How to Get Rid of Drain Flies Fast: 10 Proven Methods That Work

How to get rid of drain flies, also known as moth flies, sewer flies, or sink flies, are small, fuzzy pests that thrive in moist, organic-rich environments like kitchen and bathroom drains. These tiny insects, measuring about 1/8 inch, can quickly become a nuisance, hopping around sinks, showers, and other damp areas. While they don’t bite or spread diseases, their presence can be annoying and may indicate unsanitary conditions. If you’re wondering how to get rid of drain flies fast, It provides 10 proven methods to eliminate them and prevent their return. By incorporating effective drain fly removal techniques, you can reclaim your home and keep it pest-free.

What Are Drain Flies and Why Are They a Problem?

Drain flies (Psychodidae) are small, moth-like insects with hairy bodies and wings, often mistaken for fruit flies. Unlike fruit flies, which are attracted to decaying food, drain flies breed in the organic buildup, such as grease, hair, and soap scum, found in drains, pipes, and stagnant water. Their rapid reproduction—females can lay up to 100 eggs at a time—makes infestations grow quickly if not addressed. Left unchecked, drain flies can contaminate surfaces and, in rare cases, worsen respiratory issues like asthma. Understanding their habits is key to effective drain fly control.

How to Identify Drain Fly Breeding Sites

Before diving into drain fly extermination methods, you need to locate their breeding grounds. Drain flies typically lay eggs in slimy, organic material inside drains or other moist areas. Here’s how to identify the source:

• Check Drains: Inspect kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, showers, and floor drains for slimy buildup.

• Tape Test: Place clear tape (sticky side down) over a suspected drain overnight. If drain flies are present, they’ll stick to the tape when emerging.

• Look for Larvae: Remove drain covers and check for thin, tube-like larvae in the sludge.

• Inspect Other Areas: Check clogged gutters, overwatered plants, leaky pipes, or septic systems for standing water.

Identifying the source is the first step in any effective drain fly treatment plan.

10 Proven Methods to Get Rid of Drain Flies Fast

Here are 10 practical and proven drain fly removal techniques to eliminate these pests quickly and keep them from coming back.

1. Clean Drains with a Pipe Brush

Manually cleaning your drains is one of the most effective ways to remove drain flies. The slimy buildup inside pipes is their primary breeding ground.

• Steps:

  • Run warm water through the drain to loosen debris.

  • Use a metal pipe brush or drain snake to scrub the inside of the drain as far as possible.

  • For sinks, remove and clean the U-trap under the sink to eliminate hidden buildup.

  • Flush the drain with hot water after scrubbing.

This method directly removes the organic matter where drain flies lay eggs, disrupting their life cycle.

2. Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain

Boiling water is a simple, chemical-free way to kill drain fly larvae and flush out debris.

• Steps:

  • Boil a pot of water (use caution with PVC pipes, as boiling water can damage them).

  • Pour the boiling water slowly down the drain in two to three stages, waiting a few seconds between pours.

  • Repeat once or twice daily for a week to ensure all larvae are eliminated.

This method is most effective for metal pipes and minor infestations. For PVC pipes, use hot (not boiling) water to avoid damage.

3. Use Baking Soda, Salt, and Vinegar

This natural mixture creates a foaming reaction that breaks down organic buildup and kills drain fly larvae.

• Steps:

  • Mix 1/2 cup of salt, 1/2 cup of baking soda, and 1 cup of white vinegar.

  • Pour the mixture into the drain and let it sit overnight.

  • Flush with hot water (or warm water for PVC pipes) in the morning.

  • Repeat every few days for a week.

This eco-friendly drain fly control method is safe for most plumbing systems and highly effective when combined with manual cleaning.

4. Set Up an Apple Cider Vinegar Trap

To capture adult drain flies, create a simple trap using apple cider vinegar and dish soap.

• Steps:

  • Fill a small bowl with 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap.

  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and poke small holes in it.

  • Place the trap near the infested drain overnight.

  • Empty and refresh the trap daily until no flies remain.

This trap attracts and drowns adult flies, reducing their numbers while you address the breeding source.

5. Use Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaners

Enzyme or microbial drain cleaners break down organic matter without harming pipes or the environment.

• Steps:

  • Clean the drain with a pipe brush to remove visible debris.

  • Pour the enzyme cleaner (e.g., Invade Bio Drain Gel or Bio-Clean) down the drain, following the product instructions.

  • Let it sit for several hours or overnight, then flush with warm water.

  • Use weekly for maintenance.

Enzyme cleaners are ideal for regular drain maintenance and preventing future infestations.

6. Try Sticky Fly Traps

Sticky fly traps are an effective way to capture adult drain flies hovering around drains.

• Steps:

  • Place sticky traps or flypaper near affected drains, sinks, or moist areas.

  • Check and replace traps as they fill with flies.

  • Combine with other methods to address the breeding source.

While traps don’t eliminate larvae, they help reduce the adult fly population quickly.

7. Flush Drains with Bleach (Use Caution)

Bleach can kill drain flies and larvae but should be used sparingly, as it may damage pipes or septic systems.

• Steps:

  • Dilute 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water.

  • Pour the solution down the drain and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.

  • Flush with hot water.

  • Use no more than once a week and avoid if you have a septic system.

Bleach is a last resort for stubborn infestations, as it’s less effective than enzyme cleaners and may not fully remove buildup.

8. Check and Fix Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes create moist environments that attract drain flies. Inspect and repair any plumbing issues.

• Steps:

  • Check under sinks, in crawlspaces, or near appliances for leaks.

  • Replace damaged pipes or tighten loose connections.

  • Dry any standing water to eliminate breeding sites.

Fixing leaks not only helps with drain fly extermination but also prevents water damage.

9. Use Essential Oils as a Deterrent

Essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, or lavender can repel drain flies naturally.

• Steps:

  • Mix 10–15 drops of essential oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle.

  • Spray around drains, sinks, and moist areas.

  • Reapply daily to maintain the scent.

This method works best as a preventive measure after eliminating the breeding source.

10. Call a Professional Plumber or Pest Control

For severe or persistent infestations, professional help may be necessary.

• Steps:

  • Contact a licensed plumber to clean drains with high-pressure jetting or specialized tools.

  • Hire a pest control service for targeted treatments, such as fogging or insect growth regulators.

  • Schedule regular maintenance to prevent future issues.

Professionals can address deep clogs or hidden breeding sites that DIY methods can’t reach.

How to Prevent Drain Flies from Returning

Once you’ve eliminated drain flies, take these steps to keep them away:

• Clean Drains Regularly: Flush drains weekly with hot water or enzyme cleaners.

• Cover Unused Drains: Use drain stoppers on infrequently used sinks or showers.

• Fix Plumbing Issues: Repair leaks and ensure proper drainage.

• Maintain Cleanliness: Keep sinks, counters, and floors free of food debris and standing water.

• Ventilate Moist Areas: Use fans or open windows in bathrooms to reduce humidity.

• Dispose of Trash Promptly: Empty garbage cans daily and clean them regularly.

Consistent maintenance is the key to long-term drain fly prevention.

Conclusion

Drain flies may be small, but their rapid reproduction and attraction to damp, organic-rich environments can make them a persistent problem. By using these 10 proven drain fly removal techniques—ranging from manual cleaning and boiling water to enzyme cleaners and professional services—you can get rid of drain flies fast and keep your home pest-free. Start by identifying the breeding source, then combine cleaning methods with traps and preventive measures for the best results. With regular maintenance and vigilance, you can ensure drain flies don’t return, leaving your sinks and drains clean and clear.