People often refer to drain flies (Insecta: Diptera: Psychodidae) as sink flies, sewer gnats, and several other names. What do drain flies look like? These pests are small, with a body that typically measures less than five millimeters and appears in shades of gray or tan, a pair of light-colored wings, and antennae.
Are drain flies harmful to humans? Most consider drain flies to be a nuisance pest, as they tend to gather and reproduce in large numbers within pipes, garbage disposals, and septic systems. Although they likely come into contact with a host of germs, they are not known for posing any real health risks to humans.
Denver Pest Control
Experienced pest control professionals have training regarding how to kill drain flies. Far too many property owners will detect drain flies and assume that they are easy to remove by running hot water or pouring some chemicals down the drain.
While extremely hot water or some chemical formulas might kill some adult flies, these pests can lay dozens of eggs at a time within areas of moisture, such as the sludge and filth that accumulates inside plumbing drains. The result is that the newly emerging flies develop, and the problem persists. A much better solution involves consulting with an experienced pest controller who has the proper training to oust these infestations completely.
Where Do Drain Flies Come From?
Aside from plumbing systems, drain flies might enter a home through basements, crawlspaces, and windows. Drain flies will most commonly develop within drains and pipes that are either slow or clogged.
What causes drain flies to exist in my Denver home? Drain flies are drawn to these moist conditions and begin mating and laying eggs. Failing to quickly respond to the presence of these pests with sufficient cleaning and treatment allows for the infestation to begin and quickly expand.
Why Is It So Hard To Get Rid Of Drain Flies?
Drain flies proliferate rapidly and flourish in the moisture of drains and pipes, making them difficult to eliminate.
Five Tips To Deter Drain Flies
Some of the ongoing best practices for preventing these types of pests include:
- Place a stopper over the entry to any drains that often go multiple days or weeks without being used.
- Use a pipe brush to keep the drain clean and prevent buildup.
- Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain once or twice a week.
- Limit the presence of pooling water in and around the property by cleaning birdbaths, air conditioner drainage pans, and keeping gutters and downspouts clear.
- Regularly remove and clean the J-trap that many sinks have underneath.
How To Get Rid Of Drain Flies In Denver For Good
Avoid trying do-it-yourself products sold online and in local stores. Many stores market these options using exaggerated claims of effectiveness that simply result in very mediocre results and leave you with continued frustration. Contact a local fly control company with the skills and equipment to target the full extent of the problem, including breeding sites located deep within the plumbing system.
Beeline Pest Control is an experienced local provider that has been delivering positive outcomes for residential and commercial customers in the Denver region for many years. We confidently stand behind the quality of our work with a pest-free guarantee. Our trained experts will also perform services to eradicate termites, bed bugs, rodents, and various other aggravating and potentially dangerous critters that infiltrate properties.
Contact our office today for a consultation. Remember that our staff is usually available for same-day or emergency response services for those with very critical needs.