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.
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.
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. This should kill all flies and the organic material they've been feeding on.
The black or brown flies/moths you see in your drain are most likely “drain flies” that live on decomposing, organic matter in your drains, which explains why they hang out near sinks or showers. These flies are also referred to as: Moth flies.
"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.
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.
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.
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. The vinegar attracts the flies, and the dish soap makes it impossible for them to stand on the surface, so they drown.
These pests are a nuisance because they infest in large numbers. Once inside, drain flies may plug pipes and spread bacteria from the filth they live in, possibly contaminating food in the process. These pests, even though they live in filth, are not known to spread any disease to humans.
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.
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.
Fruit flies are small, black, and fly around quickly. They are attracted to light, and will often congregate near windows and doors. Fruit flies will also land on food and may be found in the kitchen or bathroom. If you see any of these signs, it's likely that you have a fruit fly infestation.
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.
Sanitize your drain with baking soda, salt, and vinegar.
This natural cleansing mixture will remove organic buildup from your pipes and kill any larvae or flies that get caught in it. Combine 1 part baking soda, 1 part salt, and 2 parts vinegar and pour it down the drain.
Although often mistaken for a small version of the common house fly species, drain flies have a distinctive furry or moth-like appearance. They infest sink drains or unused garbage disposals to lay their eggs in the organic sludge that builds up inside pipes.
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.
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).
Many people associate the control of drain flies and bleach. The idea that pouring bleach down the drain gets rid of drain flies is actually a common misconception since doing so rarely helps get rid of these insects.
DIY Ways of Getting Rid of Drain Flies
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.
This bittersweet and soapy DIY remedy lures flies to the mixture and traps them inside, drowning them. Before bed, mix one cup of vinegar, water, and sugar each into a bowl. Add ten drops of dish soap liquid to the mixture and mix again until the sugar dissolves. Leave the bowl near the sink overnight.
“These pests are attracted to moisture, so you may see swarms in areas with damp soils, standing water, or even houseplants that have been overwatered,” Ludwiczak adds. “The breeding habits of gnats are most active during warmer months, which is why they seem to be especially prevalent during summer.”
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, which are often called moth flies because they have a moth-like appearance, are common flies in kitchen areas and can appear in large numbers, like fungus gnats. If you look at a fungus fly on your wall, it will have a pill shape. Drain flies will be a heart shape.