How to Get Rid of Drain Flies
Drainflies, also known as moths, are small mosquitoes that usually fly around bathroom sinks as they live in humid, dark rooms where their larva can feed. They hatch in water like mosquitoes and live for about two weeks. You can also see them in your bathtub, basement, or anywhere else where standing water can collect. If left unchecked, flies can lay up to 300 eggs within 48 hours , and while they are disease resistant, flies can be irritating and quickly take over your home. Fortunately, drain flies can be eradicated with just a few household tools. Here are some ways to eliminate the infection and stop the spread.
Grab them with duct tape
To prevent drain flies from getting into the source, glue a piece of tape down with glue, blocking the drain pipe overnight. Slowly remove the tape in the morning to check the number of flies caught. Do this over several nights to assess the infection. If the tape is covered and flies continue to breed in the house, you may need to try something else or call a professional exterminator. But if you notice the numbers are dwindling, your homework should be enough.
Hold them with vinegar, sugar, and soap.
Control infestation by trapping adult flies with vinegar using a bowl and plastic wrap.
You will need:
- Medium bowl
- Apple vinegar
- Sugar
- Dishwashing liquid
- Plastic box
Pour 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup of sugar, and five to ten drops of dish soap into a bowl. Wrap the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and punch small holes in the cellophane. Plum flies are attracted to the sugar and vinegar solution, and the soapy texture keeps them from escaping.
Flush the pipes with hot water.
The hot water removes the dirt and releases the larvae from the pipes, flushing them down the drain. Heat the kettle of water to a boil (kettle is easy to pour, but a pot will work too) and slowly drain down the drain once or twice a day for several weeks to kill and remove the larvae. Spray the soap down the drain to prevent a new larva from forming – dish soap mixed with warm water has an insecticidal effect , instantly killing insects and covering the area to prevent future infestations.
This story was originally published in 2011 and was updated on December 11, 2020 with additional information and adherence to the Lifehacker style guidelines.