5 effective ways to control drain flies in the bathroom 

How to prevent drain flies: To prevent them from reappearing, ensure the bathroom stays dry with no standing water and is cleaned regularly (Image: Canva)

Adult drain flies, also known as moth flies, might be harmless, but they can be quite a discomforting sight in bathrooms. They are often spotted in damp areas with organic matter, such as drains, sinks, bathtubs, and other breeding spots. Hence, bathrooms become their most common habitat.

The presence of moth flies indicates cleanliness issues that need to be addressed, making it important to implement preventive measures. These include identifying breeding sites, thoroughly cleaning drains, and using remedies or traps to stop them from multiplying. To prevent them from reappearing, ensure the bathroom stays dry with no standing water and is cleaned regularly.

A study by the Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia Tech detailed some of the most effective ways to control drain flies. While it’s easy to kill these tiny pests by squashing them, it’s essential to stop them from appearing by eliminating the root cause, that is, clogged drains.

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To identify the drain from which the flies may be appearing, place clear tape, sticky side down, over its opening and leave it overnight. Or you can take a clear plastic cup with a thin layer of vegetable oil or petroleum jelly, then invert it over the suspected drain overnight. If adult drain flies are trapped on the sticky surface, it suggests that the drain needs attention.

Manual cleaning helps eliminate the buildup that draws moth fliers. Use a metal or stiff brush to scrub the drains of sinks, tubs, and showers, clearing away all slime and residue inviting the flies. If pipes are heavily clogged, it might be useful to detach and clean the plumbing trap.

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Drains clogged with soap and hair may need a plumber’s snake to break up and remove the clog.
Pouring hot water down the drain may provide temporary control from flies by killing larvae on the surface of the organic matter. This works in addition to the other cleaning methods.

Alternatively, a foaming drain cleaner may also be useful to wash some of the debris away and clear the pipe but thick, stubborn deposits will require manual cleaning with a stiff brush.