Drain flies are one of the peskiest household pests that thrive in moist environments. These bothersome insects tend to congregate anywhere with clogged drains or standing water. There are few things as irritating as drain flies in your house. While they’re not directly harmful to humans, drain flies don’t come without risks. As they fly around, they can spread bacteria to surfaces and food. The worst thing about these pesky insects is that they reproduce very quickly. They develop from eggs to adults in about 1-3 weeks. This rapid reproduction makes it easy for small numbers to quickly turn into an infestation. Once you notice one drain fly in your house, it’s only a matter of time until you have a full infestation. Luckily, there are DIY methods you can use to get rid of them.
Today, Express Plumbing & Rooter explains how to get rid of drain flies before they take over your home. We are a trusted plumbing company providing top-of-the-line services to homeowners and businesses. Some of the services we offer include sewer and drain cleaning, high-tech water jetting, repiping, trenchless pipe replacement, and more. Read on to learn how to get rid of those nasty pests before they get out of hand.
Drain flies are primarily attracted to moist environments with decaying organic matter. Tiny bits of food scraps, grease, and other organic matter trapped in the sink or garbage disposals provide a food source for drain flies. Therefore, a good place to start is to remove any food scraps or debris that might be attracting the flies. Use a hot, soapy water solution to clean the sink and surrounding areas.
The second step to getting rid of drain flies is by keeping your drains clean. Drain cleaning physically removes the accumulated organic matter, grease, and food scraps that serve as breeding grounds and food sources for drain flies.
Here are the three effective ways to clean your drains:
This is one of the simplest ways to get rid of drain flies. Carefully pour boiling water down the drain to kill any existing larvae or eggs. Repeat this twice a week until they’re gone.
This is another simple way to clean clogged drains that may be attracting drain flies. Create a fizzing reaction by pouring baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar. Leave it for 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.
If the drain fly infestation persists, try a microbial drain cleaner. You can find an effective microbial drain cleaner at your local grocery store. Use the drain cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. These cleaners contain enzymes that break down organic matter, eliminating the food source for the flies.
Attract and trap adult flies using a small bowl filled with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, poke holes, and watch the flies get trapped. The sweet scent of apple cider vinegar entices drain flies, leading them into the trap.
If your drain cleaning efforts do not resolve the problem, it’s time to call a plumber to help you clean your drains. Professional plumbers are equipped with advanced drain cleaning tools, such as hydro-jetting machines, to get rid of stubborn clogs. Here at Express Plumbing & Rooter, we pride ourselves on offering professional drain cleaning, repiping, and pipe replacement services. We are the plumbing company you can trust for all of your plumbing needs.