How To Get Rid Of Drain Flies?

To get rid of drain flies, first identify where they are breeding. Check moist areas like sinks, drains, floor drains and showers. Clean these areas thoroughly and clear out any organic buildup or standing water that may attract the flies. Set up a simple trap by mixing apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish soap in a bowl. Place it near the problem area. The vinegar’s scent attracts the flies, and the soap causes them to sink and drown.

What are drain flies?

Drain flies, also called moth or sink flies, live in damp areas. They are about 1/8 inch long with fuzzy, dark bodies. Their large wings make them look like moths. You’ll often see them near sinks, showers, and drains, especially where there’s stagnant water and organic matter.

Drain flies lay their eggs in the slimy film that builds up in drains. The larvae feed on decaying material. They multiply fast, with females laying up to 200 eggs at a time. In just a few days, the eggs hatch, and new flies emerge. These flies can quickly infest an area if the breeding ground isn’t cleaned.

How to get rid of drain flies?

Find Breeding Areas

These flies love damp places, so check sinks, showers, floor drains, and even seldom-used toilets. Lift drain covers and use a flashlight to inspect for larvae or slime, which could indicate a breeding site. Pay attention to any slow-draining spots, as they may be harboring organic buildup that attracts the flies. Removing standing water and cleaning these areas thoroughly can prevent further infestation.

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour a half cup of baking soda into the affected drain, followed by a half cup of vinegar. The mixture will create a foaming reaction that breaks down organic debris and kills flies and larvae. Let it sit undisturbed for at least 30 minutes. Afterward, flush the drain with hot water to clear any remaining residue. Repeat this process regularly to prevent organic buildup from returning.

Set Traps

Create a simple trap using a bowl filled with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. The vinegar’s sweet smell attracts the flies, and the soap breaks the surface tension, causing the flies to sink and become trapped. Place these traps near problem areas, like sinks or drains, to catch and monitor the fly population. Replace the mixture daily for best results. You can also try placing sticky traps near drain openings.

Try Commercial Cleaners

If natural methods don’t work, use a commercial drain cleaner specifically designed for organic buildup. Eco-friendly options are available and are less harmful to your pipes and the environment. Follow the instructions closely, ensuring you pour the product into the drain and allow enough time to dissolve buildup and kill any larvae. Regular use of such cleaners can keep drains clear and fly-free.

Call a Professional if Needed

If drain flies persist despite your efforts, it may be time to call a professional plumber. Plumbers can perform a deep clean of your plumbing system, using specialized tools to remove hidden breeding spots or blockages. They may also use cameras to inspect hard-to-reach areas. This can help identify leaks, buildup, or even pipe damage that might be contributing to the problem.

Check Nearby Areas

Drain flies can breed in any damp environment, so don’t limit your search to just sinks and drains. Check for leaks or standing water in basements, crawl spaces, under appliances like washing machines, and around water heaters. Repair any leaks promptly and ensure good ventilation to keep moisture levels low. By eliminating other potential breeding grounds, you further reduce the risk of infestation.

Negative effects of having drain flies in your home

Issue	Description
Sanitation Problems	Drain flies indicate clogged drains filled with organic matter.
Bacterial Spread	They can carry bacteria from breeding sites, contaminating kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
Foodborne Illness Risk	If bacteria reach food or prep areas, it could lead to foodborne illnesses.
Larvae Thriving	Larvae feed on decaying material, worsening hygiene concerns.
Respiratory Issues	Dust and debris from flies can aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Nuisance Factor	In large numbers, drain flies disrupt daily life and become a constant annoyance.
Attraction of Other Pests	An unchecked drain fly infestation can attract additional pests, escalating the problem.

How do drain flies get into my house?

Drain flies, also called moth or sink flies, enter homes through open doors, windows, or cracks in old pipes. Once inside, they seek out damp areas with organic buildup, such as sinks, showers, and drains. These areas provide the perfect breeding ground for them. Drain flies lay their eggs in the slimy biofilm that forms in drains. This biofilm is a mix of bacteria, fungi, and decaying organic matter.

The larvae feed on this biofilm, thriving in the moist, nutrient-rich environment. They can also appear from rarely used plumbing fixtures, like guest bathrooms or basement sinks, where stagnant water gathers. The standing water in these areas often leads to unnoticed infestations. Drain flies are resilient and can multiply quickly if the breeding grounds aren’t cleaned.

Are drain flies harmful to humans?

Drain flies themselves are not dangerous, but they can cause problems for some people. The dust, debris, and body parts from adult flies and their larvae can trigger allergies or worsen asthma symptoms, especially for sensitive individuals. They often breed in places withstanding water and decaying organic matter, which can also harbor bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. 

This makes their presence a potential sanitation issue if not taken care of properly. While they do not bite or spread diseases directly, drain flies can still indicate underlying issues like clogged drains, standing water, or poor hygiene. If left unchecked, these flies can quickly multiply, making it harder to eliminate them and increasing the potential for respiratory irritation in some people.

Conclusion 

To get rid of drain flies, focus on cleaning, prevention, and maintenance. Lower humidity levels by using dehumidifiers or keeping damp areas well-ventilated. This makes it harder for flies to survive. Get rid of organic waste like food scraps and grease quickly so you don’t attract them. Regularly clean your drains, sinks, and plumbing fixtures to get rid of any slime or buildup where flies might breed.

If the flies keep coming back, it’s time to call a pest control professional. They can perform a thorough inspection of your plumbing system to locate any hidden breeding spots where the flies might be laying eggs. Professionals use specialized tools and techniques to reach deep into drains and pipes, areas that are often hard to clean properly with regular household methods.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are drain flies harmful?

While drain flies do not bite or sting, they can carry bacteria from their breeding sites, in your kitchen or bathroom.

How can I prevent drain flies?

Prevent drain flies by regularly cleaning drains, controlling humidity levels, and properly disposing of organic wastes. 

Can I use chemical sprays to get rid of drain flies?

While chemical sprays may kill adult flies, they do not address the breeding source. It’s best to combine chemical treatments with cleaning. 

How do I know if I have drain flies?

You may have drain flies if you notice small, fuzzy flies near sinks, drains, or other moist areas. 

Can I use pesticides to get rid of drain flies?

While bug sprays can kill adult flies, they do not address the root cause of the infestation. It is not advisable to use pesticides in food preparation areas due to safety concerns.

Why do I suddenly have drain flies?

Drain flies thrive in moist environments with organic debris. They often appear in areas that are not frequently used or cleaned.

How can I identify if I have a drain fly problem?

To confirm a drain fly issue, place tape over the suspected drain overnight. If you find trapped flies in the morning, it indicates an infestation.