Dealing with those annoying bugs in your home? Whether you call them drain flies, sewer gnats, filter flies, or sink flies, one thing is certain – they're a real headache. Once these little bugs invade your house, removing them becomes a top priority. The challenge, however, is that they're not always easy to kick out.
You might have heard about using household bleach to tackle these pests, but how well does it work? And is there a risk of damaging your plumbing with bleach? In this guide, we’ll discuss what drain flies are, why they love hanging out in sink drains, and will bleach kill drain flies in your home.
What Are Drain Flies?
Drain flies are tiny insects commonly found in kitchen and bathroom sinks and shower drains. Drain flies usually congregate and reproduce in areas with stagnant water, feeding on organic material trapped in the pipeline, such as hair in a shower drain or leftover vegetable peels in your kitchen disposal. They lay eggs in clogged areas, leading to larvae hatching and residing at your disposal.
Will Bleach Kill Drain Flies?
Now, let’s get on to the main question: will bleach kill drain flies? Yes, it’s an effective and budget-friendly way to eliminate drain flies. You can tackle most drain fly infestations with just a cup of bleach. Simply pour it down the affected drain, and its strong chemical properties will kill the larvae. The adult flies should die off within a few hours to a day.
When handling bleach, always exercise caution and wear protective gloves to prevent skin burns in case of spills.
Note: If you have a septic system, avoiding bleach is important.
How to Safely Get Rid of Drain Flies?
Looking for safe ways to eliminate drain flies without risking your health or plumbing? Here are some safe and effective remedies to try:
Vinegar and Baking Soda Combo
- Add half a cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Slowly add one cup of vinegar, causing a normal and safe bubbling reaction.
- Let the mixture sit for at least an hour to loosen buildup and eliminate drain flies, larvae, and eggs.
- Rinse it all away with a pot of boiling water.
Dish Soap and Water Spray
- Mix equal parts dish soap or cleaner refills and warm water in a spray bottle.
- Spray this solution directly on drain flies when you spot them.
- The soap is an insecticide, eliminating drain flies without threatening your family.
Apple Cider Vinegar Trap
- Pour around ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar into a glass.
- Secure a plastic wrap on the glass with a rubber band.
- Use a toothpick to create small holes in the wrap.
- Place one or more traps near problematic drains.
- Drain flies are attracted to the sweet-smelling vinegar and will be attracted through the holes but won't be able to escape back through the plastic wrap.
Will Bleach Kill Fruit Flies In Drain?
Yes! Bleach can effectively eliminate fruit flies in drains due to its disinfectant properties. To use bleach for this purpose, pour a mixture of one part bleach and ten parts water down the drain. This solution helps kill any organic matter and larvae that may attract and sustain the fruit flies.
Will Bleach Kill Drain Flies In Bathroom?
When dealing with drain flies in the bathroom, you can use the same bleach solution. Pour it down the affected drain, ensuring it reaches the drain flies' breeding and resting areas. Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes before flushing it with water.
Also, to clean your bathroom surface, you can use Fomin multi-surface cleaner refills that will leave your surface tidy.
Will Bleach Kill Drain Fly Larvae?
For drain fly larvae, bleach effectively breaks down their organic environment and kills them. You can pour the bleach solution directly into the drain where the larvae are present. Remember to repeat the treatment, as it can help ensure a more thorough eradication of adult flies and larvae.
How does Fomin contribute to a greener and plastic-free world?
With each purchase at Fomin, you play a crucial role in saving 12 plastic bottles from destroying ocean life. We understand the urgency of addressing environmental challenges, and that's why we've incorporated sustainability into the very fabric of our brand. By choosing our products, you contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet.
Our dedication to being carbon-neutral means we carefully measure and offset our carbon footprint. So, join our loyalty program today, and let's contribute to a greener and cleaner Earth's climate.
Conclusion
After reading our guide on will bleach kill drain flies, you’re armed with the right information and can effectively address the issue. While bleach proves to be a budget-friendly and efficient solution to eliminate drain flies, handling it with care is crucial. In addition to bleach, there are safe cleaning alternatives like vinegar and baking soda, dish soap and water spray, and apple cider vinegar traps. So, by adopting these strategies, you can reclaim your home from these annoying bugs and enjoy a pest-free living space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Bleach Kill Drain Flies?
Yes, bleach can kill drain flies. You need to mix one part bleach with ten parts water and pour it slowly down the drain.
