Drain flies are also called sink flies or moth flies. They are almost the same size as fruit flies and gnats. You can distinguish them by their moth-like wings and round furry body. These flies vary in color from gray to black. They look like moths, but they cannot fly long distances. They hop from one spot to the other. Buzzing is not what they do.
These tiny flies live for about eight to 24 days. They can lay up to 300 eggs in two days. That is why it is important to get ahead of them before the drain flies spread in your home. Below are the details you need to know about removing drain flies from your living space.
The Essential Facts
Drain flies like stagnant water that contains a little sewage and bacteria. You can find these water sources in the bathtub drains, shower drains, kitchen sinks, basement sinks, soil with sewage, and septic tanks. These flies also love to lay their eggs in drains and pipes when water collects sewage. Drain flies like to linger in went buckets, compost piles, barns, garbage, storm drains, birdbaths, and wet mops.
Drain flies eat the suspended organic matter in stagnant water. This includes contaminated water and sewage. The flies often frequent standing water with a film buildup on top. This is a good source of food, as well as animal waste.
These tiny hopping insects are not harmful to humans. Even if these insects eat sewage, they do not carry diseases. You must get rid of them to prevent them from multiplying. In large numbers, they carry bacteria. The eggs they leave in the pipes are often unreachable. Clearing them out may cost you a bundle.
Ways to Prevent Drain Flies from Proliferating
The one thing that drain flies look for is stagnant water that contains organic material. Some areas of your house may be holding such types of stagnant water. Cleaning the pipes is ideal in keeping these flies out. Hot water or cleaning solutions can remove the eggs and the adult flies.
For old drains that have not been used for weeks, close it up with a cork stopper. This is an effective way to prevent the flies from creating a home there. Removing any stagnant water around the drain and keeping the area dry can help. Be vigilant with keeping your living space dry and clean.
After cleaning, do not leave wet buckets and mops lying around. If possible, dry them in the sun. Having your septic system checked and cleaned regularly can also prevent these hopping flies from multiplying in your home. The moment you see two to three drain flies, there could be more in your home already.
Ways to Remove Drain Flies
Here are some effective ways to remove drain flies from your living space:
Baking soda, salt, and vinegar
Combine these ingredients to get a mixture for your drain every night. The vinegar will expand because of the baking soda. It will reach more areas than boiling water. Flush out your drain with water in the morning.
Boiling water
This is the most common way to clear out the drain of these flies. Pour boiling water down your drain up to two times daily. Do this for a week. This will make sure that the flies will not return to your drains overnight.
Plastic wrap and apple cider vinegar
You can create a drain fly trap with these materials. Get a mug, bowl, or jar. Pour an inch of apple cider vinegar into the container. Cover the mouth with plastic wrap. Punch small holes into the wrap. The drain flies will get in and will not get out.
Vinegar, soap, sugar, and water
Get a bowl and in it, place a few drops of dish soap, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Place the bowl close to the drain for a few days. This will attract the flies. The thick solution will trap these insects in the water.
Duct tape
This is a detection method to see if your drain has drain fly problems. Sealing off your drain with duct tape overnight for many consecutive nights will catch the flies as they try to leave the drain.
Drain flies can be a nuisance. Even if they are not harmful to humans, they can cause a stir and irritation at home. Preventing them from multiplying or even finding residence in your living space is ideal. Doing so will keep your home and premises clean and clear of them.