How to Get Rid of Drain Flies

If you’ve noticed tiny, moth-like insects hovering around your sinks or showers, you may be dealing with drain flies. These pests thrive in damp, organic-rich environments, making your drains a perfect breeding ground. While they are not harmful, their presence can be a nuisance and indicate underlying plumbing issues. 

In this blog, we’ll explore how to get rid of drain flies, what causes them, and the best solutions to keep your home free from these unwelcome guests.

Where Do Drain Flies Come From?

Drain flies—also known as moth flies or sewer gnats—are attracted to stagnant water and decaying organic matter. They often emerge from drains, septic tanks, and other moist areas where bacteria and fungi grow. If you’re wondering where drain flies come from, they typically lay their eggs in the gunk that accumulates in pipes, garbage disposals, and floor drains. Within 48 hours, the eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on organic material before maturing into adult flies.

Common places to find drain flies in the house include:

• Kitchen and bathroom sinks
• Shower and bathtub drains
• Floor drains in basements or laundry rooms
• Overflow openings in sinks
• Underneath leaky faucets or around standing water

Because these flies reproduce quickly, a small infestation can rapidly grow into a bigger problem if left unchecked.

Signs You Have a Drain Fly Infestation

Spotting a few drain flies in the bathroom or kitchen doesn’t always mean you have an infestation, but if you notice these signs, it’s time to take action:

• Small flies clustering around drains, especially at night
• Tiny larvae visible inside drain pipes or standing water
• A musty or foul odor coming from the drain
• Flies emerging when you turn on the faucet or disturb the drain

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, implementing drain cleaning techniques can help eliminate the problem.

How to Get Rid of Drain Flies

Once you confirm the presence of drain flies, follow these steps to get rid of drain flies and prevent them from returning.

1. Clean Your Drains Thoroughly

Since drain flies breed in the gunk inside your pipes, removing their food source is the key to eradicating them. Here’s how to perform an effective drain cleaning:

• Boiling Water: Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain twice daily to break down organic matter.
• Baking Soda & Vinegar: Mix one cup of baking soda with one cup of vinegar and pour it down the drain. Let it sit for an hour before flushing with hot water.
• Drain Brush or Pipe Cleaner: Scrub the inside of the drain to remove stubborn sludge and biofilm where flies lay their eggs.
• Enzyme Drain Cleaner: Use a natural, enzyme-based cleaner that breaks down organic buildup without harming your plumbing.

2. Use a Drain Cover or Trap

Prevent drain flies in the bathroom and kitchen by using drain covers. These barriers keep debris from accumulating inside the pipes, reducing breeding grounds for flies.

3. Fix Leaks and Reduce Moisture

Damp areas around sinks and drains can attract drain flies in the house. Repairing leaks, wiping down surfaces, and ensuring proper ventilation can help deter their presence.

4. Try DIY Drain Fly Traps

If you still notice flies, homemade traps can help catch and reduce their population:

• Apple Cider Vinegar Trap: Fill a bowl with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. Cover it with plastic wrap and poke small holes. The scent lures flies in, but they won’t be able to escape.
• Sticky Tape Trap: Place sticky fly traps near infested drains to capture adult drain flies.

5. Call a Professional Drain Service

If your infestation persists despite your best efforts, it may be time to call a drain service professional. Recurring drain fly problems can indicate deeper plumbing issues, such as clogged or damaged pipes, requiring expert intervention.

How to Prevent Drain Flies in the Future

Once you’ve eliminated drain flies, regular maintenance will help prevent them from returning. Here are a few simple habits to adopt:

• Perform routine drain cleaning to remove organic buildup.
• Flush drains with hot water or an enzyme-based cleaner weekly.
• Avoid leaving standing water in sinks, tubs, or floor drains.
• Keep garbage disposals clean and free of food particles.
• Schedule professional drain service to inspect and maintain your plumbing system.

By following these preventive measures, you can keep your home free from drain flies and ensure your plumbing remains in top condition.

Contact Chivalry Plumbing & Heating for Expert Drain Cleaning

If you’re struggling with drain flies in the house and need professional help, Chivalry Plumbing & Heating is here for you. Our expert team offers top-quality drain cleaning and drain service to eliminate pests and keep your plumbing flowing smoothly. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and say goodbye to drain flies for good!