Key Takeaways
- Fruit flies die outdoors in freezing temperatures but survive indoors.
- Indoor fruit flies thrive in warm homes with food and moisture.
- Drains, trash bins, and overripe fruit attract winter fruit flies.
- Cleaning drains and removing food sources eliminates infestations.
- DIY traps and proper food storage prevent future infestations.
Fruit flies are one of the most annoying pests homeowners deal with, especially in the warmer months when ripe fruits and vegetables are abundant. But as winter approaches, many people wonder: Do fruit flies die in the winter?
The short answer is yes and no. While extreme cold temperatures can kill fruit flies, they can survive indoors, even during the coldest months. If you’ve spotted fruit flies in your home during winter, it’s likely because they found a warm environment with food sources to sustain them.
In this article, we’ll explore:
Topics Covered
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What happens to fruit flies in winter
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How they survive indoors despite freezing temperatures outside
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Steps to eliminate and prevent winter fruit fly infestations
How Cold Weather Affects Fruit Flies
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Cold Weather Slows or Stops Their Reproduction: Below 60°F (16°C), fruit flies become less active, and their reproduction slows significantly. Below 32°F (0°C), adult fruit flies and their eggs die quickly if exposed to freezing conditions.
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Outdoor Fruit Flies Die in Freezing Temperatures: Fruit flies outside won’t survive the frost, as eggs laid on outdoor fruit or trash bins will freeze and die.
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Indoor Fruit Flies Can Survive Year-Round: Warm indoor environments with food sources allow fruit flies to thrive during winter.
Ways Fruit Flies Enter Homes in Winter
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Infested Grocery Items: Fruit fly eggs can already be on store-bought produce like bananas, tomatoes, apples, potatoes, and citrus fruits.
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Open Doors & Windows: Fruit flies from heated garages or basements can enter homes through small openings.
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Existing Populations From Fall: Fruit flies that were present in your home during late summer may have found hiding spots in drains, trash bins, or pantries.
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Breeding in Drains or Garbage Disposals: Sink drains, garbage disposals, and compost bins provide hidden breeding grounds.
Steps to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Winter
Step 1: Find and Eliminate Their Food Sources
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Throw out overripe or rotting fruit.
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Store fresh fruit in the fridge instead of leaving it on the counter.
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Clean up spills and crumbs immediately.
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Wipe down trash cans and counters to remove residue.
Step 2: Clean Your Sink Drains & Garbage Disposal
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Step 1: Pour boiling water down the drain to kill any larvae.
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Step 2: Add ½ cup of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz for 10 minutes.
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Step 3: Scrub inside the drain using a long drain brush to remove buildup.
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Step 4: Flush with more boiling water to wash away debris.
Step 3: Set Traps to Catch the Remaining Flies
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What You’ll Need: Apple cider vinegar (½ cup), dish soap (2-3 drops), plastic wrap, and a small bowl.
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Step 1: Fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar.
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Step 2: Add a few drops of dish soap to break surface tension.
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Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and poke small holes.
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Step 4: Place the trap near sinks, trash cans, or fruit fly hotspots.
Step 4: Take Out the Trash & Clean Trash Bins
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Use a trash can with a tight-fitting lid.
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Rinse out recyclables (especially wine bottles, soda cans, and juice cartons).
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Disinfect your trash bin weekly to remove food residue.
Step 5: Keep Your Kitchen Dry & Clean
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Wipe down counters and sinks every night.
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Don’t leave dirty dishes overnight in the sink.
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Keep dish sponges and rags dry (replace them frequently).
Long-Term Prevention Tips
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Store fruits & vegetables in the fridge whenever possible.
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Inspect produce before buying to avoid bringing home fruit fly eggs.
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Use a fruit fly trap year-round as a preventive measure.
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Clean drains & garbage disposals weekly with baking soda and vinegar.
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Seal cracks in windows and doors to prevent new flies from entering.
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Take out the trash regularly and keep trash bins clean.
What Happens to Fruit Flies in Winter?
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Outdoors: Fruit flies will die when exposed to freezing temperatures.
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Indoors: They can survive all winter if they find a warm place with food and moisture.
Key Steps to Eliminate Winter Fruit Flies
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Remove their food sources.
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Clean drains and trash bins regularly.
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Use fruit fly traps to catch adult flies.
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Maintain a clean and dry kitchen environment.
f you feel things have gone out of control, it is advised to contact pest control professionals. Our team can provide a customized approach to protect your home effectively.
Visit our Species, Control, and DIY Guide sections for additional resources on wasps and ways to tackle a wasp infestation.
Prevention techniques might not be enough if you’re already dealing with an infestation in your home. Our pest control professionals provide a customized solution to protect your home effectively. 
