Pouring hot water down the drain may provide short-term control. Drain fly larvae are difficult to drown because they are able to trap air bubbles and remain submerged for a day or more. Do not pour insecticides down drains to kill drain flies.
If they become pinned to a solid beneath the water surface, the air layer, combined with the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the water, enables the flies to survive submerged for up to approximately five hours. The findings of the study suggest that drain flies are very resilient to water threats.
Make a natural cleaning/fly killer mixture.
Mix together 1/2 cup of salt, 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar. Pour the mixture down the drain.
Start with cleaning your sink and drain with your usual cleaning solution. Use a pipe brush to scrub around and inside the drain. A super simple fix is to pour boiling water down the drain to eliminate drain flies.
One of the reasons that these types of critters — drain flies, in particular — are so difficult to get rid of is that they have water-repellant hair all over their bodies. Furthermore, the drain fly larvae are difficult to drown since “they are able to trap air bubbles and remain submerged for a day or more.”
If you notice a big amount of drain flies in your home then you likely have issues with poor sewage drainage or overflows, which make a happy breeding ground for these pests. Make sure to contact a pest control professional to handle a potential infestation.
One common remedy for killing drain flies is using household bleach. This is a very useful and cost-effective manner for getting rid of these little pests with an item you already have around the house.
Bleach will absolutely kill drain flies. However, using bleach comes with certain risks. It's better to try other methods first and use bleach as a last resort.
Yes, the main ingredient in Drano is Lye, a powerful chemical that can dissolve tissue. Short-term exposure can certainly kill drain flies and larva. However, if the source of the fly infestation is not completely removed, they will return.
Essential oils are sometimes used to keep flies away from infested sections and also to kill them. Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass, and citronella are just a few of the scents that insects despise (with lavender probably being the most effective).
Adult drain flies usually live about two weeks, but newly emerged adults rapidly replace them. These flies are also known as moth flies due to their appearance: they are small and furry with large, ovoid wings and prominent antennae.
For effective drain fly treatment, use three products: Forid Drain Gel Cleaner, Gentrol IGR Aerosol, and Pyrid. Forid is an organic microbial grease degrader that breaks down organic material and waste, which will eliminate their food sources and their breeding grounds.
One possible sign of an undetected mold problem in your home or office could be the presence of Phorid flies, sewer flies or some other gnats or bugs.
They do not bite, sting, or spread diseases, but their decaying bodies may cause allergic reactions. They can also spread bacteria from trash, decaying vegetables and fruits. Drain flies breed in areas that are moist and have a lot of organic remains, including: Sinks.
Do Drain Flies Die in Winter. Most fly species cannot survive outside temperatures below 32°F (0°C). They die unless they find a warm and conducive place to overwinter, such as your home. Drain flies are one of the few insects that can tolerate cold weather conditions.
Pour one-quarter to one-half cup of apple cider vinegar into a bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap, then use a fork to poke holes in the wrap. Set the dish next to your sink. The drain flies will not be able to escape and will drown in the vinegar.
Drain flies thrive in stagnant and standing water. Common sources include slow or clogged drains, rarely used and unused toilets, refrigerator drain pans, and standing water created by leaking pipes. They typically enter buildings through basements, windows, and drains.
Drain flies, also known as sewer flies, filter flies, moth flies or sink flies, look similar to the average house fly as they are very small – about an eighth of an inch – and black/brown. They also have a unique vein pattern in their wings, which are covered in tiny hairs. They leave a powdery smudge when crushed.
Drain flies, also known as moth flies, sewage flies, and filter flies, like to lay their eggs in wet organic matter. Organic matter can typically be found in clogged and greasy drain pipes in kitchens and bathrooms, storm drains, moist compost, and septic tanks.
For the most part, drain flies are not dangerous and not harmful. Having drain flies around your home does not mean your drains are dirty or your kitchen, bathroom or other areas are unclean. They are opportunistic insects and can get inside and find any moist area to lay their eggs and breed.
They are attracted to rotting food, feces, human hair, and moisture. You can also find them in humid, warm, and poorly ventilated areas. Drain flies are attracted to dirty drains, standing water, and slow-moving or clogged drains.