What causes drain flies?

Drain flies primarily live on organic material found in standing water, which often includes sewage or other contaminated water, typically when it causes a film to build up in a humid area of pipes with standing water. Because of this, your drains are an ideal place for drain flies to thrive and reproduce.

How do you get rid of drain flies?

A super simple fix is to pour boiling water down the drain to eliminate drain flies. Boil a medium-size pot of water once or twice per week, and pour down and around the drain. Another easy option uses baking soda: Combine 1/2 cup salt with 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar, and pour down the drain.

How do you get rid of Triangle flies?

Pour in 1/2 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of baking soda plus a cup of white vinegar. Allow it to work its magic overnight then flush the drain with hot or boiling water the next morning. This will sanitize the drain and kill the flies and their eggs.

Will drain flies go away on their own?

These “drain flies” (also known as moth flies) are very small…about a sixth of an inch. Nine times out of ten, a drain fly problem will go away on its own. Once you get rid of the drain flies that you see, start flushing toilets and running the water in your sinks.

Should I call an exterminator for drain flies?

Exterminators understand drain flies, their life cycle, and how to best get rid of them. However, exterminators can also help with this process by using organic enzyme drain cleaners or gels. These work by ‘eating’ the organic material buildup in pipes and drains where flies are living.

What smells do drain flies hate?

Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint and lemongrass essential oils – Not only will spraying these oils around the house create a beautiful aroma, but they will also deter those pesky flies too.

Are drain flies hard to get rid of?

Call a Professional. Many times, drain flies can be hard to get rid of because they reproduce so quickly. If you seem to try all of the DIY methods and don’t seem to get anywhere, you’re not alone.

What kind of flies are black and brown?

Also known a sewer flies, filter flies and moth flies, drain flies are only about 1/8-inch in size and are usually black but can also be brown in color. Their wings and bodies are covered with hairs and when crushed, they leave a powdery smudge.

Where are black flies found in the United States?

A black fly’s distinguishing feature is its humped back, when viewed up close or under a dissecting microscope. They generally make their homes in most parts of the United States, but are a particular nuisance in the northern part of America. Mainly found in late summer and early fall, these biting flies primarily feed on livestock.

What kind of development does a black fly have?

Black flies undergo a type of development known as “complete metamorphosis” (Figure 2). This means the last larval stage molts into a non-feeding pupal stage that eventually transforms into a winged adult. After taking a blood meal, females develop a single batch of 200-500 eggs.

What kind of flies are in my house?