When there is a drain fly infestation, one needs to put into place control measures in order to stop them from multiplying. There are different ways on how to get rid of drain flies. These include natural, chemical and mechanical means. The use of drain fly traps also works well.
How to Get Rid of Drain Flies-How Do You Get Rid of Drain Flies
When drain flies infest a home, the next probable thing one is likely to do is to try to get rid of them. Given that they love moist drains, how do you get rid of drain flies? There are different options through which this can be achieved. This could involve the use of traps, mechanical methods and the use of chemicals as well. Discussed below are the various steps on how to get rid of drain flies that one needs to take.
To begin with, one has to identify where the drain flies are breeding. This will give way for the elimination of these breeding sites. Once these have been identified, the drains have to be cleaned up to get rid of any drain flies in their larval stage. Cleaning them up also ensures that the flies do not have a place to lay more eggs.
Since drain flies lay their eggs and feed on accumulated organic matter in the drains, the drains have to be thoroughly cleaned to facilitate elimination. Start off by testing which drains it is that are infested. This can be done by placing some tape on a part of every drain’s inlet. This should be done at night as it is when the flies are most active. The drains with the flies will have some flies on the tape stuck on them.
Once identified, thorough cleaning has to be done. This will include cleaning the hair catcher if there is any and scraping off any clog that may be present in the drains. This ensures that the organic matter as well as the larvae and eggs are removed from the drain. Finish off the cleaning by using a drain cleaner.
Drain flies also survive in moist areas. One should, therefore, check if there are any leaks and stagnating water around where the flies are. This could be in potted plants as well. In case there is a faulty pipe, it should be repaired. Stagnant water should be drained.
Once the source of the drain flies has been dealt with, it is time to get rid of the adult fruit flies. This can be achieved in different ways. Since the insects congregate around the same area, a fly swatter can be used to get rid of them.
Another option on how to get rid of drain flies would be using traps. By mixing vinegar, sugar and dish soap, a trap for the flies is attained. When getting close to where the flies are, they get attracted by the smell of vinegar. The soap is poisonous and kills them when they drown in the mixture.
There also are manufactured chemicals that can be used to get rid of the flies. These though are not recommended for use unless all else fails to work. There are drain fly sprays that they upon contact. These should be used as per the instructions given by the manufacturer.
How to Get Rid of Drain Flies Fast
To get rid of drain flies fast, one could make use of chemicals. This will however only provide temporary relief as it only gets rid of the mature drain flies. For long term effects, the breeding grounds for the flies have to be cleared. This helps to get rid of the larvae and thus provide long term relief from the insects.
How to Get Rid of Drain Flies Vinegar
Vinegar can be used in different ways to get rid of drain flies. A mixture of vinegar and baking soda when poured through drains helps to loosen any organic matter that could be on the drains. When this is followed up by pouring hot water down the drain, the drain unclogs. As a result, the breeding areas for the flies are eliminated.
How to Get Rid of Drain Flies Naturally
Essential oils can be used to make a natural drain fly repellant. One such oil is lemongrass oil. When this is sprayed around where there are flies, it will help to drive them away. Although this may not kill them, it is a natural way of keeping the flies away.
How to Get Rid of Drain Fly Larvae
Drain flies lay their eggs in areas that are moist and where there is moist organic matter. This is where the eggs hatch into drain fly larvae. To succeed in getting rid of fruit flies, these also have to be eliminated as they are the ones that pupate into maturity. To eliminate them, organic matter found in the drains has to be removed.
How to Get Rid of Drain Flies in the Home
Getting rid of drain flies in the home involves identifying where the flies breed and feed. Once this is discovered, it has to be eliminated. It is only after this that one embarks on employing a relevant drain fly killer to get rid of the adults.
Drain Fly Trap
The use of a drain fly trap is among the cheap options on how to get rid of drain flies. This also makes use of readily available ingredients, is non-toxic and less bloody when compared to swatting and use of chemicals. Below is a simple trap that one can make at home:
You will need:
- Sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dish soap
- Warm water.
Method:
- In a bowl, put the water, vinegar and sugar in equal portions. Stir the mixture to dissolve the sugar.
- Add a few drops of the soap into the mixture and let it settle.
- Set the trap close to where the flies are.
This trap should kill the drain flies. In case one does not have time to make this, they could buy readymade traps. These are equally effective.