5 Candle Scents That Keep Fruit Flies Away & How To Use Them

Fruit flies can be a pesky problem in any household, buzzing around and laying eggs on ripe fruits and vegetables. I’m always on the lookout for natural ways to repel these insects, and one such method is using candle scents that keep fruit flies away.

In this article, we will delve into how scented candles can deter fruit flies and the mechanisms behind their effectiveness.

The key to understanding how scented candles can help keep fruit flies at bay lies in knowing what attracts these tiny pests and what repels them. Fruit flies have a keen sense of smell and are drawn to the odors of ripening fruits, vegetables, and even alcoholic beverages.

However, these stubborn insects naturally avoid strong-smelling fragrances that may interfere with their olfactory senses. As such, scented candles with potent aromas can be effective in warding off fruit flies from your living spaces.

An article from the Australian Journal of Entomology backs this claim up with their findings in a study on fruit flies. They found that the scents of tea tree, peppermint, and honey myrtle were effective at repelling fruit flies from apples.

Using scented candles to combat fruit flies is not only environmentally friendly and devoid of harmful chemicals, but it can also add a pleasant aroma to your home. There are numerous creative ways to incorporate scented candles around your space to discourage fruit flies from invading your humble abode.

By understanding the science behind these scents and applying them strategically, you can make your home an unattractive destination for these unwelcome guests.

Fruit Fly Habits and Lifecycle

Fruit Fly Lifecycle

Fruit flies, also known as Drosophila, go through a fascinating lifecycle. Their journey begins as tiny eggs, laid by females on ripe fruits or decomposing organic matter. Within 24 to 30 hours, these eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on the decaying matter.

After about five days of feasting, it’s time for the larvae to transform. They form pupae, enclosed in protective cases where they undergo metamorphosis. Approximately four days later, adult fruit flies emerge and begin searching for mates. The entire lifecycle of a fruit fly can be completed in as few as eight days.

Fruit Fly Habits

To tackle fruit fly infestations, you should first understand their habits. Fruit flies are attracted to fruits, vegetables, and other organic materials rich in sugars and acids. This is why they’re often found swarming around your kitchen or near your garbage cans.

You may even spot fruit flies hanging around your drains and sink, where they have found decaying organic material. By understanding these habits, you can take steps to eliminate breeding grounds and keep fruit flies from invading your home.

What Attracts Fruit Flies?

Fruit flies are notorious for being attracted to rotting food and moist organic matter! The reason behind this attraction lies in their survival instincts – fruit flies rely on odors emitted from decomposing food sources to locate a suitable place for laying their eggs.

When we talk about fruit flies, it’s important to know that they have a keen sense of smell, which plays a critical role in guiding them toward food sources such as ripe fruit, vinegar, and sugar-rich products. Studies show that these insects use their olfactory system to make quick assessments of odors in their surroundings! The bacteria that break down overripe and rotting food produce an irresistible cocktail of scents that attract fruit flies for miles around.

In a typical household, you may find these flies buzzing around items such as bananas, red wine, apples, lemons, crumbs, and food debris. They are also drawn to damp areas with organic material like sponges and garbage disposals. Fruit flies will quickly settle down near available food sources and lay their eggs, leading to a rapidly growing infestation if left unchecked.

To fight fruit flies effectively, it is crucial to maintain a clean kitchen, store produce in airtight containers or refrigerators, and regularly empty trash cans as well as clean up any food scraps or debris from countertops and dining areas.

In the following sections, we will discuss why and how candle scents can be used as a great alternative to keep fruit flies at bay, all while maintaining a pleasant ambiance in your home.

Candle Scents to Repel Fruit Flies

Let’s dive into the world of fragrant candles and see which scents these little critters absolutely despise.

Peppermint is well-known for its fresh aroma and menthol component. It’s no surprise that fruit flies steer clear of this refreshing scent! You can use peppermint essential oil in a diffuser or buy candles infused with this invigorating scent.

Additionally, products like Wondercide’s Peppermint Indoor Pest Control Spray work wonders!

Lavender is another scent that fruit flies dislike. It’s not only soothing and calming for us but also an excellent repellent against these pesky insects. Lavender essential oil or candles with this delightful fragrance will make your space a no-fly zone in no time! CSFBJK’s 4 Pack Lavender Candles are a good bet to keep fruit flies away.

Citronella and lemongrass are two more scents that fruit flies can’t stand. Both have strong citrusy notes that are highly effective in warding off these unwelcome guests. Citronella candles are a popular choice, while lemongrass oil can be used in a diffuser. Pro tip: Combine the two for a double whammy of fruit fly repelling power!

Try Lulu Candles Wild Lemongrass combined with SVA ORGANICS Citronella Essential Oil to create an unpleasant environment for fruit flies, but a pleasantly scented home for yourself!

Now let’s talk about some herbaceous scents! Mint, basil, and rosemary are all excellent choices to keep fruit flies at bay. These herbs have strong, sweet-smelling aromas that deter these pests. Basil essential oil in a diffuser or candles with these scents will have your fruit flies scrambling to find a new home.

Eucalyptus, another scent that fruit flies hate, has a distinct, medicinal aroma which works wonders against these flying annoyances. Eucalyptus candles or essential oil will help create an environment that fruit flies won’t want to be a part of. Talk about a win-win situation! Essential Elements Scented Candles combines eucalyptus and mint for a powerful fruit fly deterrent.

Finally, a combination of clove and cinnamon creates a cozy, spicy atmosphere that fruit flies simply can’t stand. Cloves and cinnamon candles not only add a warm ambience to your home but also effectively repel fruit flies.

Experiment with these various scents to find your favorite combination. By incorporating these fragrant candles around your home, you’ll create a delightful environment for you and a hostile one for fruit flies.

How To Use Scented Candles To Repel Fruit Flies

Once you have a candle scent (or scents!) picked out, it’s time to use them in the battle against fruit flies.

Let’s dive into some creative ways to use candle scents to keep fruit flies away:

1. Place scented candles near fruit bowls: By strategically placing scented candles around fruit bowls or areas where you store fresh produce, you create an invisible barrier that fruit flies will find hard to penetrate!
2. Light scented candles in key areas: Lighting scented candles in areas where fruit flies are most likely to congregate – like the kitchen, near garbage cans, and around indoor plants – can help reduce their numbers significantly.
3. Use a mix of scents: Fruit flies can become accustomed to a single scent over time, so don’t be afraid to mix it up! Rotate between various scents that fruit flies hate, such as lavender, lemongrass, and peppermint, to keep them on their toes.
4. Throw a scented candle party: Why not make the most of your defense against fruit flies by hosting a scented candle party? It’s a fun and creative way to enjoy the ambiance provided by candles while keeping fruit flies at bay!
5. Create a DIY scented candle centerpiece: Combine various scented candles and place them in a decorative centerpiece on your dining table, living room, or kitchen counter. This not only serves as a beautiful decoration, but as a fruit fly repellent, too!
6. Incorporate scented candles into an outdoor gathering: Placing scented candles around your outdoor spaces, particularly during evening barbeques or picnics, can help keep fruit flies from crashing your party. No more uninvited guests, thank you!

Alternative Ways To Deal With Fruit Flies

Fruit flies can be quite a nuisance, but don’t worry! You can easily create your own traps to help keep those pesky bugs at bay. Here are some of the most effective homemade fruit fly traps:

Apple Cider Vinegar Trap: Apple cider vinegar is an excellent fruit fly attractant. To create this trap, simply mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a container. Add a few drops of dish soap, to help break the surface tension and ensure the fruit flies can’t escape.

Vinegar Fly Trap: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, don’t fret! White vinegar will do the trick just as well. In a container, mix white vinegar with a splash of water and a few drops of dish soap. Like apple cider vinegar, white vinegar has a scent that attracts fruit flies, making it an effective trap.

Beer Trap: It turns out that fruit flies have a taste for more than just fruit – they also love beer! Simply pour a small amount of beer into a container, and add a few drops of dish soap to the mix. This will attract the fruit flies and take care of them efficiently.

Fruit Juice Trap: Another easy-to-make trap is a fruit juice-based solution. Pour some fruit juice (such as apple or grape) into a small container. Cover the container with plastic wrap and poke a few tiny holes in it. This will allow the fruit flies to enter the trap, but they won’t be able to escape.

Baiting for Success: To catch as many fruit flies as possible, be sure to use attractive baits in your traps, like pieces of ripe fruit, especially bananas. Just remember to switch out the bait regularly so it doesn’t lose its appeal.

Remember, the best way to tackle a fruit fly infestation is to combine these traps with preventative measures like sealing windows and doors, wiping counters and emptying trash cans regularly, and storing produce in airtight containers or refrigerators. By combining these tactics, you’ll be on your way to a fruit-fly-free home in no time!

Preventive Measures and Home Remedies For Fruit Flies

Cleaning is your best friend when it comes to keeping fruit flies away! A tidy home means fewer breeding grounds for these pesky little critters. Make sure to keep your kitchen sink and drains clean. Regularly disinfect and scrub out your sink. Keep spills to a minimum and promptly cleanup any that occur.

With a few creative twists, you can use candle scents to keep fruit flies at bay. Fruit flies are repelled by certain smells, and candles with these scents can help deter them:

Scent	How to incorporate into candles	Suggested placement
Lemongrass	Use lemongrass essential oil in soy wax candles	Kitchen, dining room
Citronella	Use citronella oil in beeswax candles	Outdoor seating areas, patio
Mint	Use peppermint essential oil in soy wax candles	Kitchen, living room
Basil	Use basil essential oil in soy wax candles	Kitchen, dining room
Lavender	Use lavender essential oil in soy wax candles	Bedroom, bathroom
Eucalyptus	Use eucalyptus essential oil in soy wax candles	Bathroom, living room
Cinnamon	Use cinnamon essential oil in beeswax candles	Kitchen, dining room
Cloves	Use clove essential oil in beeswax candles	Kitchen, living room
Neem	Use neem oil in beeswax candles	Kitchen, dining room
Thyme	Use thyme essential oil in soy wax candles	Kitchen, dining room
Rosemary	Use rosemary essential oil in soy wax candles	Kitchen, dining room

These scents can be placed in different areas of the home depending on their suggested placement. For example, citronella candles are best placed in outdoor seating areas or patios to keep fruit flies away, while lavender candles are best placed in the bedroom or bathroom for a relaxing and calming effect.

It’s a good idea to know what kind of plants actually help in this battle as well. Carnivorous plants, like the Venus flytrap or the sundew, make great natural pest control. They look cool and help keep your space fruit-fly-free!

Keep your garbage and recycling bins covered, ensuring fruit flies don’t find a feast! Regularly dispose of rotting food and fruit – don’t leave them out too long. All of these things will help keep your home free of fruit flies. The key is to be consistent and use scents they dislike in specific areas to deter them.

That said, there are times when home remedies and scents just won’t work. In these instances, it may be time to call in a professional for help. Our nationwide pest control finder can connect you with a local pest pro that can assess the situation and point out what might be attracting these nuisances. They’ll also give you tips on how to keep fruit flies away.

That’s All For Now!

Candle scents have proven to be a natural and efficient way to keep fruit flies away! Fruit flies are incredibly sensitive to odors, particularly certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in candle scents. These VOCs are naturally repulsive to fruit flies, making them an excellent choice to deter these pesky insects.

Let’s recap six creative ways to use candle scents to keep fruit flies at bay:

1. Place scented candles near fruit bowls: Having a scented candle burning close to your fruit bowl creates an aromatic barrier that fruit flies will want to avoid.
2. Use scented candles around windows and doors: Placing candles near entry points helps deter fruit flies from entering your home in the first place. The strong scents will force these pests to reconsider their intended destination.
3. Scented wax melts: Wax melts offer the same benefits as candles but without an open flame. Place these near areas of concern, and the intense fragrance will deter fruit flies.
4. Aromatherapy diffusers: Another flameless option is to use aromatherapy diffusers with essential oils known to repel fruit flies (e.g., eucalyptus, lavender, or lemongrass).
5. Create a DIY fruit-fly-repellent spray: Mix essential oils with water in a spray bottle and mist around affected areas.
6. Scented outdoor candles: When enjoying time outside, light some outdoor candles with fruit-fly-repelling scents!

Remember, using scented candles and other fragrance-based methods offers a non-toxic and natural way to keep fruit flies at bay. However, if you’re experiencing a severe infestation, these methods may not provide enough control, and you may need to combine them with other measures.

Stay persistent, and you’ll keep these uninvited guests away from your lovely home!