How to Prevent and Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Your Compost Bin

When it comes to getting rid of fruit flies in our compost bin, here are the solutions that worked for us...

1. Cover.  Snap the lid of your compost container shut every time, immediately after opening whenever possible.
2. Dry.  Dry out your compost bin a little bit.  Often, fruit flies are a problem in compost bins that are too wet.  When it comes to your counter-top or backyard container, be sure that paper products (news print, paper, shredded or otherwise) are the first in you bin, and are layered over any "wet" compost (fruit and veg).  Consider "saving" any dry compost to add when it is needed.  For those participating in their city's compost program, you have a lot more flexibility when it comes to the wet-dry ratio  because your compost is being added to the compost collected by residents all over the city.  The ratio of your bin alone isn't nearly as important as someone who is doing the composting themself.  Line the bottom with recycled paper material, and regularly layer on paper or other dry products.  If you get an infestation of fruit flies "drown" them with ample dry biodegradable compost.
3. Wrap.  We line a tin tray with wax paper or newsprint and toss our compost in the tray as we prepare meals.  The compostable waste is wrapped tightly in the dry material and brought to our larger, outdoor container within hours.  We've not had a fruit fly problem inside in the two years we've been living here (fingers crossed!). 

We've managed to escape a fruit fly problem inside our house, but I was recently swarmed by a bunch when I took the dinner compost to the bin.  I added all the paper waste we had collected in the last couple of days and there were only 2 o3 3  that flew up to greet me even just an hour later.  While this isn't an option for those doing their own composting, keeping your your bin on the drier side will help to prevent fruit flies, and minimize the ones you do have.