

Drain flies are one of the most annoying household pests, often appearing around sinks, showers, and floor drains. While they don’t bite or spread diseases, their presence can be frustrating, and an infestation can quickly get out of control. These small, fuzzy-winged insects thrive in stagnant water, organic buildup, and clogged drains, making your home the perfect breeding ground. If you’re dealing with these pests, don’t worry we’ll show you three simple ways to get rid of drain flies and keep them from returning.
What Are Drain Flies?
Drain flies, also called moth flies, sink flies, or filter flies, are tiny insects about 1/6 to 1/5 inches long. Their fuzzy bodies and large wings give them a moth-like appearance, and they tend to hop rather than fly aggressively, unlike fruit flies. These pests breed in stagnant water, especially in kitchen or bathroom drains with organic debris buildup.
How Do Drain Flies Get Into Your Home?
Drain flies enter homes when they detect moisture, organic waste, and bacteria inside drains. They lay eggs in the slimy residue inside pipes, and their larvae feed on the decaying material. If you have slow-draining sinks, infrequently used drains, or leaky pipes, you may notice an infestation developing.
While fruit flies are attracted to overripe fruit and sugary substances, drain flies thrive in damp, bacteria-filled environments—making your sink, shower, or floor drain the perfect habitat.
How to Get Rid of Drain Flies
1. Deep Clean the Drain
To eliminate drain flies, you must remove their food source and breeding ground inside your drains.
Step-by-Step Drain Cleaning Method:
1️⃣ Scrub the Drain – Use a pipe brush or drain snake to remove gunk, slime, and debris from inside the drain.
2️⃣ Flush with Hot Water – Rinse the drain thoroughly with hot (but not boiling) water to wash away loosened buildup.
3️⃣ Use a DIY Drain Cleaner – Mix ½ cup of salt, ½ cup of baking soda, and 1 cup of vinegar and pour it down the drain. Let it sit overnight, then flush with hot water in the morning. This solution breaks down organic matter and kills larvae.
4️⃣ Apply a Commercial Drain Cleaner – If the infestation persists, use an enzyme-based cleaner like Bio-Clean, Green Gobbler, or Natural Armor Drain Fly Killer. These products contain natural bacteria that digest organic waste and prevent future drain fly breeding.
2. Set Up DIY Drain Fly Traps
If drain flies continue to hover around your sink, trapping them can help reduce their numbers. Here are two effective DIY traps:
Apple Cider Vinegar Trap
- Pour apple cider vinegar into a small bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap and punch tiny holes in the surface.
- Place near the infested drain—flies will enter the holes and drown in the vinegar.
Duct Tape Trap
- Cover the drain opening with duct tape overnight.
- Drain flies will try to escape and get stuck on the tape.
- Check the tape in the morning if you see flies stuck, you know your drain is the source of the infestation.
3. Prevent Drain Flies from Returning
Once you’ve eliminated drain flies, take these steps to keep them from coming back:
✅ Flush infrequently used drains (such as guest bathroom sinks or garage drains) with water weekly.
✅ Keep drains clean by regularly using a drain cleaner or enzyme-based solution.
✅ Fix leaks and slow-draining pipes to prevent stagnant water buildup.
✅ Seal drains with a stopper when not in use.
✅ Remove organic debris from kitchen sinks and garbage disposals.
Final Thoughts
Drain flies may be a nuisance, but with the right cleaning techniques and preventive measures, you can eliminate them quickly. Scrub and clean your drains, use natural or commercial drain cleaners, and set up traps to catch any remaining flies. To prevent drain flies from coming back, keep your drains clear of buildup, fix any leaks, and flush unused drains regularly.
If you have a persistent drain fly infestation or suspect a major plumbing issue, Emergency Master Plumbing & Air is here to help! Contact us today for expert drain cleaning and plumbing services. 🚰🐜