Drain flies are known by different names like moth flies or sewer flies or filter flies. They are gnats. They are mostly found in moist areas. That is the reason they are found in your bathrooms and kitchen. They are also found in garbage bins, drains, pipes and compost bins. It is quiet easy to recognize this flies. They are small in size about 1/5 of an inch, completely covered with brown or gray hair, do not fly in one direction i.e. they fly in irregular patterns and their wings are bigger then their body.
These flies do not cause any harm to us but yes they irritate us a lot by buzzing around here and there. But if they are allowed to remain than they may lay their eggs in their area and multiply, then you will have to deal with a large number of flies as they multiply in hundreds or even thousands. They become more enthusiastic and active in evening. They lay their eggs in moist and damp areas. When the water starts pouring out, this flies run away. But they again come back as the water stops flowing and the area becomes moist.
Why to get rid of drain flies
You cannot predict when this drain flies come. One evening you will find your bathroom neat and clean but the next day itself you will see this flies loitering in your bathroom. Although these flies are harmless but they might still bring some problems to humans especially with poor respiratory track. They carry certain bacteria which they transfer it to humans. Thus you might suffer from certain health problems. So, it is necessary to get rid of them.
Sources of drain flies
Drain flies live in the area where there is enough of moisture. The places where you will find that water has remained stagnant, at such places you might find this drain flies. In our homes they are found in the areas like drains, bathtubs, infrequently used toilets, damp basements, damp garages, water tanks, in between bathroom tiles and walls, or in roof gutters. They might even enter your homes through doors and windows and settle in the above areas.
How to get rid of drain flies
First of all find the place where this flies stay. Killing the adults won’t make a difference as their place will be replaced by their eggs. Thus get rid of this problem as soon as possible. Here are some ways:
- As mentioned earlier identify the areas where this flies stay. You might not be able to see the eggs of these flies as they are very small. All you can do is to clean the areas where you find water has remained stagnant for quiet some time.
- You can make use of drain gel to clean the moist areas if you find this drain flies thriving in such areas.
- You can also make use of the caustic drain cleaner which will easily break down the slime build up. But only make use of this when slime is too thick for you to break.
Video