Strategies to Eliminate Drain Gnats: 4 Handy Solutions
Are Those Tiny, Fuzzies Flying Around Your Kitchen Actually Drain Flies?
Suspect that cute little moth-like creature fluttering around your kitchen? Hold your excitement – it's more likely to be drain flies. "These tiny filth-lovers reside in the slimy gunk amassing within drain pipes," shares Faith Oi, PhD entomologist and extension professor at the University of Florida. "You'll generally find them hovering near kitchen or bathroom drains."
FAITH OI, PhD: A DRain Flies EXPERT
Faith Oi is an accomplished researcher and educator in entomology, serving as an extension professor at the University of Florida.
DISCOVERING THE CAUSE OF DRain FLIES
Larvae multiply in sludge and organic debris nestled within your drain, according to Oi. Although drain flies may be detected in places with standing water, such as sewer leaks or septic tanks, or in refuse bins, empty water barrels, water-logged trees, abandoned birds' nests, damp fridge condensers, or AC condensate lines, drains are typically their preferred habitat.
Though good news isn't their forte, drain flies aren't thought to transmit diseases, and they don't bite humans or pets. However, since they propagate in unsanitary locales, it wouldn't be smart to avoid addressing the problem and crossing your fingers for them to leave on their own, says Oi. Generally, their removal is quite straightforward.
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IDENTIFYING DRain FLIES
Drain flies are easily recognized due to their unique appearance. "These little creatures will remind you of fuzzy moths," asserts Oi. Adults typically measure 1/16-inch with hairy, yellow to brown-black bodies and wings kept nestled under their bodies when resting. Lifespans of adult flies are around two weeks, with females capable of laying clusters of 10-200 eggs.
THE DRain FLY TRAP TEST
Unsure whether your home harbors drain flies? Place a clear container upside-down over the drain, smear it with petroleum jelly, and leave it overnight. Drain flies will try to dart out, getting stuck on the jelly, says Oi. Try repeating the test a couple of nights if there are no catches on the first try.
REMOVING DRain FLIES
You usually won't deal with massive swarms of drain flies in most homes, reports Oi. A solitary fly or a handful is usually the sign that you've identified a problem and can implement a solution. Nevertheless, if you spot numerous flies in an area, consult a plumber or pest control expert to track down potential leaks and blocked drains.
If you've encountered only a few of these pests, give Oi's tips a shot to eliminate drain flies:
- Manually clean the drain using a stiff drain brush or drain snake, ensuring it brushes against the drain's ridges, dislodging sludge and larvae or eggs.
- Use an enzyme cleaner within the drain, as biological products aid in eliminating the organic matter where drain flies reproduce. Look for enzymatic cleaners intended specifically for drain care; follow instructions precisely.
- Stay away from using home remedies like essential oils, sonic devices, or other non-scientifically-backed treatments as they aren't efficient in dissolving sludge or deter these pests.
- If you've cleaned your drain but continue to struggle with drain flies, you might have damaged pipes or moisture issues that need addressing. Seek the help of a plumber or pest control professional to identify underlying problems.
PREVENTING DRain FLIES
Drains often become neglected household chores, according to Oi. To prevent drain flies, regularly clean your drains, use a stiff brush at least four times annually to eliminate any debris buildup, and consider using enzyme cleaners for prevention.
- Faith Oi, a drain flies expert and extension professor at Southern Living's University of Florida, suggests using enzyme cleaners for effective removal of drain flies, as they help eliminate the organic matter where these pests reproduce.
- When dealing with drain flies, Faith Oi recommends using a stiff drain brush or drain snake to manually clean the drain, ensuring it brushes against the drain's ridges and dislodges larvae or eggs.
- Though drain flies aren't known to transmit diseases, they can indicate unsanitary conditions in your home. To prevent drain flies, Faith Oi suggests regularly cleaning your drains and using enzyme cleaners to prevent future infestations.
- If you've cleaned your drains but continue to struggle with drain flies, consider seeking help from a plumber or pest control professional to identify and address underlying problems like damaged pipes or moisture issues.
