What 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 causes 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.

How do I know if I have drain flies?

How do you get rid of drain flys?

White vinegar, salt, and baking soda

Pour it down infested with drain flies. Flush it and clear out the mix with another flush of boiling water. This mixture will help clear out your drain, kill drain flies eggs, and make your drain unsuitable for future habitation.

Do drain flies look like house flies?

Drain flies also differ in color compared to other small house flies, typically ranging between pale gray to black. While they may look like moths, these little creatures cannot fly very far. You'll notice that they make large hops from place to place instead of buzzing around your home like other pests.

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

Should I worry about drain flies?

For the most part, drain flies are not dangerous and not harmful. Having drain flies around your home does not mean your drains are dirty or your kitchen, bathroom or other areas are unclean. They are opportunistic insects and can get inside and find any moist area to lay their eggs and breed.

Can't find where drain flies are coming from?

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.

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 is the best drain fly Killer?

How long do drain flies live?

Adult drain flies usually live about two weeks, but newly emerged adults rapidly replace them. These flies are also known as moth flies due to their appearance: they are small and furry with large, ovoid wings and prominent antennae.

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.

Can drain flies make you sick?

Drain flies are small and gray. They do not bite, sting, or spread diseases, but their decaying bodies may cause allergic reactions. They can also spread bacteria from trash, decaying vegetables and fruits.

Can a plumber get rid of drain flies?

Yes! A plumber is likely better equipped to deal with issues related to difficult infestations. This includes checking your main line if all else fails. Plumbers can also use pressure jetting and manual cleaning to remove buildup from pipes, traps 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.

How do you stop drain flies in the bathroom?

Since drain flies feed on organic matter within pipes, the first step of prevention is keeping drains clean and clear with proper pipe-cleaning maintenance, such as cleaning sinks and drains regularly with dish soap or vinegar and very hot water.

Why are there drain flies in my bedroom?

Gnats or fruit flies may have gathered in your bedroom for a few reasons, including: If no forgotten food is lying about, you may have a water issue. Check for leaks in a nearby bathroom or along the roof line. Houseplants can also host hundreds of tiny gnats.

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.

Do drain flies survive winter?

Drain flies find their way inside at some point before cold weather shows up and need "open water" to breed. Indoor humidity drops once the furnace comes online, and fungus gnats stay close to their food source and the higher humidity of the houseplants so they may not be a large problem.

How can you tell the difference between a drain fly and a fruit fly?

While visually distinct, both pests are tiny at about one-eighth of an inch long. A drain fly, also known as a sewer fly, has a moth-like appearance with fuzzy wings, antennae, and black or brown coloring. A fruit fly has red eyes and a body that can range from brown to yellow with dark stripes or spots.

Can drain flies get past P trap?

Answer: The drain flies are not coming up from the P-trap. They are traveling inside from outdoors and reproducing in the organic matter that builds up on the walls inside the drain.

How does vinegar get rid of drain flies?

Pour ½ a cup of salt, ½ a cup of baking soda, and one cup of vinegar down the drain. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, causing it to bubble and fizz. This reaction is what will kill the larvae. Leave the mixture overnight, then flush the next day with hot water.

Why do I have lots of tiny flies in my bathroom?

Drain flies live in drains, sewers, septic tanks, and sewage-contaminated soil. Often, true to their name, they eventually make their way up to drain areas – they can be found around bathrooms and kitchen sinks, or bath/shower drains.

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.

How do you get rid of drain flies once and for all?

A super simple fix is to pour boiling water down the drain to eliminate drain flies. 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.

Can garbage disposal cause drain flies?

They breed and develop in drains, garbage disposals, trash cans, and mop buckets. Once they do, it's hard to get rid of them.