add 2 ounces of hot water and 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil. Spray this mixture on fruit flies as you see them.

Preventing future fruit fly infestations can also be done by:

• Storing any food that is not being thrown out in airtight containers or in the fridge.
• Emptying trash cans and recycling bins regularly and scrubbing them out.
• Wiping down all cabinet surfaces thoroughly.
• Throwing out too-ripe or rotting produce.
• Using homemade traps like apple cider vinegar in a bottle or store-bought aerosols.
• Regularly cleaning all surfaces.

By following these methods, fruit flies can be killed and prevented from infesting your home.