How to get rid of fruit flies and drain flies can be done by various means. These include some excellent home remedies. Of course, while a DIY approach can be effective, it is also good to understand how the experts get rid of fruit flies, drain flies, and sewer flies.
However, on speaking with pest eradication specialists, it is apparent that much of their expertise has been gained through personal experience. Several of them have shared their knowledge with us so we can pass it on to you. Therefore, keep reading this guide to discover some of the most effective remedies for fruit fly and train fly infestations.
How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies Fast
When you discover a fruit fly infestation, your priority is to get rid of it as soon as possible. That’s why we developed the Atomic Fruit Fly Eliminator. It is a completely natural solution to help you get rid of fruit flies fast. The formula is based on natural microbes and bacteria. It is completely safe to use, and you can sanitise a drain with only 4 ounces of the solution.
To ensure you give your drains an excellent cleaning, you can use bendable brushes. These come in lengths of around 48 inches, and they’re capable of unblocking and cleaning all types of drains. The flexible rods combined with stiff brush bristles make them ideal for cleaning your drains fast.
As we have said on many occasions, prevention is often better than How to get rid of fruit flies. An insect growth regulator is an excellent product to help you prevent fruit flies or drain flies breeding in your pipe work. Applying the phone to flat surfaces and cracks will sterilise the flies, preventing larvae from developing.
An excellent method of removing foul smells is to use Atomic Bio-Enzymatic Liquid Concentrate. This product contains bacteria and microbes which eliminate unpleasant odors from your drains. You can also apply it underneath appliances and other areas prone to foul smells.
DIY Fruit Fly Traps
Another method of How to get rid of fruit flies or drain flies fast is to use a DIY fruit fly trap. Before setting the trap, inspect your pipework to check for any leaks. You should also sanitize any areas of standing water beneath garbage cans, plant pots, or other potential hiding spots.
Your next step is to locate the source of the problem. As drain flies are generally nocturnal, it can be a challenge to pin down where they are dwelling. Therefore, you might have to set some traps in likely spots to determine the source. Once you’ve trapped them, you can also identify what type of pest you’re dealing with.
An excellent trap, that’s also straightforward to produce, is to use a transparent plastic container. Ensure you use a container that’s got one glue board side. The purpose of this side is to stick the flies. Also, the container’s transparency enables you to see all sides of the flies, making identification easier.
Place the trap close to the opening of where the pests are hanging out. You’ll need to be patient, as your trap will not work instantly. Remember, drain flies are nocturnal, so you’ll have to leave them overnight, or even for several nights. If the container is full of flies, you’ll know you’ve got an infestation.
Destroy The Drain Flies’ Habitat
As we mentioned before, drain flies like living in the scum and slime that builds up inside and around drains. Therefore, removing this organic material will remove their home.
To do this, your first thought might be to use a drain cleaning product. However, these may be great at removing clogs and blockages, but not too effective at removing slime.
The most effective approach to clear slime and organic material from your drains is to use a flexible brush or plumber’s snake. When selecting a brush, ensure you choose one that is long enough to do the job.
An excellent choice might be Brushtech’s drain brush. It is approximately 48 inches long, so it can reach the spots where drain flies will set up home. This drain brush is also flexible, so it can cope with any bends in the pipes. It is a cost-effective option, so you can buy one and have it in your home, ready for when an infestation breaks out.
If you discover an infestation early, it might not be too severe. In these cases, you might be able to deal with it by pouring hot water down your drain. Although this may have some positive effect, it is not the most effective solution. Indeed, the effects it has will only be temporary, and your drain flies will soon return.
Hot water might not get rid of all the drain flies. That’s because these little pests can trap air bubbles, enabling them to remain submerged for several hours. You are much better off using a specialized product.
Specialized Drain Fly And Fruit Fly Eradication Products
Drain fly or fruit fly infestations are a common household problem. Over the years, experts have developed many specialized products, such as Atomic, to deal with the issue. According to Ohio State University, use of enzyme-action is the most effective solution.
Atomic’s enzyme-action solution breaks down the bonds that hold thd slime and scum together in your pipes. Using this method will remove the pests’ habitat. Do not think pouring an insecticide into your drain will have the same effect, as it does not. Moreover, it can damage your drain and pipework. You should only use a product specifically designed for the job.
Another effective solution is to spray some Insect Growth Regulator into your drains. Although this product will not get rid of adult fruit flies or drain flies, it will prevent them from laying eggs. No eggs means no larvae, so no drain fly of fruit fly infestation.
To finish the job, and get rid of the remaining adult flies, you have a few options. To start with, you could use the DIY fly trap we mentioned earlier. Other devices to consider include fly swatters, electric bug zappers, or aerosols. Remember, these should be used in conjunction with an enzyme-action solution to ensure you eradicate the larvae.
Once you’ve eradicated your fruit fly or drain fly infestation, you should think about how to prevent them from returning. One thing is certain; if they’ve been in your home once, they will likely return. Therefore, try to keep potential drain fly breeding grounds free of organic material as much as possible.
An excellent tool to help with this is a hair-collecting device that fits inside a drain. They are effective at reducing potential clogging points that allow slime and scum to build up. At around $10, they are a cost-effective means of prevention. All you have to do is routinely remove any hair that the device collects. Water continues to run whilst the tool is doing its job.
Subscribers’ Hints And Tips On Getting Rid Of Fruit Flies
We’ve received plenty of hints and tips from our subscribers on the best way to get rid of fruit flies and drain flies. Lets face it, these people are the real experts, as they’re the ones who’ve successfully eradicated a fruit fly infestation. Here’s what they had to say.
Liquid solutions provide an excellent short-term solution, and they come with several advantages. Firstly, liquids can flow to locations you can’t reach with a brush. Also, some of these fly-eradicating liquids contain disinfectant that kills bacteria. These are particularly useful around high-bacteria areas such as septic tanks.
Our subscribers highlighted several products as being effective at drain fly removal from sewage systems, septic tanks, and pipework. These products come in liquid, foam, aerosol, gel, or powder, making them excellent at penetrating spaces that are difficult to access.
Atomic Fly Bathroom Eliminator
You can use this product in conjunction with a flexible drain brush. At $35, you will certainly get value for money, as you will get rid of your fruit fly and drain fly infestation. Atomic Fly Bathroom Eliminator is produced from natural products, such as proactive bacteria, it is safe for the environment and you. To apply it, pour about 4oz of the product into your drain each day for between 3-5 days to remove the infestation. As part of your preventative maintenance, continue to apply the product once per week. Atomic Fly Bathroom Eliminator is a quick and effective method of How to get rid of fruit flies and drain flies.
Gentrol Growth Regulator
Pest exterminators use Gentrol Growth Regulator to reduce insect growth. Although it is not as cost-effective as Atomic, it prevents drain flies from reproducing by sterilizing them, meaning the flies cannot lay eggs. As well as this, the product stops existing larvae from developing. You will not notice the effects immediately, because Gentrol Growth Regulator works on the reproduction cycle. However, this method is scientifically-proven as an effective way to get rid of drain flies. Use the product once per month and apply it by spraying the solution in and around your drain pipes.
Hotspot
When you encounter an awkward space, Hotspot could be the product to use. It is a liquid concentrate that penetrates difficult-to-reach spots such as inside sewage pipes and underneath appliances. Its powerful formula, including microbiomes, can sanitize various surface types and pipework. It will remove all sorts of mess, such as vomit, urine, and other unpleasant spillages. To apply Hotspot, simply spray it into your drains. You’ll have to be patient and give the foam time to dissipate; around 2 hours. While the foam dissipates, do not pour any water down the drain.
How to Get Rid Of Fruit Flies And Drain Flies In Your Septic Tank
If you live in an area that’s not connected to the sewerage system, you’ll likely have a septic tank. Your waste water flows through these plastic or concrete tanks, making them an ideal habitat and breeding ground for drain flies.
There are specialized products designed to take care of drain fly infestations in septic tanks. However, if you use one that is not compatible with your septic tank, it could spell disaster.
Ensure you read the product description and instructions before using any product designed to eradicate drain flies. The microbial action taking place inside your septic tank is finely balanced. Adding an incompatible product can disrupt this action. You should also apply this advice to your RV Black Water tank when getting rid of drain flies.
Of course, it is not only septic tanks that provide breeding grounds for drain flies. Let’s take a look at some other spots where these pests lay eggs.
Potential Drain Fly Breeding Grounds And Habitat
We’ve already touched on the reproductive cycle of drain flies and what they like to eat. Environments enabling drain flies to feed and breed will provide an excellent habitat. Let’s look at a few potential drain fly breeding grounds and habitat.
Where Do Drain Flies Lay Eggs?
The ideal egg-laying environment for drain flies is an area of shallow water containing muck, slime, or other organic material. Therefore, HVAC pipes, sewage systems, septic tanks, and similar areas are perfect for these pests.
Garbage cans, mop buckets, or other containers holding stagnant water around your house, also offer drain flies ideal spots to lay their eggs. Soggy areas of lawn and holes in tree trunks will also attract drain flies.
Indoors, your bathroom is the most likely place for drain flies to breed. Shower and sink drains can become blocked with hair, leading to slime buildup. You can expect drain flies to show up not long after your drains get into this state. Similarly, you should consider your kitchen as a potential egg-laying environment for drain flies.
Where Do Drain Flies Live?
The chances are you will notice drain flies outside of their home. Therefore, just seeing them will not allow you to identify where they live.
The good news is that drain flies aren’t great flyers. Indeed, they get around more by bouncing rather than flying. Therefore, they don’t stray too far from their homes and breeding grounds. Consequently, if you notice adult drain flies around drains, it’s likely they have infested that area.
If you discover a drain fly infestation in one of your drains, you should assume your other drains are at risk. So, routinely inspecting your drains could save you a ton of work down the line. To inspect your drain, lift the cover and check the slime. If you notice eggs or larvae, you’ll soon be in for a drain fly infestation.
However, even if you don’t see eggs of larvae within the slime, you should not become complacent. Chances are these devious pests have set up home further down the pipes. In these situations, you can set traps to determine whether drain flies are around.
Although we’ve already covered these traps earlier in this article, it is worth reiterating the point. These DIY traps use a clear container with an adhesive surface on one interior side. Placing the trap around your suspect area, and leaving it overnight, should indicate if you have a drain fly problem. Remember, drain flies are nocturnal. Therefore, you must leave your traps overnight.
How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies? Why Are Drain And Sewer Flies Dangerous?
Sewer flies might not cause you physical harm, nor are they likely to damage your pipework. Contrary to what some people believe, drain flies don’t bite. However, an infestation in your kitchen or bathroom can drive you crazy.
Of course, as their name suggests, these pests are likely to carry pathogens from dirty or contaminated sites. Drain flies are tiny, so they will not carry a large amount of germs. However, large numbers of these pests can trigger allergic reactions. Moreover, even if the flies have died, they can still carry such pathogens. Therefore, it may be a good idea to keep potential drain fly habitats as clean as possible.
How Do Drain Fly Killers Work?
If you want to get rid of drain flies, and destroy their breeding grounds and habitat, using an effective drain cleaner is an excellent method. Another advantage of such products is that they eradicate unpleasant odors in your drains.
The most active ingredient in these products is bacteria, and this allows them to reach the most awkward areas of your drain pipes. When inside, the bacteria eats the slime and organic material that provides habitat for drain flies. When you’ve saturated the infested area with the bacteria contained in these products, you will have eradicated the drain fly breeding grounds.
How To Use Drain Cleaners
With drain cleaners, there are no chemicals involved. Consequently, they will need some time to have an effect. Therefore, night is a good time to apply drain cleaners, so they have an opportunity to work.
Even though drain cleaners contain no chemicals and aren’t dangerous, it’s a good idea to wear gloves when handling them. Also, you should wash your hands after use.
How To Apply Drain Gel Correctly
Before pouring the gel directly into your drain, check the product label for the correct amount to use. As a guideline, about 5oz should be adequate to begin with. Drain gels are not a one-time application. Therefore, you should use them regularly to ensure you destroy the drain flies’ habitat.
How To Apply Drain Foam Correctly
Unlike gels and liquids, you have to apply drain foam as a spray. Drain foams take time to have an effect. When first applied, the solution quickly expands into a foam before it dissipates. The process can take several hours, and during this period you should not flush your toilet or turn on any taps.
Preventing Drain Fly Infestations
Dealing with any infestation can prove challenging. That’s why prevention is often the best solution. One of the most effective methods of preventing drain fly infestations is to keep your pipes, drains, and toilets clean and well-maintained.
By keeping your drains clean, you are denying the drain fly larvae a food source. Research conducted by Ohio State University indicates enzyme-action products to be most effective at achieving sanitized drains.
For your pipework, use a flexible brush, and get into the habit of cleaning them before they get clogged. Doing this regularly will ensure you avoid an environment that attracts drain flies.
Garbage cans are other areas that can attract drain flies and fruit flies. Empty your cans as often as possible, and clean them regularly.
Check for areas of standing water or moisture underneath your washing machine. Also, check under plant pots for any water that has seeped through. If you find any unexpected water around your home, it could mean you have a leaking pipe. If you do, you should get this repaired as soon as possible.
When Should You Contact An Exterminator For How To Get Rid Of Fruit flies?
Many people are put off from using a professional exterminator because of the price. An exterminator’s job is challenging, and you will have to consider whether you will take that on. Of course, there are products available to help make your extermination task easier. However, let’s take a look at some of the benefits a pest exterminator offers.
The main benefit of using a pest exterminator is they can deal with extreme infestations. Therefore, if you feel overwhelmed by your drain fly problem, a professional extermination service might be a good option.
Exterminators are skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced in applying insecticides that contain potentially harmful chemicals. Consequently, you should ensure you only use a certified exterminator.
Another situation in which you might benefit from hiring a professional exterminator is if your drain fly infestation is in an awkward place. For instance, common locations for drain fly or fruit fly infestations include inside wall voids or beneath building foundations.
Finally, professional pest exterminators have a wealth of knowledge. If you are struggling to understand aspects of an infestation, you can consult an expert. Also, when they’ve got rid of fruit flies or drain flies infesting your home, they can advise you on what steps to take to avoid recurrences.
How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies And Eradicate Drain Flies.
When it comes to eradicating drain flies, it’s often best to use a combination of different solutions. Before you apply any solution, clear away any leaks or static stagnant water, and insure all pipework is clean.
Remember to use a flexible brush of sufficient length to clean your drains. Also, repeat the action several times to make sure you’ve covered all areas. Once you’ve done this, pour your drain cleaner into the drain and leave it overnight to do its work. While you’re at it, it might be a good idea to set a few traps to determine if any of the pests are lingering.
Even if the traps are empty, you should not be too complacent. Once train flies have established a route to your home, they will likely return. That’s why it’s essential to keep a small stock of drain cleaner available to use for routine prevention.
How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies And Drain Flies – FAQs
Can I use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to eliminate drain flies?
Using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar is an effective method of cleaning your drains, thereby destroying the drain flies’ habitat. Use approximately one cup full of a vinegar and baking soda mixture. Initially, when you mix it, the solution will start to bubble.
Do not be concerned about this as it is perfectly normal. Pour the mixture into your drain and leave it there for around 60 minutes. After this time, you can flush your drain through with some hot water.
Can I use bleach to get rid of drain flies?
You should not use bleach to purge drain flies for two reasons. Firstly, dragonfly larvae will build up a resistance to bleach, making it less effective. Secondly, and more importantly, adding a caustic cleaner to bleach in a drain can produce a dangerous gas.
Will essential oils work to eliminate drain flies?
Many drain cleaners utilise bacteria strains as an effective agent. The good news is you can make an effective agent from things you might have in your home. If you have essential oils such as clove, rosemary, cinnamon, or eucalyptus, mix a few drops of each together and pour it down your drain. Afterwards, cover the drain to prevent any vapour escaping.
How can I prevent drain flies from exiting the toilet?
You can prevent drain flies from exiting the toilet by simply applying some drain cleaner. If you have a septic tank, you may have to use a specialised product compatible with your system.
How can I get rid of flies around garbage disposal units?
Drain flies are attracted to leftover food particles and bacteria inside garbage disposal units. To get rid of these flies, try pouring some liquid soap into the drain to wash away the leftover food particles. Then, flush the system through with some hot water. To finish off, use around half a cup of baking soda to cover the garbage disposal and leave it in place for 10 minutes.
How can I purge drain flies from washing machines?
Spilled or leaking water underneath a washing machine provide an ideal habitat for drain flies. You can use a foam cleaner to get into these difficult-to-reach spots to purge the drain flies.
Can drain flies breed in air conditioners?
If your air conditioning unit isn’t sealed correctly, it can provide an ideal environment for drain flies and other insects. These pests will lay eggs on the air conditioner’s pipes. When they hatch, the flies can make their way into your home.
Can drain flies get through air vents?
Yes. Drain flies can access your home through the smallest holes in air vents. Indeed, air vents are a common means of entry to homes.
Can drain flies live within walls?
Wall voids can provide a home for drain flies, particularly if you have a leak you’re unaware of. These are not areas most people can explore without help, so you may have to consult a pest exterminator.
Are drain flies attracted to light?
You’ll often notice drain flies congregating around light sources. A particular attraction to these pests is ultraviolet light. This attraction has led to the development of many traps using ultraviolet light. Of course, although these traps are effective at catching drain flies, they will not resolve your infestation.
Are drain flies drawn to food?
It isn’t food itself that attracts drain flies and fruit flies, but more as it starts to decay. Overripe fruit and rotting food are irresistible to fruit flies and drain flies.
Do cold temperatures get rid of drain flies?
Drain flies like to be comfortable, so a warm home is an ideal place for them to hang out. If your home is under 70°F, drain flies will not find it comfortable. Winter temperatures generally kill off drain flies.
How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies? Consider Using Fruit Fly Traps?
As soon as the sun comes out, we all enjoy a bit of outdoor dining. It’s common for people to leave half-eaten fruit lying around after taking just a couple of bites. If not cleared up, this discarded fruit will soon attract flies.
An excellent way to trap these pests is to use a BEAPCO fruit fly trap. These products attract fruit flies with an aroma of apple juice. They are effective for about one month, and when fruit flies enter they cannot get out.
The Fastest Way Of Getting Rid Of Drain Flies
Drain flies can only breed once, but they can produce hundreds of offspring. Therefore, when you notice one, you should act immediately.
Organic material in your drains provides drain flies with a delicious food source. Even though you keep your kitchen spotless, rotting food can be building up unseen in your drains. Eventually, this food source will attract drain flies, so you need to clear it.
A good start is to pour boiling-hot water into your drains. Doing so will clear some of the organic material, drain fly eggs, and larvae. However, to get everything cleared, you’ll need to use a drain cleaner.
When choosing a suitable drain cleaner of fly elimination solution, you should consider the following:
- Will it damage the pipes?
- Do they include harmful chemicals?
- Is the solution all-natural?
- Is it harmful or irritating to human skin?
How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies? Use Atomic Fly Elimination Solution
Atomic’s fly elimination solution gives you excellent results, and it is available to buy on Amazon. Here’s what one satisfied customer experienced.
“When we discovered a sewer gnat infestation in our home, we were devastated. When we saw just a few gnats, we thought that was all we had. However, we soon realised our drains were infested. Our first instinct was to call a professional exterminator, and they got rid of the problem short term. But it didn’t take long for the pests to return.
That’s when we decided we needed some way of doing it ourselves. We tried several products, and the most effective was Atomic. It is non-toxic, biodegradable, and natural. More importantly for us, it got rid of our infestation quickly.”