We agree; it can be scary to see insects with six legs coming out of the drain holes!
Most of them are female drain flies, also known as sewer flies, moth flies or filter flies, which are particularly responsible for laying eggs and increasing the infestation, which are small, dark-coloured insects commonly found in moist areas like basements or near sewer lines. Drain flies can become a nuisance, thriving and breeding in dark areas with decaying matter, food waste and organic debris, especially around garbage disposals.
Although you cannot get them out of these places overnight, you can get rid of drain flies permanently over time. Read on to learn about some of the common methods that can be used to eliminate drain flies from your property.
How To Get Rid Of Drain Flies?
1. Get Rid Of Unnecessary Moisture
Drain flies are attracted to damp and humid conditions, and rotting fruit can also serve as a potential food source for them, so the first step is eliminating unnecessary moisture sources in your home. This means fixing leaks, clearing standing water, removing stagnant water and using a dehumidifier if necessary.
Another thing to do is to clean the drains regularly with chemical cleaners to remove any build-up of organic matter that the flies might be feeding on. You can also use a scrub, wire brush or a metal pipe brush to remove gunk and other organic material build-ups inside the drains that lure flies.
2. Use Chemical Control
If the above measures don’t work, you may need to resort to chemical control methods designed to clean pipes.
Various insecticides and chemical sprays on the market can be used to kill drain flies, but you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. You may also need to deep clean the bathroom drains with a strong insecticide to get rid of the problem completely.
However, we’d suggest leaving this to the professionals to avoid any damage or health hazard.
Removing Drain Flies Using Other DIY Methods
The most important thing to remember when getting rid of drain flies is that persistent treatment is required; detecting the early signs of drain flies and regular cleaning is the simplest method of not letting adult flies.
1. Using The Boiling Water Technique
Using boiling hot water can help take care of the drain fly problem. You can carefully pour boiling hot water into the drain to eliminate fruit flies and drain flies. We recommend boiling a large pot of water (one litre or more) for the best results.
This method can destroy existing drain fly eggs and will prevent drain flies from infesting the drain immediately after. Repeat this process every week to keep your drains clean.
2. Pour Baking Soda And Vinegar Solution
If hot water does not work, try using baking soda and apple cider vinegar solution to get rid of drain flies. Simply pour a solution of one cup of vinegar and half a cup of baking soda into the drain. Wait for some time, and you will see the flies fleeing the drain.
3. Pour The Baking Soda, Salt, And Vinegar Mix
Another process of removing drain fly larvae is to create a solution of baking soda, salt and vinegar. Pour the solution at night and let it remain in the drain overnight. Baking soda will expand when mixed with vinegar, reaching the remote corners inside drain pipes to kill flies. You can flush it the next morning with warm water; if this doesn’t work, try hot water.
4. Use Duct Tape
This is an insect detection procedure that may also work to eliminate drain flies. Use some duct tape on top of the drain hole to seal it completely. Leave it for a few nights, and the sewer flies should get caught in the duct tape while attempting to escape.
Remove the duct tape carefully and dispose of it properly, as it will contain dead flies.
5. Use Plastic Wrap And Apple Cider Vinegar
You can create a fly trap yourself at home to attract drain flies. All you need is plastic wrap, some vinegar, and an empty container like a bowl or jar.
Fill 1 inch or more of the bowl with apple cider vinegar and then put a plastic wrap over it, creating an effective apple cider vinegar trap. Since drain flies are naturally attracted to apple cider vinegar, poke a few holes on top so they can eventually enter the bowl to drown in the liquid.
6. Use Sugar, Water, Soap And Vinegar Solution
Add some drops of dish soap to sugar, water and white vinegar solution in a container or bowl. Keep the bowl close to the drain opening for about a week. Drain flies will get attracted to the fragrance of the soap, fly in the bowl, and get trapped in the sticky solution. Besides, the soap will prevent it from becoming a breeding ground.
7. Use A Drain Trap
Another alternative is to use a store-bought drain trap or screen to prevent the entry of flies into the drains in the first place. You’ll also want to ensure that any potential food sources near the drain are removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What causes drain fly infestations?
The main cause of a drain fly infestation is a build-up of organic matter in your drains. This can come from food scraps, hair, oil and grease. When this happens, it makes for the perfect breeding ground for them. One major sign of this is a bad or foul smell coming from your drain pipe.
It would be best to be mindful of other things, such as leaving dirty mops around your bathroom or laundry, animal waste or other organic material in outdoor sinks, and poorly maintained septic systems. Drain flies find these sorts of environments perfect for laying eggs.
2. How long does it take to remove drain flies the DIY way?
Unfortunately, there is no one answer to this question. The amount of time it takes to eliminate drain flies can vary depending on the severity of the infestation and the methods used to get rid of them.
With that said most people expect to see results within a few days or up to three weeks of taking action. But if the situation doesn’t reduce after this period, the infestation may be more severe than you thought. In more extreme cases, you may need to call a professional pest control company for help. The most important thing is ensuring they don’t lay eggs and continue to breed.
3. Can certain smells be used to remove drain flies?
If you’re looking for a way to prevent drain flies without any effort, you can try a few different options. One uses essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass, and citronella, which are effective at repelling drain flies.
You can either put a few drops of these oils onto a cotton ball and place them near the affected area or add them to a diffuser and let the fragrance do its work.
Another option is to use a batch of fly paper. This sweet fragrance of this sticky substance will attract the drain flies and trap them so they can’t escape.
4. Are drain flies harmful?
Drain flies are not harmful to humans but can be a nuisance. They are attracted to moist, decaying organic matter, so if you have a problem with them, you may want to check your drains and make sure that there is no food or water accumulation.
Professional Tips On How To Get Rid Of Drain Flies
Getting rid of adult drain flies can be difficult, so staying patient and consistent is essential. Also, you must wear adequate safety gear while working. You can be dealing with toxic wastes and chemicals, so gloves and eye protection shouldn’t be ignored.
And in case of a severe build-up of waste inside the drain, you can always use a professional service to clear up the organic debris and other waste. If you have a blocked drain, you must take the appropriate measures to clear it and prevent them in the future, even if it means hiring a professional plumber.
If you have a plumbing problem, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Big Blue Plumbing. Our local plumbing services can assist you with any drainage or drain fly issues, including a blockage in your septic tanks, which drain cleaner to use or any emergency plumbing situation.
Good luck with your drain fly issue. Until next time!
