Say Goodbye to Drain Flies! - Biard & Crockett

Those tiny fuzzy flies hovering around your sink aren’t just annoying – they’re a sign your drains need some TLC this summer.

What Are These Little Pest Invaders?

Summer in Orange County means sunshine, beach days, and unfortunately, sometimes drain flies. If you’ve noticed small, moth-like bugs hanging around your bathroom or kitchen sink, you’ve probably got drain flies making themselves at home.

These little guys (technically called Psychodidae, but who’s keeping track?) are about 1/8 inch long and look like tiny moths with fuzzy bodies and wings. They don’t fly around like regular flies – instead, they hop from place to place like they’re playing a very boring game of hopscotch.

Why Your Drains Are Their Dream Home

Here’s the thing about drain flies: they LOVE moisture and organic matter. Your drains provide the perfect all-inclusive resort for these pests. They feast on the sludge that builds up in pipes – you know, that mix of soap scum, hair, food particles, and whatever else goes down the drain.

Yum, right??

The worst part? One fly can lay up to 200 eggs, and those eggs hatch in just 48 hours. So if you’re thinking “it’s just a couple flies, no big deal” – think again! Within a week, you could have a full-blown infestation on your hands.

The Summer Connection

Why are we talking about this in June? Well, drain flies love warm, humid conditions – exactly what we get during Orange County summers. Plus, if you have a guest bathroom or basement sink that doesn’t get used much, that stagnant water in the P-trap is basically rolling out the red carpet for these pests.

How to Spot a Drain Fly Problem

Not sure if you’ve got drain flies? Here’s a simple test: place a clear cup or some clear tape over your drain overnight. If you find flies stuck to it in the morning, congratulations – you’ve found their hideout!

Common signs include:

Small flies hovering near sinks, showers, or floor drains
Flies that seem to multiply overnight
Fuzzy-looking bugs that don’t fly well
Insects gathering in bathrooms or kitchens

Your Action Plan to Evict These Unwanted Guests

Good news – you don’t need to call in the SWAT team for drain flies. Here’s how to show them the door:

Step 1: The Hot Water Treatment

Start simple. Boil a large pot of water and pour it slowly down the affected drain. Do this once a day for about a week. The hot water helps flush out the gunk where flies breed and can kill larvae on contact.

Step 2: The Baking Soda & Vinegar Combo

Remember those volcano experiments from school? Time to recreate them in your sink! Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, follow with 1/2 cup of vinegar, and cover the drain. Let it sit overnight, then flush with boiling water in the morning. The fizzing action helps break down organic matter and eliminates breeding grounds.

Step 3: Get Scrubbing

Sometimes you need to get your hands dirty (well, sort of). Use a pipe brush or drain snake to physically remove the sludge buildup. It’s not glamorous work, but it’s effective!

Step 4: Set a Trap

For adult flies still buzzing around, create a simple trap with apple cider vinegar. Pour some in a dish, cover with plastic wrap, and poke small holes in it. The flies go in but can’t get out. It’s like a roach motel, but for drain flies!

Prevention is Your Best Friend

Once you’ve kicked out your uninvited guests, keep them from coming back:

Run water through rarely-used drains weekly
Clean drains regularly (once a month is good)
Fix any leaky pipes promptly
Keep sinks and counters dry
Cover drains when not in use

When to Call in the Plumbing Pros

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, drain flies just won’t take the hint. If you’ve tried these methods for more than two weeks without success, it might be time for professional help. You could have:

A deeper plumbing issue
Hidden breeding sites
Cracked pipes allowing sewer access
Multiple infestation sources

Professional plumbers have tools like water jetters and camera inspection equipment that can identify and solve the root cause of persistent drain fly problems. Plus, they can spot other potential drain issues before they become major headaches.

The Bottom Line

Drain flies might be small, but they’re mighty annoying. The good news is that with some regular drain maintenance and these simple solutions, you can keep your Orange County home fly-free all summer long.

Don’t let these fuzzy freeloaders ruin your summer vibes! If DIY methods aren’t cutting it, we’re here to help. Our experienced plumbers can tackle even the most stubborn drain fly problems and make sure they don’t come back for an encore performance.