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How to Get Rid of Drain Flies

how to get rid of drain flies

Have you ever seen little flies flying around your sink or toilet? If so, you're probably dealing with drain flies.

Drain flies are a common pest that can be difficult to get rid of.

In this blog post, we will discuss how to get rid of drain flies using both chemical and non-chemical methods.

We'll also provide some helpful tips on how to prevent these pests from coming back!

What Are Drain Flies?

drain flies

Do not fool yourself by examining a larger picture - drain flies are smaller but visible in their habitat. A draining insect looks similar to moth flies or fruit flies.

One common feature of all of these is size. They measure from 1.5 to 5 cm in diameter. There are a number of differences between drain flies and fruit flies which have hairs that are shorter and thick.

Comparatively to moths, drain flies cannot fly at all. When flying is unbalanced. Also, the frogs like climbing up and out.

Drain flies are incredibly resistant to feces causing damage to people and animals at contact.

The sewer fly has an unspecified lifetime and is unable to be repelled by any chemicals during use.

What do drain flies look like?

Drain flies have very small diameters, about 3 to 3 millimeters long compared with the average fly. This fly has small round wings that are gray.

Also called sewer flies or filter flies, they attract standing water and are not good flyers. Often the jumping happens on top of the ground.

The birds can lay eggs within a few weeks but can live for 3-5 weeks. Contrary to common beliefs drain flies are not eating human beings; their bites are rare.

Drain Flies vs. Fruit Flies

drain flies vs fruit flies

Drain flies can be misidentified as fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) because they are both relatively small flies that have distinctive traits that are visible only when magnified.

However, many fruit fly types have red eyes and hairless bodies. Fruit fly larvae are found only on and near berries and other fruits and vegetables whose maturities and decay have begun.

In sunlight, these birds fly open, while a few drain flies prefer dark conditions.

Fruit fly often fly around alone, while drain fly usually occurs in swarms almost always around drainage holes.

What Do Drain Flies Eat?

The drain fly lives mainly from organic materials found in the water, including sometimes sewer and other contaminated water.

This usually happens when water deposits in the humid area of a drain. Therefore, drains are a good environment for drainage flies to survive and reproduce.

They can even find food and sewage nearby at an animal waste dump and composting station.

Are Drain Flies Harmful?

The drain flies don't cause harm to humans either. Although drain flies eat and reside in sewage and bacteria they are not disease-infected insects, but they carry bacteria into large numbers in their environment.

They do absolutely nothing to your health but they do cause a lot of inconvenience for your house as a whole.

Drain fly larvae can also lay eggs rapidly, spreading nests across the water lines, which can prove costly repercussions if left unchecked.

Signs of a Drain Fly Infestation

drain infestation

Although a few flies buzzing around your home or office may not indicate an infestation, it's still a good idea to be aware.

This isn't an immediate cause for alarm, it's a warning sign that you should take some preventative action.

  • Small dark clusters of spots (the size of a pinhead) – these are the eggs that female drain flies lay. Tiny larvae – these are the young of the drain fly and look like small worms. They're usually found in damp, humid areas near a food source.
  • Regular sighting of flies – if you see one drain fly, chances are there are hundreds (if not thousands) more that you can't see. If you have any of these signs in your home or office, it's time to take action to kill drain flies.
  • Maggots – if you see maggots in your drains, this is a sure sign that you have a drain fly infestation.

How to get rid of drain flies, step by step

If you learn the right steps to remove drain gnats, it doesn't require much professional assistance.

1. Rinse your drain

If your water heater doesn't work after a predetermined time period you can drain the drain or septic tanks with cold water.

Give the water a few minutes and turn it on. If taken correctly, this method eliminates the breeding grounds in drain flies effectively.

2. Clean the drains

You must get rid of the decomposing waste from the drains. The drain needs hot water running down the drain pipes and the snake must get the best of your waste.

Keep the scrub clean and clean as gently and thoroughly as you can to get rid of dirt.

3. Use an enzyme cleaner

Pour enzyme cleaners into the drain or rinse the drain with a drain cleaner. While Drano helps to get it done, the enzyme cleaner provides the greatest coverage to the drain pipes.

4. Unclog any drains

Drain Flyes enjoys removing drains that can't be cleaned or moved properly. Make sure to clear the drain by clearing it.

5. Clean the U-trap

Clean the U-trap under your sink. In these cases, gnat infestations can also occur.

How to Get Rid of Drain Flies Naturally

If you're dealing with a drain fly problem, you're probably looking for a way to kill drain flies naturally. Here are five ways to do just that.

Boiling Water

If you want to kill the larvae, boiling water will do the trick. But if there are already flies flying around, it's not going to make much of a difference.

Pour boiling water down your drain twice a week to remove any larvae and eggs.

Baking Soda & Salt

baking soda

Another inexpensive option is to mix together baking soda, salt, and vinegar. Pour this mixture down the drain and let it sit for an hour before flushing with hot water.

Repeat this process every day until more drain flies are gone.

Soap, Water, Sugar & Vinegar

vinegar

This method is a bit more involved, but it's very effective. You'll need to mix together equal parts soap and water, sugar and vinegar.

Pour this mixture down the drain and plug it with a rag or stopper.

Let it sit for 24 hours, then remove the plug and flush it. Repeat this process every few days until the drain flies are gone.

Apple Cider Vinegar & Plastic Wrap

apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another great natural option for getting rid of drain flies. Simply pour some apple cider vinegar into the affected drain and cover it with plastic wrap.

Let it sit for an hour before flushing it. Repeat this process every day until the drain flies are gone.

Drain & Duct Tape

If you're really serious about getting rid of your drain fly problem, you can try this more extreme measure.

First, locate the affected drain and make sure it's clear of any debris or blockages. Then put duct tape over the entire drain opening, making sure to seal it tightly all around.

Leave the duct tape in place for 24 hours, then remove it and flush it. Repeat this process every few days until the drain flies are gone.

Call a Professional Pest Control Service

pest control expert

If you've tried all of these methods and you're still dealing with drain flies, it might be time to call a professional pest control service.

They'll be able to identify the source of the problem and get rid of the drain flies for good. In the meantime, try to keep the affected area as clean and dry as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I permanently get rid of drain flies?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to get rid of drain flies permanently will vary depending on the source of the problem.

However, some common methods for getting rid of drain flies permanently include water, using an enzyme cleaner, and unclogging any drains.

Where are drain flies coming from?

Drain flies can be caused by organic building up in flooded areas. Check bathroom drains, showers, kitchen sinks, septic systems, and floors for leaks or leaky pipes.

Look around for multiple flying insects in this vicinity.

How do I get rid of drain flies in my house?

You should remove all drain flies every three weeks using vinegar, salt, baking soda, and vinegar. Keep all windows open to keep it from getting into their desired breeding ground.

Will drain flies go away on their own?

If you do not take the necessary actions to get rid of drain flies, they will continue to breed and multiply.

In order to make them go away for good, it is important to find and remove the source of the problem.

Conclusion

After trying all of these methods, you should be drain fly-free in no time! Just remember to be patient and consistent, as it may take some time to get rid of all the drain flies.

Flies lay eggs in standing water, so it's important to eliminate any areas where water can puddle and grow still.

Sometimes, the best solution is to call a professional pest control service. They'll be able to help you identify the source of the problem and how to get rid of drain flies for good.

About The Author:

Meet Mark Calhoun, a seasoned pest control expert in the realm our pest control company. With over 10 years of dedicated experience and Managing Editor. His primary mission is to furnish you with precise and invaluable DIY insights, ensuring your home remains pest-free while aiding you in distinguishing various household pests.
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