Last week we touched a little bit on the various types of household flies in our blog, Let’s Talk About Flies. This week, the focus on drain flies and we will continue focusing on different types of flies over the next few weeks.
What are drain flies?
Drain flies or sink flies are small and hairy giving them a moth-like appearance. Harmless yet annoying, they can fit through the tiniest of openings. They love decaying food and organic matter which is almost always available in drains and sewers. Because they breed in these environments, the transmission of disease is possible but still unusual.
Interestingly enough, drain flies are nocturnal.
Are drain flies harmless?
Drain flies do not typically transmit human disease and basically are considered annoying not harmful.
How did I get drain flies?
You are looking at your sink, for example, and you know you just cleaned the sink and countertops as well as the rest of the bathroom or kitchen. It’s what is harboring below the surface that is the problem. Drain flies infest and lay their eggs in moist areas and standing water. Clogged or slow draining drains are a favorite breeding ground.
It does not mean your home is unclean.
Drain flies do not often enter your home from the pipes or drain unless the drains have been unused for a period of time and they are dry. Then they may use that pathway to enter your home looking for a more welcoming environment. They often come in from the outdoors following the smell of standing water and decay in the pipes, toilets, sinks, and of course, drains.
One of our technicians found drain flies that entered the basement from the slab floor above a broken drainpipe.
How do I get rid of drain flies?
Self-treating a drain fly problem can be frustrating and ineffective. Permanent removal requires identifying the source and the pathway.
Since typically drain flies will come from unused drains or dirty drains we offer treatment with an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) as well as a cleanser foam. These treatments go beyond the standing water and eradicate the larvae and eggs. Again, the key to successful treatment and removal is identifying the source, and therefore it is best to have a professional come in and review with you the various options for treatment.
As far as the frequency of treatment, it all depends on the situation and severity. Call us to schedule a visit: 518.587.3750.
