How to Get Rid of Drain Flies

Are you suddenly noticing tiny moth-like flies buzzing around your kitchen sink or bathroom? You're likely dealing with a drain fly infestation. While drain flies (also called drain gnats or moss gnats) may seem harmless, they can quickly become a nuisance in your home.

Why Do I Suddenly Have Drain Flies? 

Drain flies can appear seemingly out of nowhere, but there are a few common reasons you may suddenly notice drain gnats swarming:

• Build up of organic matter, hair, food particles, etc., creating sludge in sink drains.
• Leak or moisture issues lead to damp areas in which they thrive.
• Lack of regular drain cleaning and maintenance.

Also, if your neighbors have drain fly infestations, they can easily migrate to your property through pipes or other openings. 

Methods to Get Rid of Drain Flies

While drain flies can be persistent, here are a few methods you can try to get rid of the infestation. It's best to try a combination of these methods for the highest chance of effectiveness. 

Boiling Water Flush

Boiling water is a simple yet effective method to kill drain fly larvae and wash away organic material. Carefully pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain. Be cautious not to splash yourself, and pour slowly to avoid damaging plastic pipes. This method might not be effective alone, so you should also try a baking soda and vinegar treatment. 

Baking Soda & Vinegar

After the boiling water is flushed, pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. The mixture will foam and fizz, helping to dislodge debris and kill larvae. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes. After the waiting period, carefully pour another kettle of boiling water down the drain to flush out the baking soda, vinegar, and any loosened debris.

Depending on the severity of the infestation, you may need to repeat the baking soda and vinegar treatment multiple times to completely eliminate drain flies and their larvae. Consistency is key to achieving success.

Enzyme Cleaners

If your DIY baking soda and vinegar treatment doesn't work, try buying an enzyme cleaner from your local supermarket or hardware store. Enzyme cleaners are specialized cleaning products that contain enzymes, which are biological molecules that can break down organic matter. These cleaners are particularly effective for eliminating drain flies because they target the organic buildup in drains and pipes, which serves as a food source for drain fly larvae. Here's how you can use enzyme cleaners to get rid of drain flies:

1. Before using the enzyme cleaner, make sure to read the instructions and safety precautions on the label. Some cleaners may require dilution with water, while others can be used directly from the bottle.
2. Pour the recommended amount of enzyme cleaner down the drain that is experiencing drain fly activity. Use a funnel to help direct the cleaner into the drain opening and prevent spillage.
3. After applying the enzyme cleaner, allow it to sit in the drain for the specified amount of time as indicated on the product label.
4. Once the allotted time has passed, flush the drain with boiling water to rinse away the enzyme cleaner along with any dissolved debris and drain fly larvae. 
5. As with the other methods, you may need to repeat the process multiple times to achieve satisfactory results. Consistency is key to ensuring that all organic buildup is removed from the drain system.

Drain Flies vs Fruit Flies

Contrary to popular belief, drain flies and fruit flies are not the same thing. Drain flies are small insects with gray or dark-colored wings and a humpbacked appearance. On the other hand, fruit flies are small flies with reddish-brown or tan bodies and red eyes. They are attracted to decaying fruits and vegetables, fermenting liquids, and organic waste. 

Understanding the difference between the two is important in order to successfully eliminate your infestation. Simply tossing old fruit or doing the dishes will not eliminate a drain fly infestation, but it might help reduce fruit flies. 

When to Call the Professionals

If the infestation persists after several weeks of diligent cleaning and drain treatments, this likely means there are breeding sites you can't access or fully eliminate on your own. While store-bought drain cleaners and basic maintenance can help with minor issues, drain flies have the ability to multiply quickly in hard-to-reach areas. If you are located in Staunton, Illinois, or the surrounding area, call Garella! You can get started with a free quote today.