So, you came home one day. You sat back to relax, but after a while noticed drain flies flying. Even though these creatures don’t cause any damage, they’re still annoying. Especially if in large groups.
However, what we call “drain flies” isn’t a single species but a multitude of insects. They can sink flies or sewer gnats, even filter flies. One of them is also the mothfly. Its name comes from its fuzzy, moth-like appearance.
Let’s explore how to dispose of them in detail below.
Why getting rid of drain flies is important
When they’re in small numbers, the drain fly larvae can actually help break down sludge in your drain pipes and sewer mains, which speeds up waste breakdown. Because of that, if you occasionally see a few drain flies, you shouldn’t be alarmed.
However, it is possible for drain flies to transfer harmful bacteria, which can be especially troubling in your kitchen, where they can contaminate your food. That’s why pest control providers generally advise making sure they don’t have favourable conditions in which to live and breed.
Identifying drain flies
Drain flies are about 3 to 4 mm long and are usually attracted to rotting, decaying organic material and standing water where they lay their eggs. Simply cleaning the matter from the decaying spot and keeping all areas of your home dry and clean should usually be enough for the flies to disappear and stay away.
Despite their name, drain flies don’t actually fly and instead hop from surface to surface. Keep in mind that they usually don’t go away easily on their own and can live for up to 3 weeks with new eggs hatching every 48 hours.
Unlike fruit flies, drain flies look fuzzy, and you can differentiate them based on the areas they’re attracted to.
While fruit flies usually circle a fruit basket or decomposing food, drain flies are commonly found near drains, hence their name. They are attracted to the combination of moisture and decaying organic material that can build up in your drain if you’re not disposing of your waste properly.
For example, fixtures and floor drains, especially if they aren’t flushed out often, are the main locations where these flies tend to gather. These types of damp areas with decaying organic material are the ideal food source for their larvae to feed on after they hatch.
How to get rid of drain flies from sinks and drains
There are five main ways in which you can get rid of drain flies if they’ve become a nuisance in your kitchen.
Bacterial drain cleaners and gels
You can try bacterial drain cleaners and drain gels for stubborn drain issues involving drain flies and organic build-up. Biodegradable drain gels and liquids can usually clean the drain pipes thoroughly and eliminate the favourable breeding ground for drain flies. In any case, avoid using chemical cleaners to prevent damage to your pipework.
Hot water flushes
To prevent drain flies from appearing in the first place, you’ll need to regularly clean your drains, sinks and drain pipes in your home. To do that, wash the drains with a long, stiff brush, then pour hot boiling water through the drain to remove any sludge and organic debris build-up.
Physical removal methods
Sometimes, you’ll need to manually remove any lingering organic materials from your drains, even if you’re not struggling with drain flies, by using the appropriate tools. In addition to that, clear any organic material from the floors and walls around your garbage and recycling containers by using hot, soapy water. Make sure to dry the containers before putting them back because clean and dry containers won’t be attractive to drain flies.
Sanitation of drains
You’ll also need to sanitise the drains. Regular cleaning alone won’t do it. That’s why, you should use one good old natural remedy. It’s the baking soda and vinegar mixture. First, pour the sodium bicarbonate. Next, add in the white vinegar and wait a bit. You’ll hear a fizzing sound, which means the mixture is working.
Lastly, after 12 hours, pour hot boiling water into the drain. This will rinse the solution and wash away any remaining fly larvae.
Drain repairs
In addition to the cleaning methods, you’ll need to repair and replace any leaky pipes and drain traps. If you find such traps or pipes, replace them because dripping water can attract the insects on the floor of cabinets or in wall openings.
Additional drain fly prevention tips
Some other strategies to make sure you don’t get drain flies include:
- Cleaning floor drains and sump pump pits. Floor drains are often spots that collect standing water in the drain traps, and the stagnant water and sludge in them provide the ideal conditions for drain flies to breed. Sump pump pits are also common locations for drain flies breeding. You can wash floor drain traps and scrub floor drains with a stiff brush, flush them with hot water and rinse them with baking soda and vinegar. For sump pump pits, make sure the pump is operating properly and can drain the sump pits completely.
- Eliminating standing water. Any area where water can become stagnant will be attractive to drain flies, especially if there’s also organic material. Because of that, you’ll need to eliminate standing water or persistently damp areas, such as the laundry area, the drain pan beneath a refrigerator or any soggy areas around your houseplants.
- Remove smells caused by stagnant water. If it’s possible, eliminate any potential areas where water can puddle and grow stagnant because that is where drain flies breed. To do that, thoroughly clean and dry out any such spots, which can include dirty birdbaths, rain barrels, garbage bins, soggy compost bins or dog kennels.
- Create drain fly traps. You can make simple drain fly traps with plastic cups or insect glue boards and check them regularly. To make a plastic cup trap, lightly coat the inside of a cup with vegetable oil or petroleum jelly, place it upside down over a drain where you suspect the presence of drain flies and leave the cup in place for several days, checking it daily. If there are flies in the drain, they will begin accumulating on the cup’s inner surface. You can also try an insect glue board by placing one upside down on a frame, leaving it above a drain for several days and checking it daily. If there are flies in the drain, they will likely stick to the glue board. If you don’t detect any flies after several days, move the traps to another spot.
Final Words
So, there you have it! All the recipes of how to deal with these annoying bugs. It’s recommended you start with the DYI methods described above. Most of the times they’re enough to handle the matter. At least for the time being.
However, do keep in mind one thing. That not dealing with the root issue will result in them re-appearing.
That’s why it’s also wise to contact quality pest control providers to handle the matter for you. The trained professionals will quickly dispose of the problem and leave your home pest-free. Moreover, you will save much time and effort, which in the end, is the more important thing.
We wish you and your family a clean and pest-free home soon!
