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How Long Do Drain Flies Live

Adult drain flies usually live about two weeks, but newly emerged adults rapidly replace them. These flies are also known as moth flies due to their appearance: they are small and furry with large, ovoid wings and prominent antennae.

Will drain flies go away?

If you allow the standing water in your pipes or property to go unchecked, drain flies will rarely go away on their own. Warm homes even allow drain flies to live throughout the winter. Be sure to take preventative measures after flushing out your system to keep drain flies in check.

What instantly kills drain flies?

Pour in 1/2 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of baking soda plus a cup of white vinegar. Allow it to work its magic overnight then flush the drain with hot or boiling water the next morning. This will sanitize the drain and kill the flies and their eggs.

How long do drain flies live without food?

Adults live only 3 to 4 days without food, but can survive for 1 to 3 weeks if nectar or other liquid carbohydrate foods are available.

Where are drain flies coming from?

Locate the Source Drain flies can come from organic buildups in any area where there is standing water. Check your bathroom drains, kitchen sink, shower, sump pump, sewage system, and even floorboards where there might be a pipe leak. Look for multiple flies hanging out on the walls near these possible sources.

Can drain flies live in walls?

These pests live and breed inside your plumbing pipes, feeding on decomposing material and laying eggs within the gelatinous slime that collects along the interior walls of your drain. Adults can be spotted resting on walls and ceilings of the infested areas.

How do you stop drain flies?

The best way to keep drain flies out of your home is to clean your drains every other week using a mixture of salt, baking soda, and vinegar, followed by boiling water. Make sure to keep your doors and windows closed as much as possible to prevent them from finding a way to their desired breeding ground.

Can drain flies lay eggs in humans?

No, drain flies (Psychodinae) do not lay eggs in humans. They are not parasitic, and the human body is an inhospitable environment for them. Their close relatives, sand flies, are not as friendly, but these are not going to be invading your home in most regions.

What is the best drain fly Killer?

Best Drain Fly Killers 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.

Can sewer flies make you sick?

These pests are a nuisance because they infest in large numbers. Once inside, drain flies may plug pipes and spread bacteria from the filth they live in, possibly contaminating food in the process. These pests, even though they live in filth, are not known to spread any disease to humans.

Can drain flies come from outside?

Contrary to popular belief, drain flies don’t come up through the drain. Rather, they come in from outside, looking for water — the more disgusting, the better — and once they find it in your drains, they set up residence and gorge themselves on their standard diet of the sewage and bacteria found in these places.

Do drain flies live in septic tanks?

Drain flies breed in drains, septic tanks, sewers and soil that has been contaminated with sewage. Wherever they find water, they’ll breed. Any areas of your home where it’s wet and shouldn’t be are potential breeding grounds, so this is another reason to take care of all leaks and moisture problems asap.

What temperature kills drain flies?

Do not pour insecticides down drains to kill drain flies. The drain fly life cycle takes from about 10 to 15 days at about 70° F.

Can drain flies come from the toilet?

Conclusion. There might be drain flies coming from your toilet, but they are more likely to come from your sink, tub, or shower drain. If they come from the toilet, the most likely culprit is the closet flange, which requires removing the toilet to access. Carefully remove the toilet and clean the flange thoroughly.

Where do house flies lay eggs?

House Flies Homeowners typically find house fly eggs in moist, decaying organic material like trash, grass clippings, or feces. Elongated and pale in color, they appear in clusters and hatch quickly after being laid by the female fly.

What does drain fly eat?

WHAT DO DRAIN FLIES EAT? Drain fly larvae develop usually in and feed on the gelatinous film (slime) that can build up inside drains, thus the common name of “drain flies”. Adult drain flies feed on flower nectar and polluted water.

Do drain flies live in plants?

Drain flies are occasional visitors to homes, where they may colonize and begin driving homeowners mad. These tiny, fuzzy flies often inhabit drains, garbage disposals and constantly wet houseplants, where their larvae thrive.

Does bleach get rid of drain flies?

Does Bleach Kill Drain Flies? While this chemical might get rid of some larvae, bleach passes quickly down the drain and does not penetrate the thick build-up where eggs are deposited by the female drain fly and larvae live. As a result, in most cases, bleach does not get rid of drain flies.

Why are there so many flies in my house all of a sudden?

What is this? The most common reason for flies swarming all over your house is an infestation inside or nearby your home. If you suddenly see a swarm of flies that means dozens of eggs have already hatched and developed into flies. The source is likely inside your house, garage, attic or garden.