There are more than 4,700 drain fly species worldwide. Drain flies are small true flies with short, hairy bodies and wings. They resemble small moths and even given the nickname moth flies. Most common in humid tropic countries the drain fly is also found around home drains and sewage systems. They’re not harmful, but really annoying.

Larvae are nearly transparent usually 4 mm to 5 mm long. They can sometimes be seen moving along moist edges of shower stalls, bathtubs or submerged in toilet water. Adult flies only live for about 20 days, but true infestations become a nuisance once they start laying eggs. In their short life they only breed once, but often within hours of emerging from their pupal casings. Females can lay between 30 and 100 eggs usually above the water line inside drains. Within two days the eggs will hatch. It’s important to find fly problems before they start to reproduce. Here’s some methods of drain fly removal.

Start by finding the problem.

Look at all your building’s drains and any areas with standing water. Somewhere with the highest concentration of drain flies is likely the problem. Drain flies rarely leave small areas so it’s infestations don’t spread.

Dry all drains before treatment.

This helps in verifying the problem. There might be other types of flies infesting the area. They might be attracted by rotting fruit or other food sources. Be sure you’re dealing with drain flies before taking the steps to remove them.

Put a strip of clear plastic tape over every drain.

Stick the tape over the drain the sticky side down. Don’t completely cover the drain. It can prevent flies from flying up and you will have no evidence.

Check the tape over the next few days.

The flies will stick to the tape giving you the opportunity to verify your infestation. If you’re suspicious of drain flies make sure to repeat the process if you don’t initially find any stuck.

Destroy the breeding ground.

Clean the hair catcher in shower drains. It’s essential in destroying their breeding grounds to remove all hair, grime and debris the flies lay their eggs in. Thoroughly rinse the hair catcher or filter.

Use a pipe brush.

Extend a metal pipe brush into the drain pushing it as far as it can go. Slowly move the brush up and down twisting it to remove grime from the sides of the pipes.

Use plumbing snake for grime further down.

Inset the plumbing snake and twist it as far down as it goes removing grime that’s too far for the brush.

Pour a cleaner into the drain.

There’s commercial products for cleaning drain pipes. Pour the cleaner around the edge of the drain. This allows it to coat the sides of the pipes. Gel cleaners are made to get rid of organic matter. However, there are plenty of home remedies such as vinegar, boiling water and bleach or baking soda and vinegar.

Finish by plunging the drain.

After the cleaning products have worked their magic plunge the drain to expel any leftover grime. Use warm water to flush through the pipes.

Killing flies.

• • • Squash adult flies using a swatter.
    • Destroy breeding grounds to prevent eggs from being laid.
    • Use an insect spray.
    • Keep the area clean and clear of hair and grime.
    • Regularly pour gel cleaner down the drain.
    • Use an insect growth regulator.

St. Catharines pest removal.

If drain fly problems persist after trying to keep the area clean make sure to contact Truly Nolen Pest Control.