Drain flies can be a real headache, particularly for homeowners in metro Atlanta. These pesky little insects invade sinks, bathrooms and even toilets. Just when you think you've gotten rid of them, another one pops up, buzzing around, ready to bother you again. So, why are the bugs so prominent in Summer and what can you do to get rid of them?

Why Are Drain Flies So Common in Summer?

Drain flies tend to be more prevalent in the summer due to several key factors. With warmer temperatures, longer days and increased humidity, the conditions become ideal for these pests to breed. The moist environments found in drains and plumbing systems provide the perfect breeding ground, allowing drain flies to thrive and multiply quickly during the hotter months. 

As a result, homeowners often notice a spike in drain fly activity when summer rolls around. Luckily, there are several ways to get rid of drain flies so they don’t become a persistent problem throughout the season.

How To Get Rid of Drain Flies

Use Apple-Cider Vinegar Traps

Since flies are attracted to organic matter, they are naturally drawn to the apple cider vinegar inside the trap. Once they land on the surface of the trap, they become stuck by the dish soap, drowning in the substance. These traps can be easily made at home and can help reduce the adult flies lingering around your drain. However, it is important to note that these traps don’t stop flies from reproducing. To get rid of them completely, you will need to use different methods. 

Flying Insect Traps

If you don’t want to make your own traps you can also purchase flying insect traps. They work similarly to the apple-cider vinegar traps and can be placed near the affected areas. Although they can trap and kill adult flies, they do not stop them at the source.

Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain

The extreme heat from the boiling water kills adult flies, larvae and eggs. Additionally, the hot water helps to remove an organic material that is attracting the flies. It is recommended that the water is poured slowly slowly and the process is done about once or twice a week to mitigate the spread of flies. 

Preventing Drain Flies From Becoming a Problem

Use drain covers -- Covers help to prevent flies from nesting and breeding in your drains. They also prevent organic matter from falling into your sink, making it less likely that they’ll come looking for food and nesting sites. 

Eliminate stagnant water -- Stagnant water is the perfect environment for drain flies to reproduce. Draining stagnant water or getting a leak repaired can make drains less attractive for flies, reducing the likelihood that they’ll continue to multiply in your kitchen sink or bathroom.

Keep your area and drains clean -- Keeping your bathroom, kitchen and drains clean can help reduce the organic matter present. When there is less organic material, flies are less likely to be attracted to the surrounding areas and drains. 

Avoid overwatering your plants -- Overwatering can cause your plant’s soil to become incredibly moist, drawing in flies looking for food sources and breeding grounds. Excess moisture encourages them to invade your home and plumbing.

Repair damaged and clogged drains -- Damaged drains that are leaking water can attract unwanted flies. In addition, drains or pipes clogged with organic matter can become an ideal breeding ground for flies. They can nest deep within your plumbing, making it harder to remove new larvae.

If you suspect there's a leaky or clogged drain, have a professional plumber come out and take a look. Fixing the damage not only prevents more issues from arising but it significantly lowers the likelihood of flies developing within your home. 

Need Help Repairing Damaged Drains? We’re Here To Help!

If you’re a metro Atlanta homeowner looking for expert plumbers, Superior Plumbing has got you covered! We serve several areas around Atlanta, including Kennesaw and Cobb County. Give us a call at 770-422-7586 or click the link here to fill out a contact form online. 

Not only do we perform routine plumbing services, but we also install water heaters and tankless water heaters. If you’re interested in our other services, visit our website by clicking the link here.