How to stop gnats from coming up the drain?

Author: Dr. Charlie Ward  |  Last update: Friday, August 29, 2025

Vinegar and Baking Soda: Pour a vinegar and baking soda mixture down the affected drain. The fizzing action helps break down organic matter and kill gnats. Follow with boiling water to flush out debris. Boiling Water: Regularly pour boiling water down your drains to help kill gnat larvae and wash away organic material.

Why are gnats coming out of my drain?

Sink Drains and Pipes: Gnats love the gunk that builds up in sink drains. To clean these areas, pour down boiling water mixed with liquid dish soap. This helps to break down the organic matter. Doing this once a week can keep gnats away.

What do you pour down the drain to get rid of gnats?

"Combine 1/2 cup salt with 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar and pour down the drain." Leave it overnight, and in the morning, pour boiling water down the drain. "This is a natural remedy that will clean the plumbing pipes and remove the breeding grounds for these flies," he explains.

What is the best killer for drain gnats?

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.

How do I permanently get rid of drain flies?

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.

How To Deal With Fruit Flies And Drain Flies

Will bleach stop drain flies?

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.

Can you pour boiling water down the drain?

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.

Does pouring boiling water down the drain prevent gnats?

Boiling Water: Pour boiling water down your drains to wash away gnats and their eggs. Baking Soda Solutions: Use a mixture of salt, baking soda, and white vinegar to foam away bacteria in your pipes. Chemical Cleaners: For intense infestations, consider using a chemical cleaner like Drano.

What smell do drain gnats hate?

Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass, and citronella are just a few of the scents that insects despise (with lavender probably being the most effective).

How do you pour bleach down drains for gnats?

A cup of household bleach is generally more than sufficient to kill most drain flies, and all you need to do is pour it down the affected drain.

How long does it take to get rid of drain gnats?

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.

How to get rid of gnat infestation?

How to Get Rid of a Gnat Infestation
  1. Yellow sticky traps - These glue-coated, adhesive paper traps attract gnats with their bright color and then trap them as they land.
  2. Fruit traps - Some homeowners use a jar of rotting fruit covered with perforated plastic wrap to lure and then trap gnats.

How do you make a drain gnat trap?

Diluted Bleach Trap
  1. Mix 1/2 cup of bleach and a gallon of water in a bowl.
  2. Pour it down each drain slowly.
  3. Wait at least 10 minutes before using your sink.

Can drain gnats make you sick?

Drain flies don't bite or sting people or animals. However, if they die in your home, their decaying bodies can cause allergic reactions in some people. People with asthma may have trouble breathing because of the dust and fragments from their bodies, as well.

How do I get rid of drain gnats without vinegar?

Diluted bleach down the drains: If gnats are commonly seen around the kitchen sink or bathtub, a cup of diluted bleach may be poured down the drains to kill them.

Why am I getting so many gnats in my house?

Gnats are attracted to anything that smells fruity and sweet. Therefore, fruit-scented hygiene and beauty products tend to draw gnats into the house. Rotting food in the drain. A buildup of food in the drain would, over time, result in an infestation of house gnats.

Do dryer sheets keep gnats away?

Conclusions. Based on the results obtained from our study, it is evident that Bounce original brand fabric softener dryer sheets repel fungus gnats.

How to get rid of gnats in drain pipes?

Boiling Water: Pour boiling water down your drains to wash away gnats and their eggs. Baking Soda Solutions: Use a mixture of salt, baking soda, and white vinegar to foam away bacteria in your pipes. Chemical Cleaners: For intense infestations, consider using a chemical cleaner like Drano.

How do I get rid of gnats in 5 minutes?

All you will need is a spray bottle, dish soap, water and/or baking soda and vinegar. You just need to use a few drops of dish soap and a table spoon of vinegar for each cup of water. With this these destructive gnats will parish with just a few spritz of your new chemical weapon.

How do I keep gnats out of my sink?

Pour hot water down the drain.

Gnats frequently lay eggs in kitchen sink drains, particularly in garbage disposals. They enjoy the warm, damp atmosphere and any food and bacterium buildup. Boiling water in the sink will kill any eggs in the drain.

Can I pour bleach down the sink to get rid of smell?

Bleach is highly effective in killing bacteria and other microbes causing the foul smell. However, it should be used sparingly to avoid damage to your plumbing system.

Does Drano get rid of drain gnats?

Conclusion: While Drano is effective at removing organic blockages, it does not solely eradicate drain flies or their larvae from your plumbing system. To combat these pests effectively, a combination of regular cleaning, prevention tactics, and the use of safe alternatives is recommended.

Do baking soda and vinegar clean drains?

Using a combination of baking soda and vinegar can effectively clean a drain, as it helps to break down grease, mineral deposits, and bacteria that may be causing clogs or unpleasant odors. This maintenance method is a natural and chemical-free alternative to commercial cleaning products.

Will boiling water hurt PVC pipes?

PVC drain pipes are more susceptible to damage from boiling water compared to other plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene, and of course metallic pipe materials.

Is it bad to pour soda down the drain?

You may be surprised to learn that pouring soda down the drain does work for some clogs. To be specific, you need a dark-colored cola (such as Coca-Cola or Pepsi). This type of carbonated beverage usually contains a good amount of phosphoric acid, which given enough time, can eat away at some types of clogs.

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