How to get rid of drain flies?

Drain flies are grayish midges measuring between 2 and 3 mm in length. They are also known as maggots, and their maximum lifespan is two weeks under optimal conditions. These flies resemble moths.

They are normally harmless, but when they encounter decomposing organic matter in stagnant water, they become a problem. This is why drains, sewers, sinks, sanitary facilities, compost heaps, toilets, gutters, and septic tanks are frequently visited by these flying insects.

Drain flies are most active in the evening , searching for organic debris on which they feed and on which to lay their eggs. They are frequently found in the biofilm that forms in the corners and joints of drain pipes following the accumulation of water and debris.

Drain flies can be found in drains, sewers, septic tanks, and areas contaminated by sewage. They often gravitate towards drainage areas, where they can be seen near bathroom and kitchen sinks, as well as bathtub/shower drains. 

If the drain has been blocked for a long time, for example if you have been on vacation or have a guest bathroom, you are more likely to find them.

You might not realize an infestation is developing in your pipes until you notice these small insects in your home. Fortunately, there are a few techniques to determine if your pipes are infested with drain flies .

Adhesive tape test

Wrap a piece of tape around your drain and seal it overnight. Drain flies will try to climb back up, but they will be trapped by the tape. 

This method not only helps get rid of some of the flies in your drain, but also allows you to monitor the progression of the infestation. Repeat the process for several nights in a row to get a better understanding of the problem.

Check for the presence of larvae.

Drain flies lay eggs in the organic debris that accumulates at the drain opening. Remove the drain cover, scrape away some of the mud from the sides, and look for drain fly larvae, which are thin, tube-shaped, and resemble drain flies. If you don't see any but know you have an infestation, the eggs may be hidden deeper in your pipes.

The life cycle of a drain fly is 1 to 3 weeks. It lays brown or cream-colored eggs in the organic waste of your drain, once it has found a suitable habitat. The eggs hatch in two days.

Drain fly larvae feed on sewage sludge and can withstand high temperatures and low oxygen levels. That's why it's important to control an infestation before it gets out of hand. If you think your pest problem is becoming unmanageable, contact us .

01. Baking soda, vinegar and salt

For a natural cleaning solution, combine these products and pour them down your drain overnight. The baking soda expands with vinegar and reaches deeper than boiling water. Rinse the pipe with boiling water after letting the solution sit until morning.

02. Boiling water

Pouring boiling water down your drain 1 to 2 times a day for about a week is the easiest way to unclog your drains. 

03. Soap, water, vinegar and sugar

Add a few drops of dish soap to a bowl of water, sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Leave the bowl near the drain for a few days to attract drain flies to the sugary solution. The soap will trap the flies in the water due to its consistency.

04. Apple cider and cling film

Cover a bowl, jar, or cup with plastic wrap to make a homemade fly trap. Fill the container with an inch of apple cider vinegar. Make small holes in the top of the plastic wrap to allow flies to enter and prevent them from escaping.

05. Drain cleaner

You can remove residues with solutions like Drano after rinsing your drain with hot water and brushing it with a wire pipe brush. 

To get rid of drain flies, there are many natural methods you can try. Some of them are as simple as growing plants that have strong odors and are known to repel insects.

Basil

Basil is a useful plant . It gives off a pungent odor that flies dislike. By planting basil in your kitchen or other areas of your home, you can keep flies away. 

Mint

Mint is a very useful herb to have in the house . Not only does mint enhance the flavor of practically any cocktail, but it also has a pungent smell that flies dislike.

Lavender

Lavender is very easy to grow and looks beautiful in any garden. This plant will undoubtedly help keep flies away.

The problem

A flower that's not only beautiful, but also repels mosquitoes. Marigolds are popular flowers in many homes and gardens, but did you know that flies are repelled by their fragrance? 

Cloves

Winter is the perfect time to scatter a few dried cloves around your home and enjoy their festive aroma. Cloves are also a repellent for drain flies , which should keep them away from infested areas.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon, like cloves, is one of those scents that flies hate , but people love. 

Essential oils

Essential oils are sometimes used to repel flies from infested areas and kill them. Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and citronella are just a few of the scents that insects dislike (lavender being probably the most effective).

Pouring half a cup or a full cup of these essential oils onto a sponge or cloth, then storing them in a small container, will help repel flies. If you plan to use an essential oil other than lavender, dilute the liquid with a little alcohol beforehand.

Keep your drains clean and covered

To prevent a drain fly infestation, it's important to keep your drains clean and cover drains that are rarely used. To prevent organic debris from accumulating in the drains, use a drain cleaning gel once a week. 

If the drain is not used for several hours, for example overnight, drain cleaning gel should be applied. Drains that are rarely used can be covered with a plug or a flat rubber cover.

Remove standing water

Drain flies love stagnant water, as it provides an ideal breeding ground. To prevent future infestations, you must eliminate the source of the problem. 

First and foremost, you must remove any standing water before tackling the blockage. Remove the water with buckets or other suitable containers, and do not take a bath or shower until the blockage is clear. Now it's time to clear the drain. Examine the drain for any visible evidence of a blockage , such as hair, and remove it as best you can. 

There may come a time when an infestation becomes too severe for you to handle on your own. For your peace of mind, RD offersresidential, commercial, and agricultural extermination services. Even if you believe a pest infestation is under control,routine inspectionsby pest control professionals are the most effective way to ensure your home's safety.