mine have all died down. There is still a small cloud when I open the lid, but they are not everywhere now. I guess they must go through a stage? But do worms eat them? My compost is HEAVING with worms!!

We also have a similar problem with fruit flies in our compost and were wondering how wet to keep the compost? Does the water also attract the flies?

I just take a can of Raid with me and give the bin a spray. It seems to get rid of the blighters for a week or so, but they soon come back!

I lifted my lid and got a swarm of the little buggers which in turn flew up my nose, ugh, but if they are part of the process, I will have to just figure out to wear a mask or something......

I am under the impression that compost bins do not ATTRACT fruit flies but their eggs are already laid in the skins of fruit when you get them home and then they hatch out in the bins. Does anybody know if this is true?

After you add new scraps and what not to the bin, mix it and put a layer of leaves on top. I did this and i don't get the cloud of flies when i open it up.

The only thing I've found that really works is something called Bintrol which is designed to deal with the flies in wheelie bins. Its a small felt pad impregnated with a common insecticide. It repels the little beasties and works a treat. The only thing is that you'll have to get a drawinbg pin of something to hold it in place. That said, the result is brilliant!

Fruit flyes come for the rotten fruit smell and touch.

Just cover your deposits with cardboard, or newspaper, or dry leaves.there has to be more CARBON in the bin than organic deposits. If the flyes dont find anithing to eat eventually they will depart