The adult is the only life stage usually observed. Adult drain flies usually live about two weeks, but newly emerged adults rapidly replace them.
Control of an infested drain requires thorough cleaning and maintenance for at least 3 weeks or longer to break the life cycle. Adults may congregate at or near windows, but killing adult flies is not effective control.
As their name suggests, drain flies lay eggs in the film that forms in drain pipes and garbage disposals. Standing water increases the chance these pests will breed and develop in the house.
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.
While this won't kill adult drain flies that have the biological defenses to withstand it, boiling water will kill larvae and eggs. Use a mixture of equal parts salt, baking soda, and vinegar, and pour it down your drain. The mixture may fizzle and foam, but it can also help clear out your drains.
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.
About Drain Flies
Their predators include spiders and their webs, so their wings are equipped with scales to protect them. Due to their tiny size and ability to hide within pipes and drains, they are not typically susceptible to predators. Their short life span and nocturnal habits serve to keep them safe.
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.
Several plumbing problems create ideal conditions for drain fly breeding: Slow-draining pipes that allow organic material to accumulate. Hidden leaks creating moisture in walls or under floors.
Drain flies are most often the result of a drain or sewer clog, one that limits the flow of wastewater. Unused toilets, refrigerator drains and leaking pipes can also cause them. As we previously mentioned, these insects thrive in stagnant water.
Cinnamon – use cinnamon as an air freshner, as flies hate the smell! Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint and lemongrass essential oils – Not only will spraying these oils around the house create a beautiful aroma, but they will also deter those pesky flies too.
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.
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.
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.
Mix together 1/2 cup of salt, 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar. Pour the mixture down the drain. Let sit overnight, then flush the drain with hot water in the morning.
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.
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.
A dried-out p-trap allows for flies to access the drain through rooftop vent traps.
Drain flies, also known as sewer gnats, feed and lay eggs on decaying organic matter. So, an overfull septic tank provides a breeding ground for these little pests. They are only about ⅛ of an inch big, but you will notice them hovering around bathtubs, sinks, and showers.
At night, when they are active, they will congregate towards light sources, like lampshades. They will also feed and breed at night, so you'll see them near food sources or breeding areas. You'll most likely see only a few at a time, as you only rarely see drain flies in large numbers at once.
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.
Sink and floor drains in restaurants are the most common source of the drain fly larvae, but do not overlook drain pans under the refrigerator, around or inside of garbage containers, wet sewers or leaky toilets, condensate lines for ice makers, and even under a leaking washing machine.
Furthermore, there are essential oils that have insect-repellent properties, which can help deter drain flies, including peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender oils. To use these oils as a deterrent, just dilute a few drops in water and use a spray bottle to wash down the areas that are infested.
Drain flies do not come up from your pipes or drains, rather they come from outdoors to the drain when they smell the organic matter they need to breed. Drain Flies get into your home through tiny holes. Drain flies are most active in the evening when they congregate around sinks and drains.
Flies are just like us – they spend the entire day buzzing around with their friends and get pretty tired at bedtime. Before sunset, a sleepy fly will try and find a safe place to rest. Some favourite places are on the undersides of leaves, twigs, and branches, or even in tall grass or under rocks.