Family Owned Pest Control in Washington & Utah
License # 101704
- officestaff@zunexpestcontrol.com
- License # 101704
If you’ve spotted tiny, moth-like flies buzzing around your drains or sinks, you’re likely dealing with drain flies. They might seem like a harmless nuisance at first, but these little critters can multiply quickly and become a real headache if left unchecked.
The good news? Getting rid of drain flies doesn’t have to feel like a chore.
Knowing how to get rid of drain flies (along with what invites them inside) is the first step toward a bug-free home.
And if doing it yourself doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, we’re here to help. Zunex offers expert solutions for Auburn homeowners and business owners so you can put an end to pesky drain flies—for good.
Before we tackle the “how” of getting rid of them, it’s helpful to understand a little bit about these pests.
Drain flies, also called sewer flies or moth flies, thrive in moist environments where they can lay their eggs.
Their favorite hangout? Your drains. The build-up of organic material—think gunk and debris—is the perfect breeding ground for these insects.
Drain flies are most commonly found in areas with standing water, such as sinks, bathtubs, and even basement or floor drains that aren’t frequently used. They can also be found in or around potted plants, clogged gutters, wet compost areas, or garbage cans with standing water.
They’re harmless in terms of biting or disease transmission, but no one enjoys seeing them flutter around in their kitchen or bathroom.
You might wonder why drain flies have decided to take up residence in your house.
The main culprits are stagnant water and clogged drains. If your plumbing system isn’t flowing smoothly or your drains haven’t been cleaned in a while, it creates an ideal environment for drain fly larvae to hatch and thrive.
Other reasons might include leaky pipes or unnoticed water puddles in basements, laundry rooms, or under appliances.
Essentially, where there’s water, organic build-up, and darkness, there’s potential for drain flies to settle.
Dealing with drain flies doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few targeted steps, you can evict these pests from your home and keep them from returning.
Since drain flies breed in organic matter, cleaning your drains is one of the most effective ways to control their population. Use a drain brush or a plumbing snake to scrub away any slime or debris stuck to the sides of the pipe. This removes the breeding grounds for drain fly larvae and stops their life cycle.
If manual cleaning sounds tedious, consider using a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Pour a generous amount of baking soda into the drain, followed by vinegar, and watch the fizzing action loosen the grime. Flush it out with hot water after a few minutes.
Drain flies will take advantage of any plumbing leaks or stagnant water puddles in your home. Inspect your pipes, under sinks, and around appliances for any leaks that might be contributing to their habitat.
Addressing these issues promptly not only helps eliminate the flies, but as a side bonus, also protects your home’s overall structure from water damage.
Gel-based cleaners designed for drains can break down the gunk and grime that’s attracting drain flies. These cleaners are typically safe for pipes and effective in reaching the areas where manual scrubbing might miss. Repeat the application as recommended, and you’ll notice fewer flies buzzing around.
Be cautious about using harsh chemical cleaners, as they can sometimes damage pipes or harm the environment. Opt for eco-friendly solutions wherever possible.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve taken care of all the drain flies, set up some DIY traps to monitor their activity.
A simple trap using a bowl of apple cider vinegar covered with plastic wrap (pierced with a few holes) can attract and capture adult drain flies. This won’t solve the root problem, but it can give you an idea of whether the infestation is under control.
For drains that don’t see much activity, such as those in guest bathrooms or basements, pour a little water and mineral oil into them periodically to prevent the drain from drying out completely. This creates a seal that blocks flies from traveling up the drain.
While DIY methods can yield results for smaller infestations, larger or recurring problems need a more thorough approach. Our team at Zunex specializes in identifying the root causes of drain fly infestations and providing tailored solutions to eliminate them entirely.
We use advanced methods and eco-friendly products to clean and treat your drains, ensuring a long-term fix.
Plus, we don’t just stop at getting rid of the current infestation—we also offer tips and services to prevent future fly activity.
At Zunex, we know that keeping pests out of your home is about more than just quick fixes—it’s about long-term prevention. Our team uses a mix of proven techniques and expert insights that go beyond what DIY methods can achieve.
Whether you’re in Auburn, WA, or Utah, our team understands the specific pest challenges in your area and knows how to tackle them effectively.
Drain flies may be tiny, but they can feel like a big problem when they start crawling around in your bathroom sink. With the expertise of our team at Zunex, you can say goodbye to these pesky pests and hello to a cleaner, fly-free space.
If you’re ready to take the hassle out of dealing with drain flies, we’d love to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our pest control services in Auburn, WA, and throughout Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah.
We’ll handle the pests so you don’t have to!
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