Persistent Fruit Flies in Kitchen: Find the Breeding Source, Not Just Traps

Swarms of fruit flies in kitchen/family room persist despite apple cider vinegar traps, bleaching trash can and drains, and removing produce.

Expert Answer: Two flies share the name "fruit fly": the small vinegar fly (breeds in compost/rotting veg) and the larger picture-wing fly (tree fruit pest). See differences. Traps only detect, not eliminate. Must locate and remove the breeding source (overripe/rotting vegetable matter, possibly a compost pail). Flies are short-lived; ongoing presence means a source remains.

— Jack DeAngelis