Are drain flies bugging you in your Forney home? These tiny, fuzzy pests can be a real annoyance. Also known as sink flies, sewer gnats, or filter flies, they’re all the same bothersome pest. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll show you how to get rid of drain flies and keep them from returning. Keep reading to learn more.
What are Drain Flies?
Drain flies may be small, but they can make a big impression. These fuzzy little pests resemble tiny moths and hang around sinks, showers, and bathtubs.
They love to feast on stagnant water, making them a common sight in bathrooms and kitchens. Despite their cute appearance, they can be a significant nuisance.
Keep an eye out for them and take the necessary steps to prevent an infestation, as they can potentially cause significant problems.
What Causes Drain Flies?
You may have wondered what causes those pesky drain flies to take over your sink or shower. Well, the answer lies in their love for moisture and organic debris. Here are some specific causes of drain flies in your home:
- Stagnant water in your sink or shower
- Accumulation of organic material, such as hair or food particles in the drain
- Poor sanitation and cleanliness
- Cracks or leaks in pipes that allow moisture to accumulate
- Infestation in nearby sewage systems or septic tanks
How to Tell If You Have Drain Flies
Keep an eye out for adult drain flies congregating on walls or near drains in large numbers. You may also notice tiny, worm-like larvae in your drains.
And if you still need to figure it out, try the trusty tape trick: cover your drains with tape for a day and check the other side for unwanted guests.
How to Remove and Prevent Drain Flies
Here are the ways to remove and prevent those pesky drain flies from taking over your home and making your life miserable:
Locate the Breeding Site
Finding the breeding site of these pesky flies is crucial for getting rid of them permanently. Check your drains, garbage cans, potted plants, bird baths, and other places containing organic material these flies feed on. Once you remove the breeding site and larvae, the problem is solved.
Clean Your Drains with Enzymes
Regular drain cleaners won’t do the trick for drain flies. Pest control professionals recommend using foaming enzymes to break down the film coating that drains flies feed on and to target drain fly eggs. This treatment is safe and doesn’t harm your plumbing.
Avoid Using Bleach
Pouring bleach down your drain may eliminate some larvae, but it won’t penetrate the thick buildup where eggs are deposited.
Plus, it’s corrosive and can damage your pipes. Avoid mixing bleach and ammonia, as this can be deadly if inhaled.
Use Prevention Methods
Prevent future infestations by keeping your drains clean, disposing of organic material properly, and fixing leaky pipes.
You can also use fly traps and screens to prevent them from entering your home. With these prevention methods, you can keep your home free of drain flies.
How Do You Get Rid of Drain Flies in Forney Homes?
Below are some effective methods to eliminate drain flies permanently:
Identify the Source of the Infestation
Drain flies, also known as sewer gnats, thrive in damp environments and are commonly found near drains and other stagnant water sources. To get rid of them, it’s essential first to identify the source of the infestation.
Inspect all the drains in your home, including sinks, shower, and bathtub drains, and check for any signs of buildup or clogs. Also, look for any other areas of standing water, such as leaky pipes or stagnant water in plant pots.
Clean and Sanitize the Affected Areas
Once you’ve identified the source of the infestation, it’s time to start cleaning and sanitizing the affected areas. Use a drain cleaner to break up any buildup or clogs in the drains and flush them out with hot water.
You can also use baking soda and vinegar to clean the drains and eliminate unpleasant odors. Additionally, clean any other areas of standing water thoroughly, including shower curtains, bathroom tiles, and sink basins.
Use Insecticide Treatments
In some cases, cleaning and sanitizing alone may not eliminate drain flies in your home. In this case, you may need insecticide treatments to eliminate the infestation.
There are various insecticides available in the market that are specifically designed to target drain flies. These products, such as sprays and foams, come in different forms and are typically applied directly to the affected areas.
Prevent Future Infestations
To prevent future infestations of drain flies in your home, it’s essential to take proactive measures. This includes regularly cleaning and sanitizing your drains, fixing any leaky pipes, and ensuring that there are no areas of standing water in your home. You can install drain covers and screens to prevent drain flies from accessing your pipes and breeding in the stagnant water. Give our expert team at Romney Pest Control a call and we can help you quickly and affordably.
