Something to hate about California

I love California. I have lived here for a long time. However, there are a few things I hate about it here. I can't remember most of them. But there is one that is currently driving me out of my mind: THE FRUIT-FLIES.

I have cleared produce items from my counters and am keeping the kitchen garbage outside, on the balcony. But they are not going away. Before I cook anything in the kitchen, I go on a killing spree among the cloud of tiny fly bodies. It's very frustrating.

Anyone know any brilliant ways of getting rid of them? I have done a bit of research on the subject... http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/Entomology/entfacts/struct/ef621.htm and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruit_fly. Maybe I should start supplying genetics labs. (Don't worry, that was a joke.)