If your sink has been draining more slowly than usual, or you've noticed moth-like insects hanging out on the walls, it might be a case of drain flies. While these furry flying creatures don't cause any real harm to humans (they don't bite, sting or spread disease), they might create a plumbing issue later down the line if they gather in large numbers.
Drain flies thrive in dark, damp conditions, breeding and feeding on the slimy biofilm that's often found in our bathroom and kitchen pipes. The good news is that with the correct treatment, these creepy crawlies won't stick around for too long.
To find out the best way to banish them from your bathroom, along with how to prevent them from re-appearing, keep reading. We spoke with three pest control experts to share their top tips.
How do I get rid of drain flies?
1. Check where the drain flies are coming from
Before you disinfect every surface in a panic, you'll want to hold fire and check where the drain flies are actually coming from, recommends Daniel Steward, Managing Director of Shield Pest Control.
Take a look at your sinks, showers and floor drains first, as drain flies are likely to come from these damp areas where slime and organic matter can build up.
2. Clean the affected area with a physical brush
As we previously mentioned, drain flies love organic matter, so you'll need to ensure your drainage system is free from hair, grease, food waste or anything else they feed and breed on.
To get rid of this gunk, Adam Juson, founder of Merlin Environmental, suggests using a stiff drain brush to physically scrub the inside of the pipe as far down as you can reach. You'll then want to follow this with a natural drain cleaner, such as a baking soda and vinegar solution. Combine the right measures of this Dri Pak Baking Soda from Amazon with this White Vinegar, also from Amazon to create a suitable cleaning mix.
"Pour it down and leave it to sit for a while before flushing it through with hot water. Do this every few days until you stop seeing flies, just to make sure that you’re removing any hatchlings before they can start breeding," he adds.
3. Use a stronger treatment if needed
If you're having no luck with the above, Adam recommends trying a biological drain gel or foam treatment that is non-toxic and enzyme- or bacteria-based to break down the organic build up.
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This kit will have your drains spick and span in no time, including a double-bristle pipe brush and an unblocking tool.
This non-toxic treatment will dissolve scum in your drains while killing and repelling these pests.
With 24 years of experience in the pest control industry, Daniel has developed a deep understanding of the various diagnostic methods and techniques used to eliminate pests from homes and businesses.
Adam Juson is the co-founder and director of Merlin Environmental Solutions Ltd, where he leads the design and delivery of innovative, integrated pest management systems for organisations that can’t afford disruption – particularly across hospitality, aviation, transport and food production.
How quickly can I get rid of drain flies?
With the right treatment, you can clear up a drain fly infestation in as little as just one to two weeks, according to Adam Juson.
"The main issue is that the eggs, larvae, and flies all live in the gunk you find at the bottom of a sink drain, so if you don’t clean that out properly, you won’t get rid of the flies," he warns.
How do I prevent drain flies?
If you want to help prevent drain flies from returning to your home, Adam Juson recommends the following:
- Run water through drains that you don’t use very often at least once a week
- Clean your drains regularly to prevent organic gunk from building up
- Use a drain unblocker on slow-draining sinks or plugholes
- Keep an eye on outdoor drains and gullies
FAQs
Are drain flies harmful?
No, drain flies are not harmful, as they don’t bite, sting or spread disease. However, they can cause plumbing problems if they gather in large numbers, according to Darren Backhouse, Partner at MJ Backhouse Pest Control.
By following these expert-backed steps, your drain fly problem will soon become a thing of the past.
For more pest-related advice, read our guide on how to get rid of silverfish and how to get rid of fruit flies.
