Drain flies are insects that breed in moist areas like kitchen and bathroom drains. They do not pose any structural damage to the house, but these harmless flying insects are unsightly and can make people feel uneasy, especially in large quantities. Although drain flies can break down decomposing clogged matter in drains, they hatch eggs every 32 to 48 hours and multiply quickly.
There are various ways to eliminate drain flies from your pipes. This can be done in two phases:
Phase One: Destroying the Breeding Source
Drain flies are usually spotted on walls or ceilings near their breeding area. Once the suspected drain is identified, clean any slime and dirt that has accumulated.
1.Clean the drain from the outside and pour in two to four litres of warm water.
2.Clean the inside of the pipe using a metal pipe brush, gently pushing it through the pipe back and forth. You can also use a plumbing snake to pull out hair strands and other debris stuck in the pipe. If you’re unclear how to use these tools (or don’t own the appropriate items), call a plumber.
3.Use an eco-friendly drain cleaning solution (that won’t damage your pipes) and allow it to sit for a few hours before rinsing it with warm water. Create a baking soda solution by mixing one-half cup of baking soda with one cup of vinegar and one-half cup of salt. Mix the solution thoroughly and pour it down the drain, letting it sit overnight. Follow with pouring in a pot of boiling water the following morning.
Phase Two: Killing Adult Drain Flies
After cleaning the drain thoroughly and eliminating eggs and larvae, adult drain flies may remain. The following methods are used for the effective elimination of adult drain flies:
1.Chemical Spray – Although chemical sprays can kill mature drain flies, they are toxic and should not be used in infested areas around the kitchen. Consult a plumber or a pest control company for assistance.
2.Apple Cider Vinegar – Pour 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar into a container and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Use a fork to poke holes in the plastic wrap and place the container next to the sink. Flies will be attracted to the scent of the vinegar and find their way into the container.
3.Liquid Dish Soap Spray – Add five to seven drops of dish soap with two cups of warm water into an empty spray bottle. Shake the mixture well and spray on drain flies.
The most effective way of getting rid of drain flies is to keep your sink and drain pipes clean at all times. In case of a clogged drain, call Plumbing Authority Inc. at (647) 992-7473. We offer 24-hour emergency plumbing and drain services in the Bolton/Vaughan area.