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What are Drain Flies, and Where do they come from?

First published: 20 January 2021 @ 4:02 pm

Drain flies are small, black flies that resemble houseflies. They are actually a different species of fly that is attracted to moist environments, especially drains and other areas with standing water.

Drain flies are commonly found in sinks and bathtubs, and can even be found in homes that have no apparent problems with plumbing or drainage.

Drain flies are not parasitic pests, meaning they won’t bite or feed on humans or animals. However, they can cause quite a nuisance by flying around kitchens and other areas of the home.

Drain Flies
Photo by Joseph Berger on University of Maryland Extension

How do I get rid of Drain Flies?

Since drain flies aren’t parasitic pests, their presence in your home doesn’t mean you have an infestation of any particular pest species.

However, by taking the right preventive measures, you can reduce the number of drain flies in your home so you don’t have to deal with their annoying buzzing and hovering around your kitchen all day long.

Here are a few steps you can take to prevent drain flies from entering your home:

Don’t leave standing water in your sink or bathtub

Drain flies are attracted to any standing water, so be sure to empty your sink and bathtub after each use. If you have a slow drain, try using a drain cleaner to unclog it.

Drain flies are attracted to any standing water, so be sure to empty your sink and bathtub after each use. If you have a slow drain, try using a drain cleaner to unclog it.

Keep drains clean

Keep Drains Clean to Avoid Drain Flies
Photo by Sanibell BV on Unsplash

Don’t let grease and other food particles build up in the pipes under the kitchen sink or bathroom vanity. Wipe down the area surrounding drains with a bleach solution daily, and be sure to clean out the entire pipe system annually.

You can also use a cleaning agent made for clogged pipes that will soften food particles and cause them to pass through the pipes more easily.

Don’t let grease and other food particles build up in the pipes under the kitchen sink or bathroom vanity. Wipe down the area surrounding drains with a bleach solution daily, and be sure to clean out the entire pipe system annually.

You can also use a cleaning agent made for clogged pipes that will soften food particles and cause them to pass through the pipes more easily.

Install screens on openings

Having screens on your windows is one of the best ways you can prevent bugs from entering your home through these open spaces.

But you may not realize that there are several small openings around your home where screens can help keep bugs at bay: Around showerheads , sinks , dishwashers , garbage disposals , pet doors , AC vents .

These areas must have screens covering them at all times so no creatures can get inside your home through them.

Need some more advice on home maintenance duties? Visit the HandyWork Blog and explore the wide range of guide we offer on home improvements, home maintenance, and more!

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