One of the most common pests at this time of year is the fruit fly.

You can prevent an infestation by storing fruits and vegetables in the fridge and immediately disposing of any overripe produce you will not be eating right away. Wipe down counters right away if you spill something, and empty your kitchen compost and waste containers daily. Before putting bottles and cans in your blue bags, be sure to rinse them out well. Also, ensure mops and rags are dried thoroughly.

If you find your kitchen has a fruit fly infestation, the first place to check is the kitchen sink as it is the most common hidden breeding ground. Use bacterial digesters or other cleaning products to destroy any eggs or flies in the area. You can also make your own spray by placing about 8 drops of lemon grass oil in a liter of water in a spray bottle. Setting up fruit fly traps also helps to capture adults. Purchase a trap at a hardware store, or surf the web for recipes and instructions.