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How to Get Rid of Drain Flies with Vinegar

how to get rid of drain flies with vinegar

If you have a fly problem in your home, the chances are good that they are drain flies. Drain flies are attracted to rotting organic matter, and they can be difficult to get rid of.

Many people resort to using harsh chemicals to get rid of them, but this can be dangerous for your family and pets.

In this blog post, we will discuss how to get rid of drain flies with vinegar. Balsamic is a natural and safe way to eliminate these pests!

What Are Drain Flies?

drain fly

Drain flies also known as sewer files, sewer gnats, sink flies or filter flies are small insects that are typically found near drains or other moist areas and also a family of Psychodidae or true flies.

Some types of moths, such as the hairy-legged bush moth and the fuzzy grass moth, have short, furry bodies with wings that resemble a "furry" moth.

Drain flies are often mistaken for fruit flies or houseflies. However, there are several key differences between these insect pests.

  • For example, drain flies have slender bodies and long legs, while fruit flies and houseflies have stout bodies and short legs.
  • In addition, drain flies typically only measure 1.5 to 5 mm long, while fruit flies and houseflies can reach up to 1/8 to a 1/4 inch in length.

What Do Drain Flies Eat?

Drain flies are parasites that feed on decomposing organic waste and sewage. Their larvae consume germs, fungus, and other microorganisms that thrive in drains, standing water, and sewage treatment beds.

If there is no more food available, drain fly larvae may cannibalize one another.

Are Drain Flies Harmful?

In short, drain flies are not harmful to people. Drain flies feed and dwell in sewage, but they aren't disease-carrying insects. They can carry germs in large quantities when they congregate in huge swarms.

They do not appear to be harmful to your health, even if they are a major nuisance in your home.

What Causes Drain Fly Infestation?

Many people have encountered drain flies in their homes at one time or another. These small, winged insects are often attracted to damp places, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

While they are not known to bite or spread disease, their presence can be quite unpleasant. So, what causes drain flies?

In most cases, drain flies are the result of a build-up of organic matter in drains. This can include things like hair, grease, and food scraps.

Over time, this organic matter will decompose and release a type of gas that is attractive to drain flies. In some cases, the problem may be due to a blockage in the drain itself.

This can cause water to build up and create an ideal breeding ground for drain flies.

Are you seeing drain flies in and around your drains? Check out our drain cleaning services

How do you know if you have drain flies?

If you have drain flies, you will likely see them near drains or other moist areas in your home.

They are often attracted to light, so you may also see them flying around windows or doors. In some cases, you may even see them crawling on walls or ceilings.

If you suspect that you have drain flies, the best way to confirm it is to take a close look at them. As we mentioned before, they have slender bodies and long legs.

They also have small, dark-colored wings that are covered in tiny hairs. If you see an insect that matches this description, then it is likely a drain fly.

How do you get rid of sewer gnats with apple cider vinegar?

If you have a septic tank or live in an area with nearby sewage systems, then you've probably been plagued by these pesky insects.

All you need is a bowl of balsamic and a little patience. Here's what you do:

  1. Pour ½ a cup of salt, ½ a cup of baking soda, and one cup of balsamic down the drain. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, causing it to bubble and fizz. This reaction is what will kill the larvae.
  2. To eliminate fruit flies and larvae, leave it overnight before flushing the next day. This should get rid of the flies and larvae while also keeping your pipes clean and sanitary.

How Long Does it Take to Get Rid of Sewer Flies with Vinegar?

The amount of time it takes to get rid of sewer flies with vinegar will depend on the severity of the infestation.

If you have a small number of drain flies, you may see results within a few hours. In more severe cases, it may take a day or two for the flies to be eliminated.

Either way, you should see a significant reduction in the number of drain flies after using this method.

Will White Vinegar Attract Drain Flies?

No, white vinegar will not attract drain flies. In fact, it is the opposite. The acidic nature of balsamic is what kills drain fly larvae.

So, if you're looking for a natural way to get rid of these pesky insects, then balsamic is your best bet.

4 Tips to Exterminate Drain Flies with Vinegar

If you're dealing with a drain fly infestation, then you know how annoying and persistent these little insects can be. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them for good!

Here are four tips on how to exterminate drain flies with balsamic:

Vinegar Drain Cleaner

Vinegar drain cleaner will help to remove any organic material that the flies are feeding on in your drains.

To do this, simply mix equal parts of water and balsamic in a spray bottle and then spray it into all of your affected drains. Let it sit for about an hour before flushing with hot water.

Vinegar Spray Bug Killer

Vinegar Spray Bug Killer

Use a vinegar spray bug killer to target the drain flies directly. This can be done by mixing one part water and one part balsamic in a spray bottle and then spraying it directly on the flies.

You can also add a few drops of essential oil to this mixture to make it more effective.

Vinegar Bug Repellent

Use of Vinegar Bug Repellent will keep the drain flies away. To make this, mix one part water and one part balsamic in a spray bottle and then add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or lavender oil.

Spray this around your home, especially near any entry points, to keep the flies out.

Vinegar Traps

Vinegar traps are an easy and effective way to get rid of sewer gnats or moth flies. To make a trap, simply mix one part water and one part balsamic in a bowl and then add a few drops of dish soap.

Place this near where you've seen the most drain fly activity and they will be attracted to the mixture and drown. You'll need to empty and refill the trap every few days.

Boiling Water

Another way to get rid of sewer gnats is by boiling water. Boil a pot of water and then pour it down the drain.

This will kill any larvae that are present and help to remove any organic material that the flies are feeding on.

Professional Drain Fly Control. Don't Wait Call Today

If you're dealing with a serious drain fly infestation, then it's best to call a professional. At 24h Plumbing Pros, we have the experience and expertise to get rid of these pests for good.

Don't wait, call us today! We'll be happy to help you get rid of your drain fly problem once and for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does baking soda and vinegar kill drain flies?

Yes, the reaction between baking soda and balsamic will kill drain fly larvae.

Is vinegar a good drain cleaner?

Yes, balsamic is an effective drain cleaner because it removes the organic material that the flies are feeding on.

What to pour down drain to kill flies?

To kill flies, pour a mixture of water and balsamic down your drain. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to this mixture to make it more effective.

What is the best Drain Fly Killer?

The best drain fly killer is:

  • American Bio-Systems DrainGel.
  • Lawson Drummond DF5000.
  • Valtec Bio-Action Total Solution Gel.
  • Pest Peeve Bye Bye Drain Flies.
  • Green Gobbler Drain Fly Goodbye.
  • Forid.
  • Drano.
  • Rid-X

How do you get rid of drain flies permanently?

The best way to get rid of sewer flies permanently is to call a professional. At 24h Plumbing Pros, we have the experience and expertise using the best pest control method.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, getting rid of sewer gnats can be a challenge. But, with the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to get rid of them for good.

Don't forget to call 24h Plumbing Pros if you're dealing with a serious drain fly infestation. We can help!

We hope that this article has been helpful in teaching you how to get rid of these pesky insects once and for all! Thanks for reading!

About The Author:

Scott Reyes, our proficient Managing Editor and a true plumbing aficionado with over 10 years of dedicated expertise. With an in-depth understanding of the plumbing industry, Scott is your go-to source for all things plumbing-related. His wealth of experience ensures that our content is not only informative but also a reliable resource for your plumbing needs. Dive into Scott's articles to tap into his extensive knowledge and insights.
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