Drain Fly Key Facts
Adult is 5–8mm in length.
Grey thorax with 4 narrow stripes.
Buff or yellow abdomen.
Covered with small hairs that serve as taste organs.
Complex compound eyes – with thousands of lenses allows them a wide field of vision.
Drain flies, also known as sink flies or moth flies, are small, fuzzy insects that breed in organic material found in drains, sewers, or moist areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Here’s how to eliminate them:
1. Clean the Drains:
- Scrub the Drains: Use a brush or pipe cleaner to scrub the inside of drains, especially around the rims and sides, where organic material may accumulate.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour a mixture of baking soda (about 1/2 cup) and vinegar (1 cup) down the drain. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then flush with hot water to help remove organic buildup.
- Use Drain Cleaners: Consider using a commercial drain cleaner or enzymatic cleaner designed to break down organic material.
2. Dry Out Areas:
- Reduce Moisture: Drain flies need moisture to thrive. Ensure that bathrooms, kitchens, and any damp areas are well-ventilated and dry.
- Fix Leaks: Check for any plumbing leaks and repair them promptly to prevent a damp environment for drain flies.
3. Remove Standing Water:
- Eliminate any stagnant water from sinks, tubs, or floor drains, as this can serve as a breeding ground for the flies.
4. Trap the Flies:
- Sticky Traps: Use fly traps, such as sticky fly paper, near the infested area to capture adult flies.
- Homemade Trap: You can create a simple fly trap by filling a small bowl with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. The flies will be attracted to the vinegar and become trapped in the liquid.
5. Use Insecticides:
- If the infestation is severe, consider using a mild insecticide formulated for flying insects. Follow the instructions carefully.
6. Regular Maintenance:
- Prevent Recurrence: Regularly clean drains and maintain dry, well-ventilated spaces to prevent future infestations.
Phorid Fly Key Facts
Adult is 2–5mm in length.
Tends to walk on surfaces as appose to flying hence the nickname Scuttle fly
Small Round Head
Usually Black/Brown Thorax
Pronounced hump to the Thorax
Pointed Abdomen
Phorid flies are small, parasitic flies that are attracted to decaying organic matter. To stop or eliminate them, you’ll need to target their breeding sites and implement control measures. Here’s how to do it:
1. Identify and Eliminate Breeding Sites
Phorid flies lay eggs in decaying organic material, so find and remove any areas where they might be breeding:
- Rubbish Empty waste bins regularly and keep them tightly sealed.
- Drains: Clean kitchen, bathroom, and floor drains thoroughly to remove organic material buildup.
- Sewers and Septic Tanks: Check for leaks or issues that might attract the flies.
- Animal waste: If you have pets, clean up faeces immediately.
- Compost: Ensure compost piles are well-maintained and don’t attract pests.
2. Clean Thoroughly
- Surfaces: Wipe down kitchen counters, floors, and other surfaces to remove food scraps or organic matter.
- Drains: Use a drain cleaner or pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down drains to remove organic material and prevent buildup.
- Rubbish Bins: Wash bins with hot water and soap and dry thoroughly.
3. Seal Entry Points
- Inspect windows, doors, and cracks in walls for gaps where flies could enter.
- Use screens or seal any entry points to prevent flies from getting inside.
4. Use Traps
- Sticky traps: Place flypaper or other sticky traps near breeding areas to capture adult flies.
- Homemade traps: A vinegar trap (apple cider vinegar in a jar with a few drops of dish soap) can also lure and trap phorid flies.
5. Insecticides
If cleaning and traps aren’t enough, consider using insecticides labelled for use on flies:
- Residual sprays: These can be sprayed in areas where flies are frequently seen, like around drains and garbage bins.
- Foggers: For more severe infestations, using a fogger might help clear the area of adult flies, but make sure to follow the safety guidelines.
6. Consider Professional Help
If you are dealing with a persistent or severe infestation, you may need to call a pest control professional to assess the problem and apply more targeted treatments.