How To Get Rid Of Drain Flies In House

Cleaning your drains is a crucial step in eliminating drain flies and preventing them from coming back. These tiny flies thrive in moist areas with organic matter buildup, which is exactly what collects in your drains.

So, start by removing any visible debris from the drain opening and use a strainer basket or a zip-it tool to catch any hair or food scraps. Next, depending on your sink, you might be able to remove the drain stopper or the p-trap (the curved pipe underneath the sink).

Flies from drain, like their fruity cousins, are also drawn to the scent of fermenting organic matter. Apple cider vinegar mimics this scent with its high acetic acid content.

The attractive quality of the vinegar isn't what eliminates the drain flies, though. Drain flies, just like fruit flies, navigate their world using their sense of smell and the apple cider vinegar's aroma acts as a powerful lure, enticing them to die in the trap.

By pouring boiling water down the drain, you're directly targeting the breeding grounds of drain flies. These tiny flies thrive in moist areas with organic matter buildup, which is commonly found in the slime and gunk that accumulates inside your drains.

The hot water scours these areas, killing any existing flies and denaturing proteins in the eggs and larvae, essentially cooking them and preventing them from hatching. The key element here is the high temperature.

When baking soda and vinegar come into contact, they create a fizzing reaction. This reaction produces carbon dioxide gas, which helps to loosen and break down organic matter like grease, hair, and food scraps that drain flies love to feed on.

The fizzing action also agitates any stagnant water or debris in the pipes, potentially dislodging fly eggs or larvae that might be present. The vinegar's mild acidity can also have a dehydrating effect on these fly stages, contributing to their elimination.

Wine, with its alcoholic content derived from fermented grapes, possesses both of these attractive qualities. The scent of the wine lures the flies into the trap. While wine itself doesn't disrupt the surface tension like dish soap does in other traps.

This means that flies landing on the wine might not readily sink and drown. The trap might only catch flies that get exhausted or fall in accidentally. Therefore, to improve the effectiveness of a wine trap, you can add a few drops of dish soap to disrupt the surface tension, causing the flies to sink and drown upon landing.

Drain gel cleaners are formulated to dissolve organic matter causing clogs, such as hair, grease, and soap scum. While this can indirectly help by removing potential food sources for drain flies, it doesn't directly target the flies themselves or their eggs and larvae.

But if you look into the bright side, this gel helps to remove and dissolve the organic matter that attracts the flies. So, if there is not attractant of tasty treats to find, those flies will likely move on to find another spot to hang out.

Cleaning your sink overflow plays an important role in getting rid of drain flies because it tackles the environment they thrive. A clogged or dirty overflow hole can become a breeding ground for these flies. Cleaning removes the gunk, scum, and hair that serves as food and shelter for them, making the area less hospitable.

The cleaning process, especially using methods like boiling water or the baking soda and vinegar combo, can dislodge and flush away any fly eggs or larvae that might be present in the overflow channel. 

Using bleach to eliminate drain flies is an effective method due to its powerful disinfectant properties. To employ this technique, pour a small amount of bleach about half a cup directly down the affected drain.

The bleach will work to kill any larvae and adult flies residing within the pipes, as well as disinfect and clean the surfaces. However, it is important to allow the bleach to sit in the drain for several hours or overnight to maximize its effectiveness.

Using a vacuum to eliminate drain flies is a practical and efficient method to remove debris and larvae from the drains. Begin by ensuring your vacuum is suitable for both wet and dry use and equipped with the appropriate attachments.

And start by removing any visible debris from around the drain opening. Next, place the vacuum hose or nozzle directly over the drain. Then, turn on the vacuum and allow it to suction out any water, organic matter, and larvae present within the drain and pipes.

Some people believe dryer sheets repel drain flies with their strong scent. The idea is that the fragrance masks or overpowers the scent of decaying organic matter in the drain, which attracts drain flies.

To use this method, simply place a few dryer sheets near the affected areas, such as around sinks, bathrooms, or any spots where drain flies are commonly seen. You can also lightly rub the dryer sheets around the edges of the drains to leave a residual scent that will repel the flies.

Unlike harsh chemical drain cleaners, enzyme drain cleaners contain natural enzymes and bacteria. These enzymes essentially act like tiny Pac-Mans, gobbling up organic materials like grease, hair, food scraps, and soap scum that accumulate in your drains.

These enzymes are drain fly discouragement that works by  eliminating this food source, enzyme drain cleaners make your drains a less hospitable environment for drain flies. With their preferred food supply dwindling, the flies are more likely to move elsewhere in search of a more satisfying feast.

Drain fly traps are a simple and low-cost way to manage drain fly populations. While they won't eliminate the entire infestation on their own, they can be a helpful tool in reducing the number of adult flies and providing some peace of mind.

These traps can be easily made at home using common household items such as apple cider vinegar, plastic wrap, and a bowl. Or you can use store-bought traps, which use sticky surfaces or attractant baits, are also available and can be placed near affected drains.  

As discussed earlier, drain flies thrive in areas with stagnant water and organic matter buildup. Similarly, clogged drains create the perfect environment for them to breed and flourish.

And a plumber's snake can effectively remove these clogs, including hair, grease, soap scum, and other debris that drain flies love to feed on. The plumber's snake, thus, disrupts the breeding ground and food source for drain flies by eliminating clogs and clearing the pipes.

Oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree have strong scents that are unappealing to these pests. Therefore, these essential oils can be a natural and aromatic method to repel drain flies.

To use essential oils for this purpose, mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and generously spray around drains, sinks, and other areas where drain flies are present. Additionally, you can place a few drops of the essential oil directly into the drain or on a cotton ball near openings.

Keeping areas dry is absolutely the number one defense against drain flies. These moisture-loving pests thrive in damp environments, so eliminating their happy place is key to getting rid of them and preventing future infestations.

But if you are wondering how keeping things dry can help, drain flies lay their eggs in moist areas with organic matter, which is why drains are a prime target. Similarly, adult flies are attracted to moisture as well.

Having drain flies kills your excitement in being in your kitchen. So, to remove them from your sink area, always maintain the cleanliness around the area. While the idea of cleaning a kitchen is tempting you have to resist the urge to pour greasy liquids or food scraps directly down the drain.

These greasy materials can build up in your pipes, creating a breeding ground for drain flies and contributing to clogs. Instead, scrape leftover food particles from your plates and utensils into the trash can. Not everything belongs in the garbage disposal!

As we discussed earlier, drain flies thrive in damp environment and leaky pipes or faucets create the perfect breeding ground for them, even a tiny drip can be enough to sustain a population of these flies. Leaks can occur behind walls, under sinks, or even underground. These hidden leaks can go unnoticed for a while, allowing drain flies to multiply in peace.

So, addressing leaks promptly prevents further moisture buildup and eliminates the ideal habitat for drain flies. Plus, fixing leaks early can save you money on water bills and potential repairs down the road. 

Maintaining a clean home and kitchen is crucial for keeping drain flies at bay. Cleanliness eliminates their food sources by wiping down spills and crumbs around sinks and drains, and don't pour grease or food scraps down the drain. Empty your trash regularly to prevent overflowing bins that might attract them.

Keeping your kitchen spotless and free of moisture, will for sure make your home a much less hospitable environment for these tiny pests.

A tape trap is a simple yet effective method to catch drain flies that are emerging from drains. To set up a tape trap, you will need a piece of duct tape or any strong adhesive tape.

At night, when drain flies are most active, place the tape sticky-side down over the drain openings in your sinks, tubs, or other areas where you've noticed the flies. Ensure the tape covers the entire drain opening but still allows air to pass through the edges. As the flies attempt to exit the drain, they will become stuck to the tape.

Professional pest control services can be invaluable when dealing with a severe or persistent drain fly infestation. These experts have the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary to thoroughly inspect your home, identify the source of the infestation, and implement effective treatment strategies.

They can use specialized equipment to clean and treat drains, eliminating both adult flies and larvae. Additionally, professional services often include the use of industrial-strength products that are more effective than those available to consumers.

Drain flies, also known as sewer flies or moth flies, are small insects that typically measure about 1.5 to 5 mm in length. They have a distinctive fuzzy or hairy appearance, with body and wings covered in fine hairs, giving them a moth-like look.

Their wings are broad and leaf-shaped, and when at rest, they hold them roof-like over their bodies. Drain flies are usually gray or light brown in color, and they have large, prominent eyes.

Drain flies primarily feed on organic matter and decaying material found in moist environments. They thrive in places like kitchen and bathroom drains, sewage systems, and compost piles, where they consume bacteria, algae, fungi, and other microorganisms growing in the organic sludge.

The larvae of drain flies feed on the same organic matter, helping to break down and decompose waste. This diet is what attracts them to drains and other areas with stagnant water and organic buildup.

Drain flies themselves do not cause significant damage, but their presence can indicate underlying issues and lead to some problems:

• Health Concerns: While drain flies are not known to bite or transmit diseases directly, they can contribute to unsanitary conditions. They often breed in decaying organic matter and sewage, which can harbor harmful bacteria and pathogens.

• Clogged Drains: The larvae of drain flies feed on organic matter in drains, and their presence can contribute to the buildup of sludge and grime, potentially leading to clogged pipes over time.

• Unpleasant Odors: Infestations can lead to unpleasant odors emanating from drains due to the buildup of organic material and the flies themselves.

• Nuisance: Flies can be a persistent nuisance, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Their rapid reproduction can lead to a noticeable increase in the fly population, making them difficult to control once established.

• Aesthetic Issues: Drain flies can be unsightly, and their presence in homes or businesses can give the impression of poor hygiene and maintenance.