To kill drain flies effectively, follow these steps:
1. Clean Your Drains Thoroughly
- Use a pipe brush and your usual cleaning solution to scrub inside and around the drains to remove organic matter like hair, grease, and food debris where drain flies breed
- Regular weekly cleaning helps prevent re-infestation
2. Use Boiling Water
- Pour boiling water down the drain once or twice a week to kill larvae and flush away organic buildup
- Use a large quantity of boiling water for better effectiveness
3. Apply a Homemade Drain Cleaner
- Mix 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup baking soda, and 1 cup vinegar and pour it down the drain.
- Let it sit overnight to kill larvae and break down organic matter.
- Follow up by pouring boiling water in the morning to rinse away residue
4. Use Commercial Drain Cleaners if Needed
- Products like Drano or enzyme-based cleaners (e.g., Bio-Clean) can clear stubborn organic buildup and kill drain fly larvae
- Wear protective gear when using chemical cleaners
5. Set Up Apple Cider Vinegar Traps for Adult Flies
- Place a small dish with apple cider vinegar covered with plastic wrap and poke holes to trap adult flies attracted to the vinegar scent
6. Additional Tips
- Replace leaky pipes or traps to eliminate moist breeding sites
- Avoid bleach as it can damage plumbing and create toxic fumes
- For severe infestations, consider professional drain cleaning with water jetting to remove all organic buildup
By combining thorough cleaning, boiling water treatments, homemade or commercial cleaners, and traps, you can kill drain flies and prevent their return effectively
