Table of Contents
A super simple fix is to pour boiling water down the drain to eliminate drain flies. 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.
What causes drain flies?
Drain flies primarily live on organic material found in standing water, which often includes sewage or other contaminated water, typically when it causes a film to build up in a humid area of pipes with standing water. Because of this, your drains are an ideal place for drain flies to thrive and reproduce.
Does bleach kill drain flies?
While this chemical might get rid of some larvae, bleach passes quickly down the drain and does not penetrate the thick build-up where eggs are deposited by the female drain fly and larvae live. As a result, in most cases, bleach does not get rid of drain flies.
How long does it take to get rid of drain flies?
The length of the life cycle of a drain fly varies depending on the climate and temperature of the drain, but it can last anywhere from eight to 24 days. Once you’ve wiped out their breeding ground, the adults will eventually disappear because there is nowhere left for them to deposit their eggs.
Where could drain flies be coming from?
Furniture in your kitchen that has cracks and crevices will attract the breeding of drain flies. These flies can sometimes come from outside due to a nearby water source. Shady areas like under potted plants, under air conditioners, and in bird feeders and birdbaths will attract drain flies because the area is moist.
How does vinegar get rid of drain flies?
Pour 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar into a glass and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Poke holes in the plastic wrap with a fork and place the glass next to the sink. Flies will be attracted to the cider vinegar and work their way inside and drown.
How do I get rid of little flies in my bathroom?
You can eliminate the flies already inside with a quick trap: Fill a bowl or jar with equal parts sugar, water and white vinegar, then add 5 to 10 drops of liquid dish soap. Leave the jar next to the sink or shower drain overnight or up to a week until the flies are gone.
Will baking soda kill drain flies?
Baking Soda, Boiling Water & Vinegar Combing, boiling water, vinegar and baking soda will kill drain flies, but will also help remove all the flies breeding ground which includes hair, grime and grease. It will create a chemical reaction and an clear the blockages caused by organic matter in the drainpipe.
Can drain flies come from the toilet?
Drain flies generally are found near their breeding areas, so if they are appearing in your toilet or bathroom, that is the best place to start.
What spray kills drain flies?
Use a Liquid Dish Soap Spray. Dish Soap contains borax, which has insecticidal properties. You could add 7 drops of dish soap with 2 cups of warm water and spray it directly over the drain flies to kill them instantly.
Why have I got tiny flies in my bathroom?
Drain flies live in drains, sewers, septic tanks, and sewage-contaminated soil. Often, true to their name, they eventually make their way up to drain areas – they can be found around bathrooms and kitchen sinks, or bath/shower drains.
How does Dawn dish soap get rid of gnats?
In a small bowl, mix a half cup of warm water plus two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a tablespoon of sugar, and about six drops of liquid dish soap. Gnats will be lured in by the sugary mixture, but once they dip in for a drink, the sticky dish soap will trap them.
Will drain flies go away on their own?
These “drain flies” (also known as moth flies) are very small…about a sixth of an inch. Nine times out of ten, a drain fly problem will go away on its own. Once you get rid of the drain flies that you see, start flushing toilets and running the water in your sinks.
How do you get rid of drain flies naturally?
Another natural, homemade drain cleaner involves mixing a half cup of salt, half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into a bowl, and pouring it down the drain. After letting the mixture sit overnight, pour boiling water down the drain.
What smells do drain flies hate?
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.
What is the best Gnat Killer?
Homemade gnat repellent spray: A mixture of dish soap, water, baking soda, and vinegar can be filled into a spray bottle. The mixture should contain a few drops of dish soap, a tablespoon of vinegar, and baking soda per cup of water. A few sprays of this mixture is an effective gnat repellent.
How do drain flies look like?
Body: Light gray or tan body and lighter-colored wings. The body and the wings are covered with long hairs, giving the fly a fuzzy appearance. Characteristics: When at rest, the drain fly folds its wings over the body in a characteristic roof-like manner. Size: Drain flies measure about 1.5 to 5 mm long.
What are small black flies in bathroom?
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. Filter flies.
Will ammonia kill drain flies?
Clean pipes and traps with a stiff, long handled brush. After a thorough scrubbing, flush the lines with boiling water to remove any material left behind. There is no benefit to treating drains with chlorine bleach or ammonia.
Can exterminators get rid of drain flies?
Exterminators understand drain flies, their life cycle, and how to best get rid of them. However, exterminators can also help with this process by using organic enzyme drain cleaners or gels. These work by ‘eating’ the organic material buildup in pipes and drains where flies are living.
Are drain flies good for septic tanks?
While not harmful, having drain flies in your home can certainly be a nuisance. Drain flies breed in drains, septic tanks, sewers and soil that has been contaminated with sewage.
