To get rid of drain flies, the most effective method is to thoroughly clean the drains and pipes to remove organic material and slime where the flies breed. This typically involves scrubbing the drains with a pipe brush, using boiling water poured down the drain once or twice a week, and using cleaning solutions such as a mixture of baking soda, salt, and vinegar left overnight followed by boiling water in the morning. Store-bought enzyme or drain cleaners can help break down organic matter inside the pipes. Physical traps using apple cider vinegar with dish soap or plastic wrap traps can catch adult flies but do not eliminate the source. It’s important to maintain the drains regularly to prevent re-infestation and fix any leaks or standing water around plumbing. Pesticides or bug sprays are generally not recommended for drains. This process usually takes about a week or longer to fully break the life cycle of the flies.
Recommended steps:
- Clean the drain with a pipe brush and cleaning solution
- Pour boiling water down the drain regularly
- Use a baking soda, salt, and vinegar mixture overnight
- Consider enzyme or bio-cleaner products designed for drains
- Use apple cider vinegar traps for catching adult flies
- Fix plumbing leaks and wipe food residues promptly
This comprehensive approach targets both breeding sites and adult flies to effectively eliminate drain flies.
