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Drain flies, which are also known as moth flies or sewer flies, are tiny bugs that grow to 1/16th of an inch at most. They are gray or black with fuzzy bodies and large wings. Drain flies are not good fliers. They eat decaying organic matter, so you often find them near drains, in sewers, and in other damp spots. If you have a drain fly problem, it can quickly become a major nuisance. Find out more about drain flies and how to get rid of them below.
What Causes Drain Flies in the First Place?
Drain flies feed on and breed in organic matter. Drain flies are often drawn to drains, sinks, and pipes. This is because organic buildup often collects in these spots. Stagnant water is also an attractant for drain flies. You will often see these flies near slow or clogged drains, around floor drains, in sewers, and by overwatered plants.
Where Do Drain Flies Lay Eggs?
Drain flies lay eggs in the same areas where they spend time and get their food. Drains with organic debris provide just the right environment for drain fly breeding. Female drain flies will lay up to 200 eggs at a time directly in the organic debris along pipe walls and sink drains.
Eggs hatch in as little as a day or two, and the drain fly larvae feed on the organic debris in which they hatched. In about two weeks, the new drain flies will go through several larval stages. Then, they will pupate. A few days later, they will emerge as adults.
A drain fly infestation can grow fast. This is due to their quick growth from egg to adult and the large number of eggs a female can lay at once.
How Do Drain Flies Keep Coming Back?
It’s never easy to treat a pest problem when it occurs in an out-of-the-way location. Adult drain flies are often seen near sinks and drains, but they also stay inside the drains. That’s also where their eggs and larvae reside.
If you only treat the adult drain flies, the problem won't go away. The eggs and larvae will keep growing. In a week or two, you'll have new adult drain flies.
If you remove the adults and just clean the surface of your drain, you probably won’t get rid of all the organic matter inside. This will allow the eggs and larvae in the drain to continue to develop. To effectively treat a drain fly problem, you have to get rid of all the organic junk in your drain.
How to Get Rid of Drain Flies
There are a few steps you can take if you want to reduce drain flies on your own:
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Identify the drain that is the source of your drain fly problem.
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Clean the drain surfaces with a stiff brush.
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Flush the drain with hot water and safe cleaning agents.
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Use a gel enzyme cleaner in the drain to break down buildup.
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Repeat as needed over several days.
For the best results, we recommend getting professional drain fly treatments.
What Is the Best Liquid Drain Cleaner for Flies?
An enzyme-based drain cleaner is the best product to use to try to get rid of drain flies. These products break down organic matter in your drain. This is essential for getting rid of eggs and larvae.
Harsh chemicals, like bleach, are not recommended, since these can be bad for your plumbing and septic system.
Can You Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain?
It won’t hurt anything to pour boiling water down your drain, but it also won’t do a lot to help. Boiling water can help clear some gunk in your drain. But it won't remove everything. If any residue stays, drain flies can still thrive.
What Is the Best Trap for Drain Flies?
You may be able to catch some adult drain flies by making a trap using a small bowl of apple cider vinegar. However, even if you do this, it won’t eliminate your drain fly problem. You might notice fewer flies near your drain for a while. However, the eggs and larvae inside can still grow. This means the breeding cycle will keep going.
What Is the Best Repellent or Scent for Drain Flies?
Drain flies don’t like certain scents, such as eucalyptus or citronella. However, these smells won’t stop a drain fly problem from happening. The best way to stop a drain fly problem is by eliminating the organic matter that attracts them.
To avoid drain flies, keep up with your sink drain maintenance. Don’t overwater your houseplants. Also, keep your home dry and free of excess moisture.
Why Are There Flies in My Bedroom?
If drain flies multiply too much, they will move from your kitchen and bathrooms to other parts of your home. If you have houseplants in your bedroom or if it is humid, it’s more likely that drain flies will end up in your bedroom.
When to Call a Professional
When to call a pest control company for drain flies depends on how comfortable you feel. Although these pests are not considered dangerous, they are a nuisance.
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If you see a few of them in your house and don’t have time to deal with the issue, it’s time to contact the professionals.
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If you’ve tried DIY methods and they’re not going away, it’s time to contact the professionals.
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If multiple areas of your home are affected, it’s time to contact the professionals.
Contact the Drain Fly Experts at All-American Pest Control
For effective drain fly control, contact All-American Pest Control. We’ve handled drain fly infestations in homes and businesses. Our solutions quickly eliminate drain flies in your home. We also provide services to prevent them from coming back. Call us today to request your drain fly control service.
Comprehensive Pest Control Solutions in Nashville, TN & Nearby Areas
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
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For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or schedule a free home evaluation today!