Fruit Fly Trap

Have you ever had a family of fruit flies move in with a bag of fruit? I got a pineapple for mothers day and it came with some uninvited guests!

I had trouble with the pesky critters for about 2 weeks before I finally decided I had to do something about it. I had already removed fruit from my counters, but they were still there. I did some online research and found that fruit flies can live off of organic matter stuck in the sink drains or on damp washcloths or towels in your kitchen. I quickly removed baby bibs and wash cloths and cleaned my drain with baking soda and vinegar. Then I made a trap!

Here's how to make your trap: find a small disposable container. Put in some cider vinegar to bait the trap. Poke several holes in the top. I used a knife point and twisted it. Before long, the fruit flies were drawn into the trap, and several got stuck in the vinegar. They were ALL gone within 3 days. Then just throw the whole trap away!

Making Space for your Stuff

• Raise your beds (use risers, boxes of cans, or build a platform yourself)
• Create a bedside table by stacking boxes, topping with a round of wood from the hardware store and a cover with a decorative tablecloth
• Use an over-the-door shoe bag to store small items.
• Instead of a dresser, use an armoire (it will double your storage space but without taking extra floor space). Baskets, hat boxes, and other decorative storage containers can also be added to the top of the armoire for even more storage.
• Have a big bathroom? Add a dresser and store your supply of toothpaste and other bathroom products where these items are ready to use.
• Have open space in your cupboards? Add more shelves. (eliminates need for stacking)
• Use a box or basket to hold smaller items in your cupboards
• If you have a sofa in the middle of a room, consider adding a dresser or cabinet behind it that can be used as lamp table.
• Use decorative baskets to hold items around your home
• Remove pots and pans from cupboards and hang them.
• Use uniform-sized storage containers.

Adapted from an article by Carolyn Nicholayson