A concoction of honey, vegetable oil, and vinegar can trap and kill drain flies by the dozens. Place ingredients in a bowl near where you see drain flies congregate.
Apple cider vinegar with a drop of dish soap: leave in a shallow plate or bowl (I used a tiny fish bowl from thrift store) near drains to catch those flying around. They will fly in and drown. Replace every day or every other day as needed.
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.
Learn the Pest Biology
Knowing the life cycle helps you fight fly infestations. Life Cycle: Adult females lay 30–100 eggs in sludge around sewage and drainage areas. Eggs hatch in 32–48 hours, larval stage lasts 8–24 days, pupal stage 20–40 hours. Adults live about two weeks.
Adult flies can be killed with a contact space spray such as CB-80, and drains should be treated with a drain Insecticide and IGR such as Nibor D Insecticide Foam. After elimination use a Bio drain maintenance product to keep sludge buildup under control.
The simple answer is yes but with a caveat. While bleach can kill drain flies and their larvae on contact, it's not the most effective method for long-term control. Bleach's caustic nature allows it to clean the drain pipes and kill some of the larvae.
Peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils are especially beneficial. Pour a few drops of the chosen oil with water down the toilet. The oils' pungent aroma repels drain flies and disturbs their breeding cycle. To keep the solution effective, reapply it every few days.
Drain flies feed on filth and scum that can build up in areas such as drains, drain openings, sewers, septic tanks, and kitchen sinks. A great way to identify which drain-source the flies are coming from is to put clear tape over the drain so that they will fly into it and get stuck.
The average cost for drain fly pest control services is $200. However, the price can range from as low as $100 to $500 in some cases, depending on the severity of the infestation and the size of the area that needs to be treated.
If your drain fly issue persists, consider using commercial drain cleaners such as Drano. These solutions are formulated to clear out the drains and pipes effectively, removing any debris that might serve as a breeding spot for drain flies. Using these products can aid in preventing new eggs from hatching.
An ongoing or recurring infestation, despite careful sanitation of all drains, can indicate a broken pipe or leak under a slab or in a crawlspace beneath the home.
Trapped Sewage
Trapped waste that is part of a clog in your drain pipe is also what causes drain flies to infiltrate your home. They love sewage and will look to inhabit and reproduce inside your pipe. This is another reason why it's crucial to deal with clogged drains immediately.
Can bugs come out of drains? Unfortunately, they can, and this is one of the easiest ways for some of these pests to get into your bathroom. This is particularly true for cockroaches, which can spread all sorts of dangerous bacteria and dirt that belong only in the sewer.
Pouring boiling water is quite risky as it might lead to a steam burn or scalding. Another thing to keep in mind is what type of material you are pouring in into. If you have a porcelain sink, it is likely to crack due to the heat. All in all, pouring boiling water down your drain will only cause issues down the road.
Drain flies are most often the result of a clog in a drain or sewer line, it doesn't matter if it's buildup, a soft clog or a hard clog – it just needs to limit the flow of wastewater, causing it to become stagnant and a breeding ground for bacteria.
Clean suspected drains with a commercial drain cleaner, and scrub the drain pipe vigorously with a long-handled brush. After their breeding sites have been eliminated, the reproductive cycle is disturbed.
When To Call In The Professionals. If you have a large number of flies, it may be difficult to get on top of the problem using DIY methods alone. While using enzymatic cleaners and homemade traps can mitigate the problem temporarily, tackling a large clog or infestation is best done by a professional plumber.
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.
Behavior and Habitat of Drain Flies
Their larvae feed on the organic matter present in these locations, including decaying vegetation and trapped debris. Drain flies are primarily nocturnal and are most active during the evening.
The most glaring problem that drain flies may cause you is a health code violation. Drain flies are not known to cause diseases to humans, but they are known to trigger allergic and asthmatic reactions because of the dust and fragments from their bodies.
One way is to set a trap — a bowl containing one part water, one part sugar, and one part white vinegar. Add five to eight drops of dish soap. Leave the bowl overnight, and adult drain flies should be attracted to it. Another method is to create a do-it-yourself spray containing equal parts warm water and dish soap.
Boil a pot of water and pour it down the drain where you suspect the drain flies are breeding. Pour a 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain. Slowly pour a 1/2 cup of vinegar down the drain. Cover the drain with a drain plug, and let it sit for at least 5 to 10 minutes.
Create a fly and wasp repellent.
This DIY pest repellant should be a staple in the Southern home. Pour equal parts water and Pine-Sol in a spray bottle to spritz on outdoor furniture, the deck, and indoor areas where flies are most likely to flock, such as kitchen countertops.
Choose from either chemical sprays, household cleaners, or hairspray. Chemical sprays kill flies instantly upon contact, though they contain harsh chemicals. You can also spray the flies with household cleaners, like Windex or Formula 409, or with an aerosol like hairspray. All of these sprays will help you kill a fly.