Drain flies may be tiny, but they can quickly become a BIG nuisance. Whether you’ve noticed those pesky little flies hovering around your sink, bathtub, or shower, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not stuck with them. The good news? With a little persistence and the right methods, you can kick those drain flies out for good.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about identifying, preventing, and getting rid of drain flies. By the end of this blog, your drains will be clear, fresh, and fly-free!
What Are Drain Flies?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of removing them, it’s helpful to understand what drain flies are. Also known as sewer flies, moth flies, or sink flies, these tiny bugs belong to the Psychodidae family. They’re about 1/8 of an inch in size, with a fuzzy, moth-like appearance.
Drain flies thrive in moist environments, particularly in areas with stagnant water, decaying organic matter, or dirty drains. That means you’ll often find them hanging out near kitchen sinks, bathroom drains, garbage disposals, or even outdoor drains.
While drain flies are generally harmless and don’t carry diseases, they can multiply quickly, making them difficult to ignore or tolerate.
The Root of the Problem
Drain flies aren’t just landing in your home randomly. They’re attracted to:
- Moisture and standing water
- Organic debris (hair, grease, food particles, etc.) in drains
- Dirty or poorly maintained plumbing systems
Essentially, if your drain offers the perfect damp sanctuary for these little pests, they’re going to move in fast. The first step to solving the issue? Identifying and addressing the source.
How to Get Rid of Drain Flies in 6 Steps
Say goodbye to drain flies with these effective (and manageable!) steps:
1. Confirm You Have Drain Flies
Not every small fly in your home is a drain fly! To be sure, place a piece of tape (sticky side down) over the drain opening at night. Check it in the morning—if you see tiny fly bodies stuck to the tape, you likely have a drain fly issue.
Alternatively, you might notice them hovering near drains or resting on bathroom walls.
2. Clean Your Drains Thoroughly
The key to eliminating drain flies is disrupting their breeding grounds. Here’s how to give your drains a deep clean:
- Flush with hot water. Pour a generous amount of boiling water down the drain to dislodge debris and kill lingering larvae. Repeat this process twice daily.
- Scrub your drains. Use a drain brush to scrape away buildup from the walls of the pipe. This step removes the organic matter that drain flies love.
- Use baking soda and vinegar. Pour half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar down the drain. The fizzy reaction helps dissolve gunk and freshens your pipes. Wait 15 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
3. Use a Drain Cleaner (Eco-Friendly Options Available!)
For stubborn buildup, consider a chemical or natural enzyme-based cleaner:
- Eco-friendly options: Products like Bio-Clean or Green Gobbler use natural enzymes to break down organic debris without harming the environment or pipes.
- Chemical drain cleaners: These can be powerful but should be used sparingly. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Remember—proper drainage maintenance helps prevent future infestations.
4. Eliminate Standing Water
Standing water is like a five-star hotel for drain flies. Fix any plumbing leaks, wipe down your sink after use, and use drain covers to keep water from pooling. Also, ensure appliances like dishwashers and washing machines don’t leave water behind.
5. Set DIY Fly Traps
Want to trap those pesky adults while you tackle the larvae? These simple, DIY traps work wonders:
- Apple cider vinegar trap: Fill a bowl with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. The sweet smell attracts the flies, and the dish soap prevents them from escaping.
- Sticky tape trap: Hang duct tape (sticky side out) near a drain. Flies will stick to it as they try to escape.
Pro tip: Keep these traps out until you no longer spot adult drain flies near the area.
6. Repeat and Monitor Progress
Consistency is crucial. Drain fly populations can be persistent, so it’s essential to repeat the cleaning and trapping steps for at least a week to ensure you’ve tackled the adults, larvae, and eggs.
If the problem persists or worsens, it may be a sign of a larger plumbing issue, requiring a professional inspection.
Preventing Drain Flies in the Future
Once you’ve gotten rid of drain flies, the last thing you want is for them to make a return appearance. Here are some quick prevention tips:
- Maintain clean and dry drains. Flush your drains weekly with hot water and baking soda to prevent buildup.
- Fix leaks promptly. A leaking pipe or faucet creates an ideal habitat for drain flies.
- Cover unused drains. For drains you rarely use (like in a guest bathroom), use a drain cover to prevent flies from nesting inside.
- Keep garbage disposals clean. Run your garbage disposal regularly and pour a mix of ice, salt, and lemon juice through it to keep it fresh.
- Inspect outdoor drains. Don’t forget about outdoor culverts and storm drains—they’re common breeding grounds and can lead to indoor infestations.
When to Call in the Pros
While most drain fly infestations can be managed with DIY methods, there are situations where professional help is necessary:
- If the infestation continues despite your efforts
- If you have multiple drains hosting drain flies
- If there’s evidence of a hidden plumbing issue or standing water problem
A professional plumber or pest control expert can help eliminate the source of the issue and inspect your home for underlying concerns.
Say Goodbye to Drain Flies Once and For All!
Getting rid of drain flies isn’t just about removing pests—it’s about restoring comfort and cleanliness to your home. With the right techniques and a little persistence, you’ll have your drains sparkling and fly-free in no time.
If you’ve followed these steps and want to share your success story (or need a hand with the stubborn ones), drop us a comment below! Together, we can make your home as cozy and pest-free as possible.
