What do I do about the fruit flies in my indoor compost?
Asked by
mattewing (
13
)
February 16th, 2009
from iPhone
I have a indoor worm bin and fruit flies have been growing in it. I’ll take it outside when it’s warm. But what should I do until then?
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
6 Answers
Fruit lies are inevitable if you have decomposing vegetative matter inside. I have a hole in the ground where I dump my compost during the winter, and I have to do it every day to avoid the insects
If you dumped the worms in a similar hole, I suppose they would end up a robin fodder. What’s a can of new worms cost? Can you just replace them in the spring?
Take a small plastic container (pint), cut a small (1/4”) hole in the lid, fill with about an inch of Apple Cider Vinegar. Place a funnel in the whole (rolled cone of paper is fine).
Place this a few feet away from your compost (somewhere discreet perhaps).
The fruit flies will be attracted to the Apple Cider Vinegar and fly in the funnel. They are unable to fly back out the small end of the funnel (cone) and will die in there.
Once a week, wash out the container and repeat.
Works beautifully.
@cprevite: Could you compost the contents of the container?
@gailcalled: Sure, I don’t see why not. It’s all organic material.
heres a tip: don’t make a compost inside… no more fruit flies. Where’s my award?
@madcapper; A box of 1000 earthworms is in the UPS truck and on its way as I write.
Answer this question 
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.
Composing members:
0
