Fruit flies are a huge pain for anyone who uses fresh fruit at their bar. Today we’re talking about some tips & tricks to get rid (or at least reduce the number) of those pesky fruit flies!

The Exterminator:

Tips for Getting Rid of Fruit Flies:

1. Minimize the Resources

Try to reduce food and water residue on your bar by keeping it super clean and tidy. Check if your bottles of alcohol or any other containers that contain food are sealed properly before you end your shift.

2. Trash

Clean up and throw out your trash regularly. Seems obvious but trash is one of the best opportunities for fruit flies to find food and lay eggs. Not good!

3. Bar Mats

Bar mats collect organic material! Clean them off frequently, and at least every night.

4. Limit their Access to Liquids

Ensure that your ice well is completely dry, as well as your sink and anywhere else you may have standing liquids.

5. Limit the Places Where They Can Lay Their Eggs

Pay a lot of attention to places that have lots of organic materials, water and other residue. These are huge opportunities for flies to lay eggs – which is both extremely gross and will create an even bigger fruit fly problem at your bar.

2. Trash

Clean up and throw out your trash regularly. Seems obvious but trash is one of the best opportunities for fruit flies to find food and lay eggs. Not good!

Here are a few products that I recommend for dealing with fruit flies

(Affiliate links)

Hot Shot

Place these in the area where you consistently notice large concentrations of fruit flies.

Bio-Drain

This will help to prevent destroy any fruit fly eggs that are going to hatch in your floor drains. Pour a little down the drain before you leave for the night.

Fruit Fly Traps

This can help manage the active fruit flies, while Hot Shot and Bio Drain can help keep the next generation from forming.

Do you have Fruit fly issues at your bar? Do you have any tips I’ve missed? Let me know!

Chris Tunstall

Co-Founder of A Bar Above and career bartender and mixologist. I love experimenting, creating cocktails, and drinking Green Chartreuse.