How do you get rid of drain flies I've tried everything?

Author: Princess Thiel  |  Last update: Thursday, August 3, 2023

Boil a medium-size pot of water once or twice per week, and pour down and around the drain. Another easy option uses baking soda: Combine 1/2 cup salt with 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar, and pour down the drain. Leave overnight, and finish by pouring boiling water down the drain in the morning.

How do I permanently get rid of drain flies?

Ways to Get Rid of Drain Flies
  1. Boiling Water. ...
  2. Baking Soda + Salt + Vinegar. ...
  3. Soap + Water + Sugar + Vinegar. ...
  4. Apple Cider Vinegar + Plastic Wrap. ...
  5. Drain + Duct Tape. ...
  6. Traditional Drain Cleaner. ...
  7. Chemical Sprays and Repellents.

Why wont drain flies go away?

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.”

Why is my house infested with drain flies?

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.

Why am I getting so many drain flies?

What Causes Drain Flies? 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.

How To Deal With Fruit Flies And Drain Flies

How long does a drain fly infestation last?

The larval stage of drain flies lasts up to 24 days, while the pupal stage lasts between 1 and 2 days at most. The larvae feed on bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that develop in the breeding medium in drains, standing water, and even sewage treatment beds.

How do I find the source of drain flies?

So, the starting point would be to check the nearby drain pipes for infestations using the following methods: Duct tape test: Cover all the pipes with sticky tape. As flies try to come out of the drain, they will get stuck on the tape, giving proof of the source of the infestation.

What is the best drain fly killer?

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.

What smell repels drain flies?

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).

Can drain flies make you sick?

Drain flies are small and gray. 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.

Will bleach stop drain flies?

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.

Does pouring vinegar down the drain help with flies?

Baking Soda, Boiling Water & Vinegar

The pour half a cup of bicarb soda down the sink as well, followed by a half cup of white vinegar. Let it settle for a few minutes then poor some more boiling water down the drain. Follows these steps every few days until the drain flies have completely disappeared.

Do plumbers get rid of drain flies?

A professional plumber like HELP can get rid of drain flies and repair any damage in your pipes or leaks that create standing water and excess moisture. Call HELP and schedule an appointment for drain fly removal today.

How do professionals get rid of drain flies?

Most exterminators use chemical methods and habitat modification to kill all eggs, larvae, and adult drain flies (removing food sources, etc.).

What liquid attracts drain flies?

To make an all-natural drain fly trap, fill a bowl with apple cider vinegar and cover it with plastic wrap. Punch small holes in the wrapping. The vinegar's smell will attract the drain flies, and the wrap will trap them inside the bowl. Another option is to mix a few drops of dish soap with a cup of vinegar.

Does Pine-Sol keep flies away?

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 to, such as kitchen countertops.

Do drain flies mean mold?

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.

Do drain flies just go away?

Drain fly problems can go away on their own—but only if the insects find the environment inhospitable. Those with a minor infestation can simply flush their toilets and run their faucets more frequently to flush out the flies and larvae. Others will have to deep clean their drains and set up traps.

Should I worry about drain flies?

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.

Do drain flies come out more at night?

Behavior: Drain flies are most active at night. They are weak flyers that make short hopping flights of a few feet when they are disturbed. Drain flies rest on surfaces with their wings held over their back like a roof. You'll usually find a drain fly close to its breeding ground.

Is bleach or vinegar better for drains?

Preventative Maintenance

Pouring bleach into the drain when the unit is not operating can leave residual bleach, which will damage the drain pan and line. Using vinegar for preventative maintenance throughout the year will keep your drain clean and clear and will not damage your line.

What color are drain fly eggs?

Some species hold the wings out to the side, which gives them a moth-like appearance—hence the name "moth fly." They are weak fliers and make irregular, hesitating flights covering only a few feet in short, jerky lines. Eggs are tiny, brown or cream-colored and are laid in irregular masses of 10 to 200.

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