If you’re constantly swatting at fruit flies in your kitchen, you might assume the fruit bowl is to blame. But, here’s the shocker — fruit flies actually prefer a different breeding ground in your home. And no, it’s not where your bananas are lounging. Spoiler alert: check your drains!
Fruit flies aren’t just after your apples.

While they’re notorious for targeting ripened fruit and veggies, these tiny pests can make your kitchen feel like a flyover zone.
With their knack for appearing out of nowhere, fruit flies can become a major nuisance in no time. But as much as you might want to blame that banana, there’s a more sinister culprit.
Chasing them down is nearly impossible.

They’re quick, tiny, and annoyingly good at dodging your fly swatter or spray. Their ability to multiply rapidly also means you need a better game plan than targeting the ones you see buzzing around. Missing a single fly can mean more are coming before you know it.
Many people try DIY traps.

One popular method involves apple cider vinegar and dish soap, which does attract and drown fruit flies. But, while this helps, it might not be enough if the flies have found a sneaky place to lay eggs. In fact, unless you tackle the root of the problem, those tiny traps might be no more than a temporary fix.
So, where do they actually breed?

Social media cleaning gurus have revealed the truth — fruit flies aren’t just after your fruit.
According to these experts, they’re flocking to a far more secretive spot in your kitchen: your sink drains! This hidden location gives them the perfect spot to thrive, far from your prying eyes.
A frustrated homeowner’s discovery.

One frustrated homeowner shared their experience. After battling fruit flies with traps, they realized the problem persisted. “I notice them A LOT around my sink,” they said. Moving dishes or not washing them immediately seemed to stir up an army of these little pests. It turns out, their fruit bowl wasn’t the problem after all.
The solution lies in cleaning your drains.

Cleaning experts online swear by simple remedies like pouring a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda down the sink to kill any eggs lurking below. Some even recommend using bleach for an extra punch. A thorough clean of your kitchen sink’s drain could make all the difference.
Homeowners back up these tips.

“They breed in places like drains. Baking soda/vinegar has worked for me,” shared one commenter. Another suggested a targeted cleaner designed to stop fruit flies from reproducing in your pipes. These cleaning tips have helped many frustrated homeowners reclaim their kitchens.
Experts confirm the drain theory.

Entomologists have backed up this surprising discovery. The organic material that accumulates in your sink’s gunky build-up is the perfect breeding ground for fruit flies, making your sink drain their hidden paradise. The grime provides food for larvae, creating a cozy home for them.
Forget about only focusing on your fruit bowl. By cleaning your drains regularly, you can eliminate their breeding ground and prevent them from multiplying. A cleaner kitchen means fewer unwanted guests!
In summary: Don’t ignore your drains.

To truly rid your kitchen of fruit flies, you need to look beyond your fruit bowl and tackle the surprising source of their breeding grounds: your drains. Giving them a good clean with vinegar and baking soda, or even bleach, can stop fruit flies at their core.
A little elbow grease now could spare you a major headache later — and ensure your kitchen stays a fly-free zone for good.