See tiny, fuzzy flies constantly around your sink or shower? You probably swat them, clean a bit and hope they disappear. But they always come back, right? These aren’t regular houseflies; they’re drain flies, also called moth flies. And while they’re harmless, their presence means one thing: your drain has a serious issue.
These flies aren’t random visitors. They’re a blinking light, showing something’s wrong deep inside your plumbing.
where do drain flies come from
Drain flies thrive in specific conditions. Simply put, they love a dirty, ignored drain. Here’s why they’ve chosen your home:
1. Dirty Drains
This is the main reason. Drain flies lay their eggs in the slimy, organic gunk coating the inside of your pipes. Think hair, soap scum, grease, food bits everything that washes down. This builds up, creating a rich, disgusting breeding ground for drain fly larvae.
The larvae eat this grime. Then they grow, become adult drain flies and the cycle repeats. Unless you completely remove their food source, they won’t leave.
2. Stagnant Water
If you have a slow drain, or a sink/shower that’s rarely used, water just sits there. This creates the perfect damp spot for drain flies to lay eggs and for their young to grow. It’s like a tiny, still pond in your pipes.
3. Clogged Drains
A clogged drain isn’t just bad for you; it’s a luxury resort for drain flies. The blockage means more space for that organic film to build up and water just sits there. Drains in guest bathrooms or utility sinks, often ignored, are prime spots. They become drain fly havens because nothing disturbs that growing, slimy layer.
how do you kill drain flies?
Forget bug sprays. They won’t work because the flies you see are just the adults. The real problem thousands of eggs and larvae are hidden deep inside your pipes. To truly get rid of drain flies, you must destroy their breeding ground.
This means:
- Deep Cleaning Your Drains: You need to aggressively remove that slimy organic film. Hot water won’t cut it. Bleach might kill a few, but it won’t remove the thick buildup.
- Preventing Future Buildup: This requires consistent, thorough cleaning.
Some people try home remedies: boiling water, baking soda and vinegar, store-bought drain cleaners. For a short time, you might see fewer flies. But they come back, right? That’s because these methods rarely reach the entire breeding ground hidden deep in your pipes. The larvae are tough, and as long as there’s food, they’ll keep coming.
You can keep swatting, or you can accept that your drains will be home to these flies. Unless…
If you’ve tried everything and those drain flies are still there, it’s not you failing; it’s your plumbing needing professional help.
Constant drain fly problems are a clear sign of a major clog or a serious, widespread buildup of organic matter deep inside your plumbing. These aren’t minor surface issues. They show a neglected pipe system.
A plumber has the right tools like powerful hydro-jetting equipment and drain snakes that can reach and blast away all that hidden gunk. They don’t just clear a path; they clean the pipes, removing every last bit of the drain fly nursery.
If you’re still seeing drain flies, if your drains are slow, gurgling, or smelling bad, stop swatting. It’s not just about the flies; it’s about your plumbing. It’s a clear signal your drain has serious issues or is blocked. Stop trying to live with them. Contact a qualified local plumber today to inspect your drains and get your plumbing completely cleared. It’s the only way to truly get rid of those drain flies for good.
Still battling drain flies? Call us Now
Stop swatting and start solving. Your drains are telling you something. Contact a qualified local plumber today for a professional inspection and get rid of those drain flies and their underlying cause for good!
