What do drain flies and worms look like?

Drain Flies, Explained

Drain flies prefer the damp, slimy environment inside the pipes of sink, shower and tub drains. Their larvae look a bit like tiny, skinny worms. In some instances, these wormy larvae may be noticed in a toilet tank or in stagnant water pooling in the bottom of a seldom-used shower or sink.

Do drain worms turn into flies?

The larvae live for 8 – 24 days before entering the pupal stage for 1 – 2 days before becoming adult flies.

How do you get rid of drain flies and worms?

Boil a medium-size pot of water once or twice per week, and pour down and around the drain. 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.

How do I get rid of drain flies and worms in my shower?

Pour in 1/2 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of baking soda plus a cup of white vinegar. Allow it to work its magic overnight then flush the drain with hot or boiling water the next morning. This will sanitize the drain and kill the flies and their eggs.

Where do drain worms come from?

As their name suggests, drain worms are found in the kitchen and bathroom drains, where they feed on the decomposing organic matter. The small black invertebrates are actually larvae of drain flies, which are common in the damp areas of a house.

MASSIVE DRAIN FLY INFESTATION!! How to get rid of drain flies...FOR GOOD!

Why am I getting drain flies?

Stagnant pools of water, particularly in pipes and other drainage areas, attract drain flies. These small, gnat-like insects feed on and breed in sewage. Organic material can build up along the side of drains quickly, welcoming drain flies to eat and reproduce.

Can't figure out where drain flies are coming from?

Locate the Source

Drain flies can come from organic buildups in any area where there is standing water. Check your bathroom drains, kitchen sink, shower, sump pump, sewage system, and even floorboards where there might be a pipe leak. Look for multiple flies hanging out on the walls near these possible sources.

How do I permanently get rid of drain flies?

Can drain flies come from toilet?

Drain flies breed in the buildup in pipes. While it is less common for them to appear in a toilet, it could be they are entering the bathroom through a faulty seal between the toilet and sewer flange.

What are the tiny worms that curl up?

Common Characteristics of Millipedes

While their name means “thousand legs”, this arthropod doesn't actually have that many (80-400 is typical.) When they walk, their legs appear to move in a wave-like motion, and they will curl up into a small coil when resting or disturbed.

Why are there tiny worms in my shower?

Showers are warm and damp, which creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and drain flies. Drain flies will lay their eggs inside the drain or on your shower floor. When these eggs hatch, the larvae look like tiny black worms.

How do drain flies look like?

What do drain flies look like? Drain flies are commonly referred to as “moth” flies because of their moth-like appearance. These tiny flies range in color from light tan or gray to black and their bodies are covered in small hairs, giving them a furry appearance.

What are these tiny worms in my shower?

The small "worms" found in your shower drains and tiles are likely not worms at all, but the larvae of the drain fly or moth fly. These larvae may appear brown or black, and upon closer inspection are pale in the middle and darker on the ends.

Why are there tiny worms in my sink?

Black worms may begin to show up inside and around the opening of your sink or bathroom drain. These black worms are actually the larvae of the drain fly. Drain flies survive off organic matter, soap scum and mineral residue inside drains and can become a nuisance in your home.

Can drain flies live in walls?

These nuisance gnats can be found resting on walls or ceilings, and make short hopping flights if disturbed. Drain flies often are a temporary problem. They develop in standing water so most commonly they are seen after returning home from a vacation or period of extended travel.

What are these tiny black worms?

When you're looking for solutions to your black worm blues, you may feel frustrated because such few sources refer to them as black worms. You'll see them described as drain fly larvae, drain worms, or sink/drain/moth/sewer flies. They're the mid-point between eggs and flies.

Why are there tiny worms in my toilet?

If you spot tiny black worms in your toilet, they are probably drain fly larvae. These pests live off of sewage and decaying matter, which makes your toilet a perfect location for them. Adult females lay large clusters of eggs, which explains why there may be more than one worm in your toilet.

Are drain flies harmful?

Are drain flies harmful? No, drain flies aren't harmful, but can be quite a nuisance in large numbers.

Are drain flies common?

Habitat. Drain flies are common in moist areas coated with nutrient-laden organic material. As their name implies, they are found in house and storm drains. They can also be found near decaying logs and compost piles.

Does bleach get rid of drain flies?

While this chemical might get rid of some larvae, bleach passes quickly down the drain and does not penetrate the thick build-up where eggs are deposited by the female drain fly and larvae live. As a result, in most cases, bleach does not get rid of drain flies.

What is the best drain fly Killer?

How do drain flies get in your house?

Drain flies do not come up from your pipes or drains, rather they come from outdoors to the drain when they smell the organic matter they need to breed. Drain Flies get into your home through tiny holes. Drain flies are most active in the evening when they congregate around sinks and drains.

Will drain flies go away on their own?

Nine times out of ten, a drain fly problem will go away on its own. Once you get rid of the drain flies that you see, start flushing toilets and running the water in your sinks. This eliminates the standing water in which they dwell.

Do drain flies mean I have a leak?

Sign of a Problem.

If you notice an increase in flies in your kitchen and bathroom, you could have a leak or a clogged drain. Drain flies are attracted to moist places, making a leaky pipe or a clogged drain the perfect place for them. If you notice an increase in flies, then it's a good idea to talk to your plumber.

Why are there so many flies in my house all of a sudden?

The most common reason for flies swarming all over your house is an infestation inside or nearby your home. If you suddenly see a swarm of flies that means dozens of eggs have already hatched and developed into flies. The source is likely inside your house, garage, attic or garden.