At Clover Contracting, we understand the frustration of fruit flies swarming your kitchen and bathroom sink. At times, it can feel like an outright battle.
But, no battle is complete without the right tools and tactics. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of proven methods to get rid of these winged pests quickly and effectively. No more swatting the air; with these tips, your home will soon be a fruit fly-free zone.
So get your hunter’s cap on, and let’s look at how to chase those pesky little flies out of there for good. Here’s how to get the flies to shoo! If you need any catching those critters, contact us to ask about our professional drain cleaning.
Yikes! Why are there flies coming out of my sink drain?
Fruit flies are common pests found in kitchens and bathrooms. If you’ve ever seen a fruit fly buzzing around, you’ll know that they’re quite a nuisance. But don’t fruit flies prefer fruit? What are they doing in your drains?
These winged vermin are attracted to decomposing fruits and vegetables, so your kitchen sink is the ideal breeding ground. Bathrooms often have toothpaste, hair and other organic matter in the drain pipes – a prime nest for mothers to lay their eggs.
As they feed on the organic waste in the warm, moist environment of your drain pipes, the eggs rest and hatch, eventually developing into a full-out infestation.
These flies are bothersome, yes, but they can also be potentially hazardous to human health. Some fruit flies carry bacteria that spread to food or surfaces and pose potential health threats to you and your family. All the more reason for them to get gone!
4 Ways to get rid of fruit flies in your drains
If you have an issue with drain flies, there are several ways to combat them and many of these ingredients can be found at your local supermarket.
1. Clean the drains with baking soda, vinegar, and salt
While this sounds like the beginning of a fun science experiment, it’s actually one of the best ways to rid yourself of drain flies:
- First, pour half a cup of baking soda into your drain, following it with one cup of white vinegar.
- Leave it to sit for 10-15 minutes before flushing it with hot water.
Doing double duty, these ingredients will both clear organic build-up in your pipes and kill any fruit fly eggs or larvae present.
2. Create a fruit fly trap
Hunting gear isn’t complete without a trap! This is a straightforward yet efficient DIY solution:
- Fill a bowl or jar with apple cider vinegar, some drops of dish soap, pieces of ripe fruit.
- Cover it with plastic wrap, and several small holes poked through.
- Place this near drains to watch as fruit flies are lured in and trapped!
This combination should attract fruit flies and prevent them from flying away once they land on its surface. The plastic wrap enhances the trap by keeping them in the bowl even if they don’t land in the fruit mixture.
3. Sanitize your drain with boiling water
This method works best for drains that are rarely used, such as guest bathrooms. Just pour boiling water into your drain to kill any fruit flies or larvae present; be sure to be careful when handling the hot liquid, as it could cause severe burns.
4. Hire a professional
If you are experiencing a persistent fruit fly battle, call in the reinforcements (a professional drain cleaning service!). Our technicians at Clover Contracting can help clean your drains to remove build-up and eliminate breeding sites. Our experienced plumbers will ensure that your drains operate as intended so you can have peace of mind and keep the fruit flies away.
Tips to prevent drain flies
The best way to solve a problem is to prevent it from happening. Here are a few ways to avoid these pests in the first place:
Regular drain cleaning
To prevent fruit fly feeding and breeding grounds, keep your drains as clean as possible.
We recommend using vinegar, baking soda and salt solution regularly. Also, schedule professional drain cleaning services periodically as a preventive measure and to maintain proper drainage.
Keep areas wiped down
Fruit flies like decaying organic matter, making it important for kitchen and bathroom areas to remain clear of things like leftover food scraps and toothpaste.
Wipe surfaces and sinks with disinfectant or vinegar regularly to rid yourself of potential hubs fruit flies. Clean up any spills or crumbs as soon as possible to prevent fruit flies and other bugs.
Dispose of food waste properly
The leading cause of drain flies is food waste getting washed down the sink, so instead of sending scraps directly down your drain, use a garbage disposal or compost bin. Alternatively, install a sink strainer in order to stop any particles from entering your pipes. Be sure to dispose of overripe fruits and veggies so you don’t tempt any critters.
Pro tip: Some overripe fruits can be used for baking (like bananas for banana bread!). You can toss them in the freezer for later use. However, others can become toxic and should be thrown out.
Keep your sink drains dry and plugged when not in use
If you are fighting an infestation, keep your sink drains plugged when they’re sitting unused, such as at nighttime. This will prevent flies from entering, exiting and laying any eggs.
Keep flies away and your plumbing woes at bay – call Clover.
If you need help battling drain flies, call your friendly neighborhood plumbers. At Clover, we understand the importance of healthy plumbing for a healthy home. Our technicians have in-depth knowledge and expertise, and we make it our responsibility to help our community.
If you’re facing an issue, let us help. Contact us today.
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