Fruit flies are mainly attracted to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Rotting foods <\/li>
- Fresh products<\/li>
- Moist areas<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
However, they may be drawn to other, more unusual sources as well, including cat food<\/a>… and coffee machines!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you find that fruit flies are swarming your coffee maker, then it\u2019s natural to assume that the coffee grounds might be the culprit. But it may be left-over moisture rather than coffee grounds that attract them, unless your grounds have been there for a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we’ll take a look at whether fruit flies are attracted to coffee grounds, and some of the other things in your home that they may be drawn to.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhy Fruit Flies May Like Your Coffee Machine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pestqueen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/47218254_handsome-man-using-coffee-machine-in-kitchen-e1663082471574-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you find congregations of fruit flies in your coffee machine or your coffee grounds, then there is certainly something they are attracted to! Of course, the last thing you want to do is take a sip of coffee that\u2019s full of fruit flies! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But you\u2019ll be happy to know that it\u2019s probably not your coffee machine that\u2019s the problem.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, there are some reasons why fruit flies might like your coffee machine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here they are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Moisture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fruit flies are drawn to moisture<\/a>. So if you aren\u2019t wiping your coffee machine down regularly, then it can become an attractive place for bugs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
After you\u2019ve made a cup of joe, be sure to dispose of the used grounds immediately, and give the basket and any exposed wet areas a good wipe down.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you notice excess moisture, then you may have a leak or opening in your coffee machine. Luckily, that is easy to remedy, especially with a little DIY know-how.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Heat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Warm surfaces and heat are also appealing to fruit flies. If you haven\u2019t cleaned your coffee maker in a while, the heated residue will start to make the old grounds rancid. This produces a magnetic smell that fruit flies will swarm to.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Old or Dirty Grounds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Some people prefer to store their used grounds to put in the compost later or to use in recipes. So, if you\u2019re one to save your old coffee grounds in a container, you\u2019ll want to make sure that it\u2019s an airtight one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fruit flies are drawn to moist and decaying substances to breed and eat. They love to swarm around rotten fruit<\/a> and food, but will happily inhabit drains<\/a> and other food sources — anyplace they can provide food for their young. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So try to ensure that there\u2019s as little rotting food exposed in the house as possible!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nCommon Causes of Fruit Fly Infestations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pestqueen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Depositphotos_12202081_L-e1663075616649-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThough it\u2019s not unheard of for fruit flies to swarm a coffee maker, that\u2019s probably not the primary location that they\u2019re infesting (unless you haven’t used your machine in a while). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some common areas that may be causing your fruit fly problem:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. A bowl of fruit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you keep a bowl of fruit out in your kitchen<\/a>, and you haven\u2019t touched it for a while, then that may be drawing in the pests.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you keep a bowl of fruit out in your kitchen, then that may be drawing in the pests.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to prevent an infestation, consider storing your fruit in a cupboard or refrigerator. You can also cover your fruit bowl with some sort of covering or simply transfer it into a sealed tub. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just note that fruit flies can survive in the fridge for hours. And be sure to toss any rotten food before you put the remaining food in the fridge. The larva and eggs may well still be there!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Dirty sink<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dirty sinks and drains are perhaps the most common places for fruit flies to breed and live. Thankfully, they\u2019re some of the easiest places to exterminate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
All you need is a dishcloth and some boiling water. Pour it down the drain regularly, and you’ll clear out any fruit flies or drain flies<\/a> that have set up shop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note that some people recommend bleach, but it’s potentially hazardous to put bleach down the drains<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stick to boiling water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. House plants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pestqueen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/34519944_fruit-fly-close-up-e1662571808681-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n