Fruit flies all over the sink

[MarylinMonhoe]

Help please!

For the past few weeks there have been fruit flies all over and flying around the kitchen sink. I don't know why or how to get rid of them! It's disgusting. The kitchen sink is always clean as is the kitchen. We've been using fly spray and washing up frequently. I have no idea why they're are there - specifically around and in the sink - or how to get rid of them! I promise we're not a dirty family! :(

Entertainingly fruit flies do get drunk! I got them all the bloody time when my best mate worked in a genetics lab; I eventually worked out they were living off the sugary water in my flower vases!

automatic wash powder down sink (when in doubt...)

Vinegar in a bowl...cover with cling film and make a hole in the middle . The flys fly in ....can’t get out . 🦟

We have this problem as well. Never thought of the overflow bit in the sink

Red wine in a shallow jar- literally a cm or so. They love it!

I’ve had loads of the little bastards around my food waste bin for weeks now. I thought they’d go when the weather turned but no.

Entertainingly fruit flies do get drunk! I got them all the bloody time when my best mate worked in a genetics lab; I eventually worked out they were living off the sugary water in my flower vases!
Didn't you tell her she's not supposed to bring her work home with her?

Bicarb and vinegar down the plug hole, immediately put the plug in and leave for 10 mins. Rinse with hot water. Repeat as necessary.

Red wine as a pp suggests, just had this a few weeks back and it worked v well. I put it in a glass cup and covered with cling film and put some holes so they could get in but couldn't get out.

Yes they're disgusting. We haven't had many this year actually I've a frosted glass back door they like to land it, last year was like a game of whack a mole daily.
I pour boiling water done the plug hole a few times a day I read they live in the plug hole. I leave the bin out the back too in the day.
Honey is good for catching them.

Fly paper, vinegar and wine traps (balsamic particularly good). Is there a compost bin in your kitchen or near a window into the kitchen? They thrive in very "green" food waste so I used to periodically put a sheet of newspaper or cardboard into the food waste caddy on the counter, and I used to do the same with the outside compost bin. Close the caddy when you're not using it, put it out before it overflows and don't leave fruit peel and food on plates in the kitchen. They will go, you just have to wait them out.

Are you sure they are fruit flies? They could be drain flies - which are bigger...

@sueelleker

Entertainingly fruit flies do get drunk! I got them all the bloody time when my best mate worked in a genetics lab; I eventually worked out they were living off the sugary water in my flower vases! Didn't you tell her she's not supposed to bring her work home with her?

🤣 I always watch those zombie films which originate in some sort of lab break-out thinking ‘yep, seems legit’.

They sound like drain flies - bit of Mr Muscle might be needed to clear the drain.

@MarylinMonhoe

Help please!

For the past few weeks there have been fruit flies all over and flying around the kitchen sink. I don't know why or how to get rid of them! It's disgusting. The kitchen sink is always clean as is the kitchen. We've been using fly spray and washing up frequently. I have no idea why they're are there - specifically around and in the sink - or how to get rid of them! I promise we're not a dirty family! :(

Checked the u bend/trap? Maybe something in there

It sounds like drain flies and you will not get rid of them until you identify the source. Your pipes might be fractured

I have never heard of a drain fly!

That reminds me - I was informed that a spider had taken up residency in a corner in the kitchen (the implication being that I, as spider catcher general, would chase after it and squish it). I will out it outside and freak everyone out by telling them how long these little buggers can live.

I have those bloody midge things about at the minute, the ones that buzz near your ear and like to sit on the ceiling making the place look crap

The vinegar or cider type traps will only work with fruit flies. It sounds like you have fungus gnats / drain flies. They're not attracted to sweet things but to damp and rotting things, like compost and things trapped in your sink u-bend. Bleach and drain cleaner down the plug hole followed by lots of hot water, sticky paper traps as well to be on the safe side, and make sure they're not nesting in house plants.

Check the seal areas around the sink and the surround between the sink, worktop and wall