Tools and Materials
Materials
Diatomaceous Earth
- Dehumidifier
- Essential Oils
- Pipe Cleaner
- Caulk
7 Steps on How to Get Rid of Drain Flies
If you're dealing with drain flies in your house, here’s how to tackle the issue step-by-step.
The first thing to do is figure out where the drain flies are coming from. Drain flies typically breed in the sludge that builds up in drainpipes, making bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms prime spots. Look for areas with standing water or areas that are more humid, like bathrooms and basements.
Check your kitchen and bathroom drains for any visible organic buildup. If there’s visible gunk around the drains, chances are that’s where the flies are breeding.
To get rid of drain flies, start by cleaning your drains thoroughly. Here’s how to do it:
1. Unclog the Drains
Start by unclogging your drains. Use a pipe snake to physically remove blockages or opt for a chemical drain cleaner. If using a chemical cleaner, always follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid potential damage.
2. Deep Clean the Drains
After unclogging, use a natural cleaning solution. Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar into the drain, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, and then flush it with hot water. This step helps remove organic buildup and ensures a thorough cleaning.
3. Deodorize the Drains
Finally, deodorize the drains by pouring boiling water down them. This will flush out any lingering residue and keep your drains smelling fresh.
You don’t need to use both a pipe cleaner and a chemical drain cleaner. A pipe snake works best for removing physical blockages, while a chemical cleaner effectively breaks down organic buildup. Pick the method that suits your needs but avoid using them together to prevent potential damage.
Wear your safety gloves to avoid getting infected while cleaning the drains.
Drain flies are attracted to damp conditions, so reducing moisture around your home is key. Here’s how to do it:
- Fix Leaks: Check for any leaky pipes or faucets and repair them immediately. Even small leaks can provide the moisture drain flies need to thrive.
- Use Dehumidifiers: In areas prone to moisture, like basements, bathrooms and kitchens, use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity levels. Keeping these areas dry will discourage the flies from breeding.
Prevent drain flies from entering your home by sealing cracks and gaps around windows, doors and pipes:
- Caulk Cracks: Use a caulk gun to seal any cracks around the window frames, doors and the foundation of your house. This helps to block potential entry points for drain flies.
- Repair Screens: Check your window screens for any holes or tears. Repair or replace them if necessary to prevent flies from getting inside.
If you prefer natural alternatives, there are several non-toxic remedies to keep drain flies away:
- Essential Oils: Certain essential oils can repel drain flies. Mix a few drops of essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus or tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to areas where you've noticed flies.
- Diatomaceous Earth: Diatomaceous earth is a safe, non-toxic powder that can help eliminate drain flies. Sprinkle it around drains or in areas where flies are commonly found. It works by dehydrating the flies, acting as a natural drain flies killer.
You can set simple traps to capture drain flies and reduce their numbers:
- Apple Cider Vinegar Trap: Fill a shallow bowl with apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap. The vinegar attracts the flies, and the dish soap traps them.
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Sticky Traps: Place sticky traps around areas where you've seen flies. These traps will catch any drain flies that land on them.
To prevent drain flies from coming back, take these additional steps:
- Regularly clean your drains to prevent buildup of organic matter.
- Maintain a dry environment in areas like the kitchen and bathroom.
- Seal any cracks around windows and doors to keep the flies out.
Drain flies can be a pesky problem, but with these simple steps, you can get rid of them for good. If the problem persists, it may be time to call a professional pest control service.