As we unplugged our Paraclipse Insect Inn (bug control system) at the Hood River tasting room we felt a sigh of relief as we knew that we would not see these pesky buggers till August of next year. There’s nothing more irritating than a fruit fly buzzing around as you try to enjoy a taste of wine.

During the peak of this year's infestation we were reduced to trying most of the reasonable and even some silly ideas to get the buggers dead. We wanted to share the results of the Naked Winery Fruit Fly R&D team just in case you are ever charged with eradicated the fly from your wine enjoyment area.

Liquid & Solid Attractant Traps

Vinegar, wine, apples, commercially available stinky mixes and the associated homemade traps (glasses, bowls, bottles etc. with creative funneling systems) or commercial traps (easy in, difficult out designs by highly educated engineers) and the good old hanging fly tape do attract and kill flies. That being said they almost always quickly become an eye-sore and sometimes create odors that are at least as offensive as the flies that they are designed to kill.

Hanging Water Bags

Yep, that's right.  Just hang some clear plastic bags filled with water and your fly problems will be gone. It supposedly scares the fly with their own reflection or messes up their multifaceted eyes or something like that. We really wanted this method to work and we were willing to risk the occasional downpour from bad hanging systems. Alas, other than generating some interesting conversations, our species of fly just didn't seem bothered by the bags.

Commercial Traps (UV light, w/sticky tape)

These guys are expensive to buy (>$100 per trap) and operate (new bulbs >$10 each, replacement tape rolls >$10) but they do work. They are easy to look at as the dead bugs remain out of sight and there are no stinky odors emitted. This is our preferred solution.

Clean, clean & clean again

Whichever, above method you decide on it must be said that not giving the flies a place to breed must be part of all eradication plans. Keep all fruit and vegetables in the refrigerator. Wipe down counters and exposed surface areas with a good cleaner. We like ... you guessed it ... Windex.