These tiny flies can be a big nuisance
Bleach isn’t the best way to kill drain flies.
Drain flies feed on decaying organic matter in your bathroom and kitchen drains.
Drain flies can be caused by various issues, including leaks, clogs, or a full septic tank.
Have you noticed tiny furry insects flying around the drains in your home? If so, you may have a drain fly infestation on your hands and wonder if bleach will kill drain flies. Known as sewer flies and moth flies, these insects can show up for several reasons and can be a real nuisance if you don’t address the problem.
There is a bit more to getting rid of these pesky little flies than you may realize, and their presence can mean a deeper issue than a dirty drain. So, let’s discuss what can cause them, why bleach is not the best option for eliminating them, and alternative methods to try.
So, should you start pouring bleach down the drain to eliminate these resilient flies? While bleach can kill drain fly larvae, it’s not the most effective and safe way to get rid of the actual eggs. It passes through the pipes too fast, which prevents it from penetrating the area where the eggs are laid.
Plus, there are some other cons to using bleach down the pipes too, such as:
May Damage Plumbing: Bleach is corrosive and can eventually cause damage and metal pipes to rust.
Toxic Fumes: You should avoid pouring bleach straight down your drains because it can cause dangerous chemical reactions. If it comes in contact with other household chemicals and organic matter, it can release toxic fumes into your home.
Harms Septic Systems: If you have a septic system, you should skip using bleach to kill drain flies. Septic systems contain good bacteria that break down organic matter, and bleach can kill essential bacteria, which can lead to clogs and prevent the system from operating effectively.
Drain flies thrive in moist areas and feed on decaying organic matter. The larvae feast on the sludge that builds up in pipes, such as bacteria, fungi, and algae. Adult drain flies feed on polluted water and flower nectar. So, that’s why you will see them hovering around various drains in your home, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
Here are several things that can attract drain flies to suddenly appear in your home:
Clogged Drains: One obvious reason drain flies will start making an appearance is clogged drains. A buildup of food, coffee grounds, grease, hair, and other debris can create clogs that provide the perfect environment for drain flies to live.
Dirty Garbage Disposals: Improper use or not frequently cleaning your garbage disposal can create a hospitable home for these tiny flies.
Leaks in Pipes: If plumbing pipes have a leak, it can cause standing water that has organic matter, which will attract drain flies.
Refrigerator Drain Pans: Some refrigerator models have drain pans under them to collect condensation and water from the defrosted ice, and this stagnant water can attract drain flies.
Septic Tanks: Drain flies can be a sign that your septic tank is full and needs to be pumped or that there is a plumbing issue. If you still have these pests after trying other methods to get rid of them, you may want to have your septic tank checked.
Since using bleach to kill drain flies isn’t ideal, how should you get rid of them? Here are a few methods to effectively exterminate and prevent these tiny pests from living in your drains:
Try a DIY Drain Cleaner: Instead of bleach, try mixing up a solution of ½ cup baking soda, ½ cup salt, and 1 cup vinegar to pour down the drain to kill the flies. Allow it to sit overnight, then wash the pipes out with boiling water. If you have PVC pipes, use warm water instead.
Use a Liquid Drain Cleaner: In extreme cases, you may need to opt for a liquid drain cleaner to eliminate drain flies. These solutions can dissolve the organic matter that may be clogging your pipes.
Don’t Wash Food Down Your Drains: Even small portions of food and coffee grounds can cause buildup in your pipes and create an ideal living environment for drain flies. Avoid washing food particles down drains to help prevent drain flies from having the right conditions to prosper.
Hire a Bug Control Service: If you can’t seem to eradicate these flies from dwelling in your drains, you may want to hire a professional bug control service near you to tackle the task. A professional can get to the source of the issue and use methods to dispose of drain flies effectively.
Have Your Drains Professionally Cleaned: One of the best long-term solutions for ridding these flies is to have your drains cleaned by a professional. They will inspect for infestations and deep clean pipes where the flies lay their eggs.
Drain flies are very common and can live year-round with the right conditions. Areas with stagnant water and organic matter, such as septic systems, sinks, and drains, tend to be hot spots for drain flies. That’s why taking the initiative to prevent them is essential. Simple things such as frequently cleaning your drains, avoiding washing food particles down drains, and keeping your drains clean can keep these flies at bay.
Although drain flies do not bite or sting, they can spread food-borne illnesses if they land on food and beverages. They are also known for triggering allergies due to inhaling fragments and dust from their decaying bodies. Their larvae can also cause Myiasis, a parasitic infection that can grow in human tissue. That’s why it’s vital to address the issue as quickly as possible.
Gnats and fruit flies are often mistaken as drain flies because they can also feed and breed near drains. However, drain flies are typically bigger and hairier. Also, fruit flies prefer ripening, and fermented fruits and gnats are drawn to the moist soil of potted plants. Knowing the difference in pests can help you choose the correct method to get rid of them from your home.
