If you’ve noticed tiny, moth-like flies hovering near your sink, shower, or drains, you’re not alone. These are drain flies, also known as sink flies, sewer flies, or moth flies. While they may not pose a serious health threat, a drain fly infestation can be annoying, unsanitary and persistent. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can eliminate them quickly and prevent them from coming back.
Drain flies are small insects that typically measure 2 to 5 millimetres in size. Their fuzzy, moth-like wings and slow, erratic flight patterns make them easy to spot around wet areas of your home. Despite being called flies, they’re not fast fliers. They breed in organic-rich environments where standing water, stagnant water, and decaying organic matter are present.
You’ll usually find them near:
Drain flies are attracted to clogged drains, leaky pipes, and any area where organic material builds up. Their larvae feed on organic matter inside drain pipes, making them the perfect breeding ground. In short, anything moist, dark, and full of decomposing material will likely attract drain flies.
Common causes of drain fly issues include:
So, are drain flies harmful to your health? In most cases, no. Drain flies don’t bite or sting, and they’re not known to transmit diseases to humans. However, a severe drain fly infestation can again indicate larger plumbing issues, such as leaky pipes or hidden clogged drains.
In commercial or food service environments, they can be considered a health hazard due to the potential for contamination. Hence, getting them removed ASAP should still be a priority.
Before reaching for drain cleaners that use chemicals, start with these natural drain cleaners that can kill drain flies and their larvae.
Pouring boiling water down the drain is one of the easiest and most effective ways to flush out drain fly larvae and clean out soft sludge inside pipes. Do this twice daily for at least a week.
Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of apple cider vinegar. Let it fizz and sit overnight before flushing with hot water the next morning. This method helps break down the organic matter that drain fly larvae feed on.
To trap adult flies, fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and poke small holes in the top. The flies are attracted to the smell, enter the trap, and drown.
Use a metal pipe brush or drain snake to scrub the sides of your drain and dislodge any slimy buildup where eggs hatch. Make sure to clean under the drain cover as well.
If natural remedies aren’t working, it may be time for a chemical drain cleaner. These are designed to dissolve tougher sludge and buildup in your drain pipes, killing both larvae and the organic material they rely on.
Be cautious with harsh chemicals, especially if you have older plumbing or a septic tank, as they can damage pipes or disrupt your system.
Insect growth regulators can also be used to target the life cycle of drain flies, preventing future generations from hatching.
Once you’ve eliminated the problem, prevention is key. Here are several different ways to prevent drain flies from returning:
Regular maintenance is the best way to stop drain fly breeding in its tracks.
Got a drain fly problem that just won’t go away? Tunnel Vision offers professional drain cleaning services across Perth. We use CCTV camera inspections, high-pressure jetting, and proven methods to deal with stubborn debris and drain blockages.
Call Tunnel Vision on 1800 631 799 or book an inspection online today. Let us help you keep your drains flowing and your home fly-free.
With consistent treatment, it usually takes about a week to eliminate adult drain flies and their larvae. However, this timeline depends on how severe the infestation is and how thoroughly you clean your plumbing.
Do drain flies return once removed? They can if the original breeding ground isn’t thoroughly cleaned. Even a small amount of organic matter left behind can be enough for new eggs to be laid. That’s why ongoing drain care is essential.
Yes. Long-term prevention often includes regular plumbing maintenance, updating old drainage systems, improving ventilation, and even relining cracked pipes to prevent the return of organic buildup and moisture.
Yes. While most infestations originate from internal plumbing, outdoor compost bins, stormwater drains, or even garden beds with high organic content can be entry points for drain flies, especially in warm or humid conditions.
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