Drain flies, also known as sink or sewer flies, are tiny moth-like flies that thrive in damp environments like the drains in your bathroom or kitchen. There’s nothing to worry about if you notice one flying around the house but when you start seeing more, that’s the time when immediate action is required.
It’s important to get rid of these drain flies quickly because they can be bothersome when they start accumulating in groups. Of course, these flies don’t carry diseases and they don’t bite or sting, but they can potentially spread bacteria coming from your drains. So, it’s important to follow preventive measures to ensure they don’t become your permanent housemates.
Here are some methods you can follow to get rid of drain flies from your house:
1. Regular Drain Cleaning
The first step to getting rid of drain flies is by keeping your sinks and drains clean. A clean drain eliminates the breeding ground for these flies, thereby controlling their multiplication. Use your usual cleaning agents along with a pipe brush to scrub and clean around and inside the drain. This routine cleaning should be performed once a week to prevent the build-up of organic material where drain flies breed.
2. Boiling Water Treatment
A straightforward yet effective method is to pour boiling water down the drain. This simple step can help eliminate drain flies and their larvae. Repeat this process once or twice a week, ensuring you pour the boiling water both down and around the drain to target all potential hiding spots. Source: DCM Plumbing & Drainage
3. Use Baking Soda
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. Leave overnight, and finish by pouring boiling water down the drain in the morning.
4. Buy a Drain Cleaner
If you need a heavier-duty way to get rid of drain flies, try a store-bought drain cleaner like Drano or Bio-Clean. These chemical unclogging solutions will clear out the drain and pipes and help eliminate any materials or debris that may be creating a breeding ground for drain flies, thus preventing new eggs from hatching. Source: Country Living
5. Place Some Mothballs
As drain flies are a species of moth, mothballs provide a straightforward solution for eliminating them. The active ingredient in mothballs, naphthalene, is toxic and effectively kills drain flies.
Directions:
– Place a few mothballs over the opening of your drain.
– Cover the drain opening and the mothballs with a clear container for at least 2 weeks. Source: Selleys
Make sure to follow these recommendations as soon as you start seeing some drain flies flying around the house. This will ensure that your drains remain insect-free and more importantly, prevent certain bacteria from getting in contact with your food.
If ever you need more tips like this or anything related, read the other blogs on our website or you can just give us a call!
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
