It’s time for us to battle the pesky drain flies that seem to emerge from every home faucet. With the right knowledge, we’re equipped with the proper arsenal to eliminate these unwanted guests. Let me guide you through some tried and tested strategies for managing a drain fly infestation so you can reclaim your sanity and have squeaky clean water flowing from all taps. Getting rid of drain flies doesn’t have to be complicated or require expensive solutions – I’m sharing my top 7 methods for making your home fly-free!
What Are Drain Flies?
**drain flies in your home** are no strangers to the average household. These pesky insects resemble tiny mosquitoes and fruit flies, typically measuring between 2mm to 5mm in size. Often seen either flying around drains or simply hanging out on bathroom walls, these annoying bugs have a life cycle that lasts from 8 to 24 days.
If left unchecked, a single drain fly can go on to produce up to 300 eggs and hatch them in as little as 48 hours. That’s why it’s important to know what drain flies are and how you can get rid of them – before they multiply into an infestation.
So what are drain flies exactly? As their name suggests, they’re insects that thrive near drains with moist edges, which provide them with the perfect breeding ground. They have light gray bodies and 6 legs covered with long delicate hairs which help them cling onto damp surfaces like tile and porcelain sinks.
To make matters worse, their wings also have fuzz-like growths or fringe – giving them an altogether eerie appearance when seen up close. And if that’s not enough for you to worry about, these creatures also carry certain Diseases – including the ones responsible for skin rashes and stomach discomfort.
To avoid getting bitten or infected by these creepy crawlers, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with basic facts about drain flies so that you can spot the signs early and take action quickly to eliminate any potential threats from your home environment.
Where Do Drain Flies Come From?
Drainage flies gravitate towards still water with amassed bacteria and sewage, so you can usually find them in large numbers nearby.
- Kitchen and outdoor sinks
- Shower and bathtub drains.
- Basement sinks (especially those that go unused for some time)
- Sewers
- Septic tanks
- Soil that contains sewage
Low-lying, stagnant water in these locations attracts drainage flies to lay their eggs. Even leaky pipes or drains filled with sewage can attract them due to the protective membrane that forms inside.
- Wet mops and buckets
- Compost piles
- Storm drains with standing water
- Wet areas around the garbage, birdbaths, or barns
What Do Drain Flies Eat?
When identifying what drain flies eat, most want to know if they’re safe around food and water. Well, that’s an open-ended question since drain flies are a surprisingly varied bunch. While the common greyish-black flies that emerge from clogged drains or sewers tend to feed mainly on organic materials like decaying vegetables and uneaten food source remnants, other drain flies have more exciting diets. For instance, some species prefer nectar from flowers or sugary tree sap, while others may consume algae, fungi, and even wildlife like eggs, larvae, and small crustaceans.
Are Drain Flies Harmful?
Drain flies might not be the most dangerous creatures in your home, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make your life miserable. While these tiny pests don’t transmit diseases or cause structural damage, they can feed on decaying organic material and spread bacteria wherever they go. Plus, no one wants to look at a swarm of icky drain flies while trying to enjoy their kitchen. So are drain flies harmful? The answer is both yes and no.
On the one hand, drain flies can be annoying—no one wants swarms of them buzzing around their sink or tub. However, drain flies only pose a minimal health risk as long as their population remains small. The most significant risk from these pests is that their larvae eat organic materials found in clogged drains, which leads to an unpleasant odor when these materials decay. In addition to this smell threat, there’s also the potential for them to transport dirt and microorganisms from unsanitary areas into your home.
Are You Experiencing a Drain Fly Infestation?
Several indications can alert you to their presence if you want to make sure you know how to tell if you have drain flies.
- One of our signs is the appearance of clusters of small adult flies near sinks or other sources of moisture.
- Also, bits of slimy sludge often gather around drains due to the presence of these pests. These droppings will accumulate around fixtures like bathtubs and showers if not wiped away regularly – they will start building up and become visible over time.
- Finally, breeding grounds for these flies will produce a musty odor when they’re present in large numbers. If something smells off, there’s probably an infestation in your infrastructure somewhere!
To wrap things up – spotting clusters of small flies buzzing around draining areas, seeing slimy sludge gathering around showerheads or bathtubs, and experiencing musty odors can all be signs that you have a problem with drain flies.
Duct Tape Test
To rid your drain of flies, adhere a piece of tape to the top and seal it overnight. As they come out, the flies will become trapped in their attempt to reach the surface – this effectively gauges how many there are while also taking care of some existing bugs. For optimal results, repeat this process for several nights consecutively.
Check for Larvae
Drain flies tend to lay eggs in the gunk that accumulates within your drain opening. To investigate if this is happening, start by removing the cover and cleaning off some buildup on its side. If you can’t find any tiny tubular larvae but are still convinced there are eggs present, they may be nested even deeper inside your pipe system.
Ways to Get Rid of Drain Flies
If the infestation of drain flies is minor, you can use either natural or chemical solutions to eradicate them. Luckily, many easy-to-find items from around your kitchen and under the sink are necessary for a successful cleanup!
Eliminate Drain Flies Naturally – Try These Proven Techniques!
- Boiling Water
To quickly and effortlessly remove flies from your drains, pour boiling water down the drain every one or two days for approximately seven days. This will eliminate any organic buildup inside the pipes and ensure that the pesky critters won’t return overnight!
- Baking Soda + Salt + Vinegar
Mixing equal parts of baking soda, salt, and white vinegar effectively eliminates flies from your drains. Pour the concoction down the drain for 30 minutes, then flush it with hot water. This should help to dislodge and remove any larvae that were living inside.
- Soap + Water + Sugar + Vinegar
You can also mix soap, water, sugar, and white vinegar to eliminate drain flies. This method destroys the fly larvae’s protective coating, making them unable to survive. To make the mixture, combine equal parts of liquid soap, warm water, and white vinegar with a tablespoon of sugar. Pour it down your drains for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
- Apple Cider Vinegar + Plastic Wrap
Apple cider vinegar is an incredibly effective tool for getting rid of drain flies. Pour a half-cup of the liquid down the drain and then cover it with plastic wrap for about 10 minutes. This will attract the flies and prevent them from escaping. Afterward, remove the plastic wrap and flush it with hot water to complete the process.
- Drain + Duct Tape
Sealing the drain with duct tape is a great solution to banish pesky drain flies. Securely place it over the opening and ensure no gaps for any bugs to escape through. Leave it overnight or longer until you have evidence of your infestation problem.
Discover How to Eliminate Drain Flies with Chemical Products
Chemical Sprays and Repellents
When getting rid of pesky drain flies, sometimes traditional drain cleaners just don’t cut them. But don’t worry; chemical-based options can help you get rid of these icky bugs in no time! Although chemical products should be used cautiously and could potentially be dangerous if mishandled, they are generally effective. They provide peace of mind when your regular cleaning isn’t doing the trick. Here’s a quick guide on how to use chemical drain cleaners to get rid of drain flies:
- Start by choosing an appropriate chemical cleaner for the type of drain fly problem you have. Read the labels carefully to determine what type of agent it is best for. Follow directions as outlined on the label – consult a professional before doubling up concentrations.
- Put on protective gear like gloves and eye protection before opening any chemical containers – safety first! If possible, work in a ventilated area so fumes from the chemicals won’t overwhelm you. Again, labels should inform you of special requirements when handling certain chemicals; follow those instructions closely.
- Carefully pour a measured amount (check label instructions!) into each affected area and wait 10-15 minutes before rinsing or flushing out with water. Note: Decapitated adult flies will not necessarily dissolve away by simply pouring in cleaner; they’ll need a bit more than that! In any case, removing them manually is usually recommended before introducing any chemical compounds down the drain.
- Test small sections at a time or utilize an isolated system first before completing full treatments throughout all appropriate areas of your home – this helps ensure everything works properly without any unexpected surprises down the line! After application, allow about a half-hour for all contents present within drains to settle and flush/rinse everything away using your sink’s average water flow rate (again following manufacturer-specified instructions also!).
- Last but not least, if desired results do not occur within 1-2 days after repeating step three once more (if needed), contact licensed professionals who may better understand how to eliminate your particular pest issue.
Chemical Sprays and Repellents
If you’ve noticed small, fuzzy-winged flies suddenly materializing in your bathroom drains, chances are you have a drain fly infestation. Fortunately, getting rid of these pests is easy with chemical sprays and repellents such as Green Gobbler, Natural Armour, and American BioSystems. All three products are specifically designed to target drain flies and can be used alone or combined for maximum efficiency.
- Green Gobbler
If you want to go the DIY route and bypass the chemicals, Green Gobbler provides non-toxic enzymatic options that are safe for children and pets but still highly effective for killing off troublesome drain flies. Their Fogger Bomb takes care of the problem in an evenly distributed mist throughout your home, while their Drain Gel is gentle enough to be used on metal pipes but can clear out any blockages caused by the buildup of gunk that likes to form in drains over time.
- Natural Armour
Meanwhile, Natural Armour’s Insecticide Concentrate is strong enough to keep whole neighborhoods free of pesky pests – great if you are dealing with a more severe infestation!
- American BioSystems
And lastly, there’s American BioSystems’ Insect Mop Up, which is a powerful deterrent against any insect invasions caused by drain flies. Not only does this product undo what damage has been done, but it also keeps them away for good!
So no matter how severe your drain fly problem may seem, there’s sure to be something suited for fixing it. With its blend of chemical sprays and natural solutions, it’s no wonder these three products reign supreme when handling those textured winged creatures from down below!
How to Prevent Drain Flies
If you’ve ever encountered annoying little bugs hovering around your kitchen sink, you know the terror of drain flies. Putting an end to these pests is a pretty straightforward endeavor.
- Start by clearing all the drains in your home. Use a drain snake or similar tool to remove any clogs and residue that could invite these pesky critters.
- Second, keep drains clean and dry. Ensure any rubbish bins are emptied regularly and adequately sealed to prevent liquid from seeping into them.
- Finally, pour boiling water down all your sinks weekly to kill drain flies and any excess organic matter that sustains these annoying bugs.
With a few practical steps, you can permanently end the problem of pesky drain flies.
Wrapping up
There you have it! Following the steps outlined above, it is time to get rid of drain flies and keep them away for good. Remember to stay vigilant and regularly inspect your drains to catch any potential problems early on.
Hofen Sanitary has been a leader in manufacturing drains and pipes for over ten years. We are dedicated to providing exceptional products and services for all customers. If you require reliable supplies for your drainage needs, please get in touch with us today! We can’t wait to assist you – reach out soon!