Good grief, drain flies can become a real nuisance quickly. These little intruders, also known as sewer gnats or moth flies, can come out of nowhere and end up near your sinks, showers, or any place that has standing water. Although they are safe, they signal a bigger problem with your drains that needs addressing.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!If these little pests control are wreaking havoc in your home, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. In this guide, you will learn how to identify, exterminate and avoid drain flies for a clean home free of pests.
What are Drain Flies And Why Are They a Problem?
Small with matted hairs and resembling moths, drain flies habitually circle around drains. For all of their size, they have the potential to become a right itch, should they be allowed to go unchecked. These pests multiply in wet areas, like pipes or clogged drains, and feed off organic material buildup. Once they have a foothold they grow exponentially.
Unlike biting flies, drain flies don’t cause any harm to you, but they are disgusting and can make your home uncomfortable. The good news? If you do it right, you can be able to take care of them.
How to Identify Drain Flies
Before you do anything, make sure that you are actually dealing with drain flies. Here’s how to spot them:
Size: Drain flies are small, only reaching about 1/8 th of an inch in length.
Appearance: They have furry moth-like wings, with scales that can be gray or tawny. They are also covered in hair, which gives them their unique, fuzzy feel.
Behaviour: These flies are found resting on walls near drains or flying short distances in an erratic manner.
Habitat: Drain flies can usually be found surrounding bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, showers and basement floor drains where humidity is high.
One easy way to verify their presence is the “tape test”: If you suspect a drain, for instance, put duct tape sticky side down over the drain overnight. If you find some flies stuck to the tape the next morning, you have drain flies, without a doubt.
What Attracts Drain Flies?
Drain flies are attracted to areas with moisture and food. Common causes include:
Clogged Drains: As debris and organic matter (soap scum, food particles, grease) accumulate in clogged drains, the conditions are perfect for maggots to thrive.
Stagnant Water: Drain flies are attracted to stagnant water in seldom-used pipes, floor drains, or overwatered places.
Bad drain upkeep: If your drains are not cleaned they’re a feeding ground for drain fly larvae.
Cracks and Leaks: Busted pipes and leaking equipment can trap water and natural matter which make a natural habitat for this pest.
Knowing what draws them in allows for a more targeted approach to treating the cause of the infestation.
DIY Methods to Get Rid of Drain Flies
Hiring professional pest control services isn’t necessary every time you have a drain fly problem. Begin with these helpful self-help techniques:
Step 1: Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain First up: Try boiling water down the drain.
Open the affected drain and pour the contents of a boiling pot of water down, doing this 2–3 times daily for a week. Adult flies and any larvae in the drain will be killed by the hot water.
Step 2: Baking Soda and Vinegar Take the odor of the awful fish smell away with the help of baking soda and vinegar.
To break up drain gunk, make your own fizzy cleaning tablets:
- Combine 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar.
- Empty the product down the drain and plug it.
- Leave for 1–2 hours and then rinse with boiling water.
Step 3: Clean Out the Drain With a Brush
For hard-caked debris, unclog that drain the old-school way with a flexible pipe brush:
Dip the brush into the toilet drain opening and brush the area to clear away any grime.
Clear away the debris and flush area to remove water.
Step 4: Set a Vinegar Trap
- To catch adult flies, try a basic trap made of apple cider vinegar:
- Add a few drops of dish soap to a small bowl of apple cider vinegar.
- Stretch a sheet of plastic wrap over the bowl and poke some small holes through it.
- Put it close to the infected place to attract the flies!
Step 5: Drain Gel Cleaner
Buy a drain gel cleaner that’s made to remove organic material. Pour the gel down the drain according to package directions to fill all crevices.
Keeping Drain Flies Away
After you’ve eliminated drain flies, it’s all about keeping your drains clean and clear to keep them away. Here are some things to look out for:
Clear Drains Often: Use hot water or a drain cleaning solution on a weekly basis to keep drains clear and free.
Check Leaks: Fix leaks in pipes and make sure plumbing connections are secured to stop water from accumulating.
Cover Up: Put on drain covers to keep debris from being able to get in your drains.
Run Unused Drains: If you have drains that don’t get a lot of use (such as those in guest bathrooms or basements), simply pour some hot water down into them occasionally, so they do not go stale and go to waste.
Examine Your Home: Get in the habit of looking for seepage, standing water, or any other place where flies could breed wet.
When to Call a Professional
If you continue to have drain fly problems despite your best DIY measures, it’s worth it to call in the real experts. Among the professionals that can: Professional plumbers and pest control services can:
- Redo drain cleaning thoroughly with the use of special equipment.
- Find leaks and areas where pests are growing and breeding.
- Use safe, direct treatments to destroy the infestation.
If the problem is widespread, it’s usually worth consulting a professional who can pinpoint and deal exactly with the cause.
Wipe Out Drain Flies Once and for All
Managing drain flies doesn’t have to be painful. When you combine effective DIY methods with preventative action, you can take back your home from the nuisances. In addition to controlling what brings them to your kitchen in the first place, there are also a few things you could do to get rid of them permanently – start by identifying the underlying causes of the problem, then treat the infestation, and finally ensure that you are doing all it takes to keep your drains free from the insects.
And if you can’t seem to eradicate the drain flies, or if you’d rather have a pro handle it, don’t hesitate to ask for help. So with the proper tactics, your home will be fly-free in a matter of moments!
