How to Get Rid of Drain Flies

Drain flies, also known as sewer gnats, are tiny insects that thrive in moist environments like drains and pipes. While they aren't harmful, their presence can become a nuisance. To get rid of them, you must clean your drains thoroughly and sometimes use natural or chemical solutions or call a professional.

This guide will tell you what you need to know to eliminate drain flies and prevent future infestations:

• What are drain flies?
• Common causes of drain fly infestations
• Natural methods to get rid of drain flies
• Chemical solutions for drain fly removal
• When to call a professional for help

Say Goodbye to Drain Flies: Schedule a Cleaning Today

If drain flies have become a nuisance you can’t get rid of, Jon Wayne offers professional drain cleaning to help eliminate these pests. Our technicians get the job done right the first time and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call us at (210) 293-6700 or click the button below to request an appointment today.

Drain flies are sometimes mistaken for fruit flies, but they’re moth-like with fuzzy bodies and like hanging around drain openings instead of overripe fruit. These tiny insects thrive in moist environments and feed on organic matter inside pipes. They're common household pests and may be especially attracted to bathrooms and kitchens with slow or clogged drains or standing water caused by leaking pipes.

If you have a drain fly infestation, you’ll spot them hovering around your drains. Another common sign is finding larvae that look like small, black worms inside the drain. While they’re easy to identify, a professional inspection can confirm the source of the infestation and the extent of your problem to ensure effective treatment.

Drain flies thrive in moist areas where organic matter accumulates, such as sinks, shower pipes, and floor drains. Standing water, food debris, and unclean drains are common causes of infestations because they provide ideal environments for these insects to breed.

Regularly scheduling professional drain cleaning services can remove buildup that creates ideal drain fly conditions. Expert technicians can clean drains and pipes more extensively than DIY methods, significantly reducing the likelihood of an infestation.

If you're dealing with a minor drain fly infestation, you can try a few natural methods to eliminate them. The following options may help clean out organic buildup and disrupt their breeding area to get rid of drain flies:

• Boiling Water: Pour boiling water down the drain to kill larvae and flush out debris.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: Use this foaming reaction to clean and disinfect drains.
• Drain Brush: Scrub away organic matter to remove feeding and breeding opportunities.

While these methods may be effective for minor infestations, recurring or serious problems often require professional intervention.

Chemical treatments like bleach, drain cleaners, and insecticides may effectively eliminate drain flies. These solutions help break down organic matter in the drain or directly kill adult flies and larvae. However, following usage instructions carefully is crucial to avoid damaging your pipes or risking harm to humans and pets.

Professionals have access to more specialized products and tools that can reduce the need for harsh chemicals. Opting for professional cleaning services also clears clogs that cause slow-moving drains and helps extend the lifespan of drains and pipes, potentially saving homeowners from expensive replacements.

Professional help is recommended when you have persistent drain fly infestations or when breeding sites are difficult to locate. Trained experts thoroughly inspect your plumbing, providing targeted treatments that address the root cause of the problem. You benefit not only from resolving your current infestation but also from preventing future issues with a lasting solution that can save you time, trouble, and money in the long run.

Are drain flies bugging you? Let our expert technicians at Jon Wayne Service Company perform drain cleaning to get rid of those flying pests. With 200 trucks on the road, we offer fast response times, so book your appointment today by calling (210) 293-6700 or using the button below to schedule online.