Have you noticed tiny, moth-like flies hovering around your sink or bathroom drains? Congratulations you might have some unexpected houseguests. Drain flies (also known as sewer gnats or sink flies) love nothing more than damp, gunky pipes, making your home their all-you-can-eat buffet. But don’t worry, you don’t have to put up with them. Here’s our Happy Drains “Drain Fly Guide”, to send these uninvited guests packing.
What Are Drain Flies?
Drain flies are small, fuzzy insects (typically 2-5mm long) that thrive in stagnant water and organic debris. While they don’t bite or spread disease, their rapid reproduction can turn a minor nuisance into a full-blown infestation.
The Drain Fly Life Cycle
These pests may be small, but their ability to multiply is impressive:
- A single drain fly can lay 30 to 100 eggs at a time.
- Eggs hatch within 48 hours, producing larvae that feed on the organic muck inside your drains.
- The larvae mature into adult flies within 9 to 15 days, meaning an infestation can escalate quickly.
- Adult drain flies live for about two weeks, but since they reproduce constantly, their presence can feel never-ending.
Why Are They in My Drains?
Drain flies are not just a random annoyance they’re a sign that your drains could do with some attention. They lay their eggs in the slimy buildup inside pipes, particularly in:
- Kitchen sinks
- Bathroom drains
- Shower and bathtub overflows
- Utility room floor drains
- Outdoor drains and compost bins
Since they thrive in moisture and decay, a slow or clogged drain is practically a all inclusive luxury hotel for them with food on tap!
How to Get Rid of Drain Flies
Now that we’ve identified the culprits, let’s talk eviction:
1. Flush Them Out
Pour boiling water down the drain once or twice a day to kill larvae and clear away grime.
2. Attack the Slime
Use a drain cleaner or a DIY mix of baking soda and vinegar to break down the organic buildup. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with hot water.
3. Give Your Drains a Scrub
A stiff-bristled drain brush can dislodge stubborn gunk where drain flies love to breed.
4. Keep Drains Dry
Since drain flies thrive in moisture, drying out problem areas (like sink overflows and shower drains) can make your home less inviting to them.
5. Trap the Stragglers
Set out a dish of apple cider vinegar with a drop of washing-up liquid to lure and trap adult flies.
Prevention: Keeping Drain Flies Away for Good
The best way to avoid drain fly infestations is regular drain maintenance. Clean your drains periodically, fix slow-moving pipes, and keep an eye out for standing water. A well-maintained drainage system isn’t just better for your home, it also stops these tiny pests from throwing an uninvited house party in your pipes.
Call in the Experts
If drain flies keep returning, you might have a bigger issue like a hidden blockage or broken pipe. That’s where Happy Drains can help. We’ll inspect, clear, and clean your drains so they stay free of pests and problems.
Give us a buzz on 07824 757572 / 0800 8498099, and let’s show those drain flies the door!
