Drain Fly Infestation? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’ve begun noticing small, moth-like flies circling around your sinks or bathtub, you may be experiencing drain flies.

You need to take action–and quickly–to keep the problem under control. Drain flies can lay up to 300 eggs per day, leading to an infestation in a matter of weeks.

What Are Drain Flies?

Drain flies, also known as sewer flies, are small, flying insects that thrive in moist places like drains, sewers, pipes, and standing water in your yard.

They’re also a great indicator of any standing water, leaky pipes, or sewer line leaks you may have going on behind your walls or under your house.

How Long Does a Drain Fly Live?

Drain flies have a fairly short life span. The life cycle of a drain fly typically follows this timeline:

• Eggs: Drain flies start out in eggs that are very easily missed due to their miniscule size of less than 1mm, and they are usually hidden somewhere dark and moist.
• Larvae: In only a few short days, they hatch and become small brown larvae that feed on any organic matter within reach, until they’ve reached their pupae stage.
• Pupae: Once they’ve developed into a pupae, they change quickly, and in just 24-28 hours, they are a full grown adult drain fly.
• Adults: Males will die off in just a few days. Females can live up to a week or more.

While drain flies don’t live long, in their short life, the females can lay up to 300 eggs in a single day. This means 4 or 5 drain flies can turn into thousands quickly.

Where Are Drain Flies Found?

Judging by their name, it’s a safe assumption that they can be found in drains.

But, it’s not just drains that attract these little winged pests. These flies can also be found hanging around trash cans with food in them, and standing water, making your bathroom sink, kitchen, and places like restaurants are a popular hotspot for these bugs.

Infestations Happen FAST–Know What to Look For!

Because the drain fly has the ability to reproduce quickly, infestations can happen in what seems like the blink of an eye.

Remember, female drain flies can lay up to 300 eggs in a single day. Knowing what to look for before it becomes a problem can really make a difference.

Here are some early signs of drain fly infestation:

• Small moth-like flies begin to congregate in places such as showers, bathtubs, sinks, drains, and trash cans
• Small brown larvae underneath your drain covers

If you have found early signs of infestation, it’s time to take action.

Beat ‘em to The Punch!

Getting rid of drain flies isn’t an easy feat, but it’s not hopeless!

These flies have adapted and evolved so that their hair repels water, making them nearly drown-proof, and allowing them to thrive in conditions unfavorable to most other bugs.

However, there are some great DIY ways to temporarily subdue the threat – but make sure to call on the professionals as soon as you can.

Some DIY remedies for getting rid of drain flies include:

• Homemade Fly Traps: Because drain flies are water-proof, hit them with some oil! Place a small bowl with cooking oil along with some honey and vinegar near problem areas to attract and trap drain flies.
• Remove their food source: Give your trash cans and sinks a thorough scrub down to remove any built up foodstuff or other organic matter.
• Remove standing water: If you’ve got buckets, pools, or potted plants collecting water in your yard, empty them out.
• Use a metal pipe brush: You can use a drain cleaning pipe brush, some hot soapy water, and some elbow grease to clean up the sinks and pipes (get the outside of the pipes too, if possible).

If you’ve taken steps to remove drain flies on your own and are still seeing the problem grow, it’s time for a professional solution.

Professionals Will Get it Done Right!

DIY methods for getting rid of a drain fly infestation is only a temporary solution.

Call the professionals to help you make sure that a drain fly infestation doesn’t get worse. The plumbing professionals at Service Champions have the proper equipment, skills, and knowledge to help you clean out a drain fly infestation.

Call and speak to a member of our team today to schedule an appointment.