What are drain flies and sewer flies?
Most homeowners know these pesky insects as drain flies, sewer flies, moth flies, sewer gnats or sink flies. They’re short and furry, giving them a moth-like appearance, and while they’re native to humid climates, it’s not uncommon to find them in plumbing drains and sewage systems throughout Chicagoland.
What is the size of a sink fly?
Drain flies commonly go by a few nicknames such as moth flies or sink flies. They are about the same size as gnats and fruit flies—between 2mm and 5mm—but can be distinguished by their small, moth-like wings and round, fuzzy bodies.
How long do sewer flies take to hatch?
Sewer flies in the basement, sewer flies in the bathroom, sewer flies in the toilet – it doesn’t matter which room or what drain – given the proper environment, they’ll breed and thrive. Females lay between 30 and 100 eggs in drain water, and the eggs hatch within 48 hours.
Why do I have flies in my bathroom sink?
Drain flies love moisture—stagnant, shallow water—and organic debris, and are most likely to be found near sources of food or bacteria, like sinks and showers. They often favor areas that are not used frequently, like a basement or workshop sink, and are also spotted after a long time away from home, like a vacation.
How do you get rid of sewer flies?
Ways to Get Rid of Drain FliesBoiling Water. The simplest method to clear out your drain fly issue is to pour boiling water carefully down your drain 1-2 times a day for about a week. ... Baking Soda + Salt + Vinegar. ... Soap + Water + Sugar + Vinegar. ... Apple Cider Vinegar + Plastic Wrap. ... Drain + Duct Tape.
What causes sewer flies?
Drain flies gather, mate, and lay eggs in moisture or standing water. The slimy film that forms in sewers and drains is a favorite breeding spot. Putting off regular cleaning and maintenance of these areas may attract the pests and offer them a place to feed and develop.
What does sewer gnats look like?
What Do They Look Like? Drain flies, or sewer gnats (Psychodidae) are small black flies with wings that appear heart shaped at rest. They do not move like typical houseflies, rather, they fly in short hops and only for a few feet. Their wings have a fine coat of hairs, which makes them look like small moths.
Are drain flies harmful?
Drain flies are not known to bite or transmit any diseases to humans. However they can trigger bronchial asthma in susceptible individuals and their larvae can cause myiasis, a parasitic infestation in which the larvae grow inside human tissue.
Will drain flies go away on their own?
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. This eliminates the standing water in which they dwell.
Can't find where drain flies are coming from?
Drain flies can come from organic buildups in any area where there is standing water. Check your bathroom drains, kitchen sink, shower, sump pump, sewage system, and even floorboards where there might be a pipe leak. Look for multiple flies hanging out on the walls near these possible sources.
Can drain flies come from the toilet?
Drain flies breed in the buildup in pipes. While it is less common for them to appear in a toilet, it could be they are entering the bathroom through a faulty seal between the toilet and sewer flange.
How long does it take to get rid of drain flies?
With regular cleaning and careful attention, most drain fly issues can be fixed within about a week. Here are five ways to get rid of drain flies: Start with cleaning your sink and drain with your usual cleaning solution. Use a pipe brush to scrub around and inside the drain.
Can drain flies live in walls?
These nuisance gnats can be found resting on walls or ceilings, and make short hopping flights if disturbed. Drain flies often are a temporary problem. They develop in standing water so most commonly they are seen after returning home from a vacation or period of extended travel.
How are sewer flies getting in my house?
Drain flies normally do not get into the home through your drains. While they may congregate near drains and sinks with sitting water, drain flies usually enter the home through extremely small holes. Even if you've closed your windows and doors properly, it is possible to have a drain fly infestation.
Should I worry about drain flies?
Are drain flies harmful? For the most part, drain flies are not dangerous and not harmful. Having drain flies around your home does not mean your drains are dirty or your kitchen, bathroom or other areas are unclean. They are opportunistic insects and can get inside and find any moist area to lay their eggs and breed.
How does vinegar get rid of drain flies?
Pour ½ a cup of salt, ½ a cup of baking soda, and one cup of vinegar down the drain. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, causing it to bubble and fizz. This reaction is what will kill the larvae. Leave the mixture overnight, then flush the next day with hot water.
Can drain flies come from the toilet?
Drain flies breed in the buildup in pipes. While it is less common for them to appear in a toilet, it could be they are entering the bathroom through a faulty seal between the toilet and sewer flange.
Why are there suddenly so many flies?
The most common reason for flies swarming all over your house is an infestation inside or nearby your home. If you suddenly see a swarm of flies that means dozens of eggs have already hatched and developed into flies. The source is likely inside your house, garage, attic or garden.
How do you get rid of drain flies naturally?
Natural Method #2 Pour ½ a cup of salt, ½ a cup of baking soda, and one cup of vinegar down the drain. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, causing it to bubble and fizz. This reaction is what will kill the larvae. Leave the mixture overnight, then flush the next day with hot water.
Are drain flies and sewer flies the same thing?
A drain fly, also known as a sewer fly, has a moth-like appearance with fuzzy wings, antennae, and black or brown coloring.
How did I get drain flies?
If these flies are present in the house there is almost certainly a slow or clogged drain. Drain flies gather, mate, and lay eggs in moisture or st...
How serious are drain flies?
These pests are a nuisance because they infest in large numbers. Once inside, drain flies may plug pipes and spread bacteria from the filth they li...
What are the signs of a drain fly infestation?
As with most flies, the most noticeable sign of drain flies are the adults. They typically are seen resting on the walls in bathrooms or near the b...
What Orkin Does
Generally, the best control for these flies is to remove the breeding site, which is the organic material that collected in the drain. The site must be located and cleaned. Drain cleaner will not fix the situation. Read more about drain flies and bleach.
Appearance
Appendages: These flies have six legs and a pair of wings and antennae.
Habitat
Drain flies are common in moist areas coated with nutrient-laden organic material. As their name implies, they are found in house and storm drains. They can also be found near decaying logs and compost piles.
Life Cycle
Eggs are laid in irregular masses almost anywhere decomposing organic materials are found. Drain fly eggs hatch into white, nearly translucent larvae. These larvae have been known to survive dramatic temperature swings and low oxygen levels. Under favorable conditions, the flies can go through one generation in as little as one week.
What is a psychodidae?
Comments: 0. By: Tom Hartel. You’ve likely never heard the term “Psychodidae,” but you’re probably familiar the pest that’s been assigned this scientific moniker. Most homeowners know these pesky insects as drain flies, sewer flies, moth flies, sewer gnats or sink flies. They’re short and furry, giving them a moth-like appearance, ...
How long do sewer flies live?
Adults are only half the length of the larvae, but they are broader. Adults live for about 20 days, which is plenty long enough to get on the nerves of homeowners whose drains are infested with them. Now, deciding on a sewer flies treatment strategy is in order.
What is a drain fly free home?
A drain fly-free home is one where the pipes are completely clean. While cleaners and hot water can do an “okay” job at eliminating sewer flies, these insects are covered by water-repellent hairs and can’t be drowned. Furthermore, the eggs are resistant to chemicals and thermal assaults.
How long does it take for a sewer fly to hatch?
Females lay between 30 and 100 eggs in drain water, and the eggs hatch within 48 hours. The pupal stage for the fly lasts around 20 to 40 hours.
Where do drain flies lay their eggs?
Drain flies lay their eggs in your drains where sludge/organi c material accumulates. The larva will feed on the material, grow there, and once matured, the adults will crawl out of your drain (s) and fly to a nearby wall or ceiling. Sewer flies in the basement, sewer flies in the bathroom, sewer flies in the toilet – it doesn’t matter which room ...
How long does it take for a drain fly to work?
The enzyme essentially removes the food source, but they generally take several hours to work.
How to get rid of slime in pipes?
To do this, use a metal pipe brush and clear away the accumulated, hidden debris in your pipes. The brush will scour away the slime, grim and debris in which the eggs are laid. Just move the brush up and down and run hot water to flush out the matter. You can also use a plumbing snake to get deeper into your pipe system.
What are drain flies called?
Gray or taupe in color with small, rounded wings, they're also called moth flies, sewer flies , or filter flies. And contrary to what their name suggests, they don't actually "fly" as much as they hop from surface to surface.
What are some insects that can be found in your house?
Just like pesky fruit flies, annoying gnats, and even fleas, drain flies are another common household insect that, well, bugs us.
How long do drain flies live?
Drain flies surprisingly can live for up to three weeks, and new eggs can hatch every 48 hours or so. For these very reasons, you should act fast to eliminate drain flies for good using DIY home solutions or store-bought products.
Do drain flies bite?
Are drain flies harmful? Nope! They don't bi te humans or transmit human disease, but they are a sign that your kitchen could use a deep clean, especially if you want to prevent more insects like roaches from joining the party.
Do roaches bite humans?
Nope! They don't bite humans or transmit human disease, but they are a sign that your kitchen could use a deep clean, especially if you want to prevent more insects like roaches from joining the party.
