{
 "schema": "whattobuyfor/v1",
 "type": "situation",
 "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/fruit-flies/",
 "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/fruit-flies.json",
 "publisher": "What to Buy For",
 "method": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/how-we-build-a-basket/",
 "pricesAsOf": "2026-09-29T07:19:39.897Z",
 "priceNote": "Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.",
 "affiliateDisclosure": "Links to Amazon are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.",
 "title": "What to buy for fruit flies in the kitchen",
 "section": "home",
 "answer": "Five things for fruit flies in the kitchen: food bags to test the drains tonight, then bicarbonate of soda for the plughole, a caddy with a tight lid, a lidded bowl for ripe fruit and a sink tidy that dries sponges. A trap catches only adults, so it comes last.",
 "published": "2026-09-29",
 "updated": "2026-09-29",
 "noindex": false,
 "whyThisBasket": [
  "The University of Kentucky's extension entomologist says that unless the breeding sites are removed or cleaned, the problem carries on however often the adults are sprayed. Which? quotes a British Pest Control Association consultant: tackle the whole life cycle, from egg to adult. So every main role goes after the places they breed; the one trap waits until the source is clear.",
  "Which? names those places: the kitchen drain, the food waste bin, rotting fruit and veg, stagnant vase water, damp cloths and sponges, and dirty bottles and jars. The roles follow that list. Rinsing the recycling and emptying vases cost nothing.",
  "The drain test comes first because a drain is easy to miss. Kentucky suggests taping a clear food storage bag over a drain overnight to check it.",
  "Autumn is their season. Kentucky says fruit flies are especially common in late summer and autumn, drawn to ripe and fermenting fruit and vegetables."
 ],
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   "id": "find",
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   "roles": [
    {
     "role": "Clear food bags to test each drain overnight",
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     "pick": {
      "asin": "B0F24X8FY5",
      "name": "100 TidyZ Large Slide Zip Freezer Bags. Resealable.",
      "amazonTitle": "100 TidyZ Large Slide Zip Freezer Bags. Resealable. Zip Lock Food Bags. BPA Free. For Freezing Fruit, Vegetables, Meat. Keeps food Fresh. In a Dispenser Box",
      "brand": "Tidyz",
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       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
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       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:21:02.769Z",
       "rating": 4.5,
       "ratings": 573,
       "boughtLastMonth": "4K+",
       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 4,
        "category": "Food & Sandwich Bags"
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      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 8,
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       "like": [
        {
         "text": "Sturdy slide zip that seals well",
         "count": 4
        },
        {
         "text": "Good for batch cooking and freezing portions",
         "count": 4
        },
        {
         "text": "A useful size that holds a fair amount",
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       "watchOutFor": [
        {
         "text": "Thinner plastic than other freezer bags buyers have used",
         "count": 2
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      },
      "ourName": "TidyZ large slide-zip freezer bags (100)",
      "ourTake": "Kentucky's entomologist suggests checking drains you cannot see into by taping a clear plastic food storage bag over the opening overnight. These are clear 23 x 23 cm bags, 100 to a box, the listing says, wide enough to cover a kitchen plughole. The rest of the box is useful for freezing bread, which Which? says also draws fruit flies."
     },
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     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "University of Kentucky Entomology: Fruit flies (ENTFACT-621)",
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       "name": "Which?: How to get rid of fruit flies and stop them coming back",
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  },
  {
   "id": "clear",
   "label": "This week: clear the source",
   "intro": "Rinse bottles and jars before they go in the recycling, empty vase water and throw out anything soft or fermenting; Which? says a quick rinse is enough.",
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   "roles": [
    {
     "role": "Bicarbonate of soda for the plughole",
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     "pick": {
      "asin": "B0027ICKCY",
      "name": "Dri-Pak Clean & Natural Bicarbonate of Soda 500g",
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       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
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       "amount": 1.8,
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      "signal": {
       "label": "Always \"on offer\"",
       "note": "26 of 26 days",
       "basis": "our daily price checks"
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      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
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       "like": [
        {
         "text": "A versatile staple for all sorts of cleaning jobs",
         "count": 4
        },
        {
         "text": "Added to the wash, whites come out brighter",
         "count": 3
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": []
      },
      "ourName": "Dri-Pak bicarbonate of soda, 500 g",
      "ourTake": "Which? says to pour boiling water down the plughole, because eggs and larvae usually survive normal water flow. For small flies breeding in drains, University of Kentucky entomologists suggest a cleaning agent such as bicarbonate of soda or vinegar, then a hot water flush, and a brush to scrub the film inside the pipe. This is a 500 g box, the listing says."
     },
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     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Which?: How to get rid of fruit flies and stop them coming back",
       "url": "https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/how-to-get-rid-of-fruit-flies-and-stop-them-coming-back-aNzhm9d6r8r4",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
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       "name": "University of Kentucky Entomology: Small flies (ENTFACT-657)",
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    {
     "role": "A food waste caddy with a lid that shuts properly",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/fruit-flies/#role-caddy",
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     "pick": {
      "asin": "B01BPDY092",
      "name": "Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste",
      "amazonTitle": "Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste, Stack 4 Kitchen Food Waste Compost Caddy Recycling Bin with Odour Filter, 4 Litres / 1 Gallon- Graphite",
      "brand": "Joseph Joseph",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/310ucBWfBIL._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01BPDY092",
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       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
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      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:52:45.788Z",
       "rating": 4.6,
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       "categoryRank": {
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       "reviewsRead": 13,
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       "like": [
        {
         "text": "The charcoal filter in the lid keeps food smells inside",
         "count": 6
        },
        {
         "text": "Liners clip in place and are quick to change",
         "count": 5
        },
        {
         "text": "The lid flips up and stays open while you scrape scraps in",
         "count": 4
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       ],
       "watchOutFor": []
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      "ourName": "Joseph Joseph Stack 4 food caddy, 4 L",
      "ourTake": "Which? says to empty the food waste bin regularly, choose one with a well-fitting lid and keep it shut while you peel veg, so flies cannot get in to lay eggs. The Stack 4 holds 4 litres, with a flip-top lid, a charcoal odour filter and a hole that holds the liner in place, the listing says. The maker says to replace the filter every three months."
     },
     "budget": {
      "asin": "B091YY6YJT",
      "name": "Addis Everyday Kitchen Food Waste Compost Caddy Bin",
      "amazonTitle": "Addis Everyday Kitchen Food Waste Compost Caddy Bin, 4.5 Litre, Mist Soft Green, 518696",
      "brand": "Addis",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21ItIgQu0QS._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B091YY6YJT",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B091YY6YJT.json",
      "price": {
       "amount": 7.98,
       "currency": "GBP",
       "checkedAt": "2026-09-29T07:19:39.897Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
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      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T03:08:37.555Z",
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       "reviewsRead": 13,
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       "like": [
        {
         "text": "The lid clips down and stays shut",
         "count": 5
        },
        {
         "text": "Keeps food waste smells inside",
         "count": 4
        },
        {
         "text": "With the lid closed, flies stay out",
         "count": 2
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       ],
       "watchOutFor": [
        {
         "text": "Fruit flies still got in for a couple of buyers",
         "count": 2
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      },
      "ourName": "Addis Everyday food caddy, 4.5 L"
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     "upgrade": null,
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Which?: How to get rid of fruit flies and stop them coming back",
       "url": "https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/how-to-get-rid-of-fruit-flies-and-stop-them-coming-back-aNzhm9d6r8r4",
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    },
    {
     "role": "A lidded bowl for ripe fruit",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/fruit-flies/#role-fruit-bowl",
     "quantity": "1",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
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     "pick": {
      "asin": "B008DW1E2U",
      "name": "Pyrex 180P000",
      "amazonTitle": "Pyrex 180P000 - 2 Liter Bowl With Lid from Borosilicate Glass Stain Resistant Assorted",
      "brand": "Pyrex",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/3165ZFuooIL._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008DW1E2U",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B008DW1E2U.json",
      "price": {
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       "checkedAt": "2026-09-29T07:19:39.897Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
      "availability": {
       "status": "IN_STOCK",
       "amazonMessage": null
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      "subscribeAndSave": null,
      "signal": null,
      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T03:34:40.869Z",
       "rating": 4.6,
       "ratings": 1146,
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        "category": "Bowls"
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      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 13,
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       "like": [
        {
         "text": "The lid fits snugly and seals food in",
         "count": 4
        },
        {
         "text": "Used both for mixing and for storing food in the fridge",
         "count": 4
        },
        {
         "text": "Thick, solid glass",
         "count": 2
        }
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      },
      "ourName": "Pyrex glass bowl with lid, 2 L",
      "ourTake": "Which? suggests a lidded bowl or the fridge for fruit, to break the life cycle of any eggs and larvae already on it. Kentucky says ripe produce should be eaten, thrown away or refrigerated. This is a 21 cm, 2 litre glass bowl with a lid made for fridge and freezer storage, the listing says, so ripe fruit can go straight into the fridge."
     },
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     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Which?: How to get rid of fruit flies and stop them coming back",
       "url": "https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/how-to-get-rid-of-fruit-flies-and-stop-them-coming-back-aNzhm9d6r8r4",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "University of Kentucky Entomology: Fruit flies (ENTFACT-621)",
       "url": "https://entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef621",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    },
    {
     "role": "A sink tidy that lets sponges and cloths dry",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/fruit-flies/#role-sink-tidy",
     "quantity": "1",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
     "lastsDays": null,
     "pick": {
      "asin": "B0D5R7XWT9",
      "name": "HapiRm Kitchen Sink Caddy Black- Self-draining Sponge Holder",
      "amazonTitle": "HapiRm Kitchen Sink Caddy Black- Self-draining Sponge Holder with Brush Holder and Dishcloth Holder, Stainless Steel Sink Tidy Organiser for Countertop Kitchen Storage & Organisation",
      "brand": "HapiRm",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ZtNHcGj1L._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D5R7XWT9",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0D5R7XWT9.json",
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       "amount": 11.39,
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       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
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      "amazon": {
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       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T03:00:11.055Z",
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        "position": 4,
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       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 13,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "The drain spout sends water back to the sink, keeping the worktop dry",
         "count": 5
        },
        {
         "text": "Keeps sponges, brushes and cloths together in one tidy place",
         "count": 5
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": [
        {
         "text": "Smaller than some buyers expected",
         "count": 2
        }
       ]
      },
      "ourName": "HapiRm self-draining sink caddy",
      "ourTake": "Which? says to dry out mops, cloths and sponges, because fruit flies will breed in anything damp, even a thin film of moisture. Kentucky lists mops and cleaning rags among breeding sites. This stainless steel caddy holds a sponge, a brush and a dishcloth, and a spout drains the water back into the sink, the listing says."
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       "name": "Which?: How to get rid of fruit flies and stop them coming back",
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       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "University of Kentucky Entomology: Fruit flies (ENTFACT-621)",
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      },
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       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
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   ]
  },
  {
   "id": "later",
   "label": "Later: if a few flies are still about",
   "intro": "Only once the drains, caddy, fruit and cloths are dealt with.",
   "countsTowardTotal": false,
   "roles": [
    {
     "role": "A ready-made trap for the last few flies",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/fruit-flies/#role-trap",
     "quantity": "1 pack of 2",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
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     "pick": {
      "asin": "B0963J155G",
      "name": "Super Ninja Fruit Fly Traps for Indoors",
      "amazonTitle": "Super Ninja Fruit Fly Traps for Indoors, 2 Pack",
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       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
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       "amount": 8.99,
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      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T19:50:04.602Z",
       "rating": 3.8,
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       "boughtLastMonth": "50K+",
       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 1,
        "category": "Fly Control"
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      },
      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 13,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "Fills up with fruit flies once they find it, usually within a few days",
         "count": 7
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": [
        {
         "text": "Caught few or no flies for some buyers",
         "count": 4
        },
        {
         "text": "Some found a homemade vinegar trap worked as well or better",
         "count": 2
        }
       ]
      },
      "ourName": "Super Ninja fruit fly traps (2)",
      "ourTake": "Kentucky's entomologists say that once the source is gone, leftover flies can be caught with a homemade trap baited with vinegar, or a vacuum. This is a ready-made alternative: two bottles of liquid bait that smells of decaying fruit, each lasting up to three weeks, the listing says, which also warns it will not work on gnats. Which? says a trap alone is unlikely to be a complete answer."
     },
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     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "University of Kentucky Entomology: Small flies (ENTFACT-657)",
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 "totals": {
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   "itemsPriced": 5,
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 },
 "canWait": [],
 "skip": [
  {
   "what": "Fly spray for the flies you can see",
   "why": "The University of Kentucky's extension entomologist says that unless the breeding sites are removed or cleaned, the problem will continue no matter how often insecticides are used on the adults."
  },
  {
   "what": "A bigger fruit bowl for the worktop",
   "why": "Which? suggests a lidded bowl or the fridge instead, and lists buying too much fresh produce among the mistakes that keep fruit flies coming."
  }
 ],
 "questions": [
  {
   "question": "Why do I have fruit flies in my kitchen?",
   "answer": "Something is ripening or fermenting. Kentucky's entomologist says fruit flies are especially common in late summer and autumn, drawn to ripe and fermenting fruit and vegetables. Which? adds white bread, onions and potatoes, vinegar and other fermented foods, pet food left in the bowl, stagnant vase water, damp cloths, the kitchen drain and dirty bottles and jars waiting for recycling."
  },
  {
   "question": "How do I get rid of fruit flies in my kitchen sink drain?",
   "answer": "Test the drain, then clean it. Kentucky suggests taping a clear food storage bag over the plughole overnight to check it. Which? says boiling water kills eggs and larvae that survive normal water flow. For small flies breeding in drains, Kentucky's entomologists add a cleaning agent such as bicarbonate of soda or vinegar, a hot water flush and a brush to lift the film inside."
  },
  {
   "question": "Are they fruit flies or drain flies?",
   "answer": "Look at the wings. Kentucky's entomologists describe fruit flies as about 3 mm long, with a brown-black body and red or black eyes. Drain flies are 2 to 4 mm, dark brown and look like tiny moths, with fine hairs on their bodies and wings. Drain flies lay eggs in the organic matter clogging sink and shower drains, so the drain clean matters most for them."
  },
  {
   "question": "Do fruit fly traps work?",
   "answer": "They catch adults, but they will not end it. Which? says a trap or fly spray is unlikely to be a complete answer, quoting a pest control consultant: tackle the whole life cycle. Kentucky's entomologists say to remove the source first, then catch the rest with a homemade vinegar trap or a vacuum. Kentucky's trap is a jar with a paper funnel and a little cider vinegar."
  },
  {
   "question": "Why do fruit flies keep coming back?",
   "answer": "Because eggs and larvae are still somewhere. Which? says a fruit fly can lay up to 500 eggs at a time and it takes only a week to go from egg to adult, so killing the flies you can see does not stop the next batch. Keep the drains, the caddy, the fruit and the cloths clean and dry."
  }
 ],
 "sources": [
  {
   "name": "Which?: How to get rid of fruit flies and stop them coming back",
   "url": "https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/how-to-get-rid-of-fruit-flies-and-stop-them-coming-back-aNzhm9d6r8r4",
   "checked": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "name": "University of Kentucky Entomology: Fruit flies (ENTFACT-621)",
   "url": "https://entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef621",
   "checked": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "name": "University of Kentucky Entomology: Small flies (ENTFACT-657)",
   "url": "https://entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef657",
   "checked": "2026-09-27"
  }
 ],
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