Drain Fly Management Guide

Drain flies are a type of small fly that are commonly found in homes. These flies get their name from their habit of living and breeding in drains. Removing attractants and using pest control products can help to keep drain flies from taking over your space. We’ve gathered information to help you eliminate a drain fly infestation. 

Drain flies are attracted to moisture and organic matter, making drains an ideal breeding spot. They feed on and breed in the decomposing matter found in drains. Standing water in your home can attract drain flies too. These flies are often found in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. They prefer to settle down in drains that aren’t used regularly. Drain flies can multiply quickly, which can lead to large infestations. Because homes are warm, drain flies can be active year-round. Minimizing potential attractants, such as food sources and breeding sites, is important to preventing and eliminating a drain fly problem.

Reducing Attractants

• Eliminate Standing Water: Moisture needs to be present for drain flies to breed, so it’s important to remove excess water in your home. Repair leaking pipes and address other plumbing issues. Ensure your drains are working properly. After mopping, make sure to empty the bucket and let the mop dry outside to avoid attracting these flies.
• Remove Potential Food Sources: Decaying matter in drains and trash bins can be attractive to drain flies. It’s important to keep food particles from building in your sink and drain. Using a drain basket can help to prevent this. You can also use a basket in your bathroom sink, shower, and tub to keep debris from getting in them.
• Keep Your Drains Clean: Keeping your drains clean will help to keep flies out of them. Drain flies live and breed in the biofilm found in drains. Using a microbial drain cleaner that digests the biofilm will help to get rid of these pests. You can also use a metal scrub brush to clean your drains and remove organic debris.
• Seal Entry Points: It’s important to make sure flies can’t gain access to your home. Check for cracks or gaps where these pests could sneak inside. Fix torn or damaged window and door screens. Repair loose seals or damaged weather stripping. 

Pest control products can help to prevent and eliminate a drain fly problem. Our Maggie’s Farm Drain & Fruit Fly Killer is labeled to control drain flies as well as fruit flies, sewer flies, and moth flies at the source. It kills adult drain flies, larvae, and eggs and will help to repel adult flies from laying eggs in drains. It is also labeled to kill odor-causing bacteria, helping to refresh smelly drains. When used as directed, it is safe for use around people and pets.

Application Tips

Apply our Drain & Fruit Fly Killer around the edges of the drain, allowing the thickened formula to coat the sides of the drain. To treat frequently used drains, apply 1–2 oz per drain. Avoid using the drain for at least one hour after treatment. If possible, allow the drain to sit overnight. To treat infrequently used drains, pour 1–2 quarts of water in the drain, and then apply 1–2 oz of the product. To keep the trap from drying out, apply 1–2 oz of vegetable oil or mineral oil to the drain. Do not flush with water after application of product and oil. If the drain gets used, reapply the product. You can also put a standard sprayer on the bottle to spray areas that attract flies like trash bins.

It isn’t fun having drain flies hanging out in your home. To keep these pests away, you’ll want to implement preventative techniques and use the right pest control products.