Bleach is a popular cleaning product with various uses around the house. But Will Bleach Kill Drain Flies? Let’s find out below!
Drain flies are harmless pests but can be a serious nuisance. In this article, you’ll learn Will Bleach Kill Drain Flies and how to get rid of them for good!
Does bleach kills scorpions? Check out here
What Are Drain Flies?
Drain flies are tiny, dark-winged pests of gray, black, or brown color. Their whole body is covered in hair and leaves a powdery substance when squashed. Drain flies often lay their eggs and develop in sitting water. This situation commonly arises when you don’t flush out the drain pipes regularly.
The common name of drain flies are:
- Sink flies
- Filter flies
- Sewer gnats
- Moth flies
What Causes Drain Flies?
Below are some reasons that cause drain flies in the home:
- Standing, dirty water
- Clogged drain pipes
- Unused toilets
- Moist decaying organic matter
Will Bleach Kill Drain Flies?
Yes, bleach is all you need to wipe out the existence of drain flies. It’s possible due to the bleach’s acidity that destroys everything in its path. However, bleach is not effective against their eggs and larvae. Because it quickly moves through the drain, failing to eliminate the build-up, where their eggs and larvae are deposited.
How to Kill Drain Flies With Bleach?
Bleach is a potent disinfectant, not only for fabrics but also for any type of surface as well. Try the below quick hack that eliminates drain flies for good.
- To get rid of these little pesky insects, first, pour a bucket of boiling water into the drain.
- Next, add one part of non-chlorine bleach along with five parts of water into a container and mix them well.
- Once it’s done, empty this solution into the drain and let it sit for the night.
- In the morning, flood the drain with hot water to remove any leftover moth flies in the pipes.
- Although this method does its job in the first trial, redo it again to eliminate drain flies infestation completely.
Notes:
- Do not use the combination of bleach and ammonia, as their reaction can produce dangerous chlorine gas.
- Always wear protective gear such as a face mask and hand gloves.
- Make sure to use non-chlorine bleach, as chlorine-based bleaching products can be harmful.
Alternative Ways to Get Rid of Drain Flies
If you don’t want to use bleach due to safety issues, check out the below ways to kill drain flies.
1. Hot Water
This is one of the simple, easy, and cheapest methods to get rid of the fuzzy drain flies. Begin this hack by pouring a bucket of boiling water down the problematic drain 2-3 times daily. Redo this method for a week.
2. Baking Soda, Salt, and Vinegar
Combine four tablespoons of salt, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1/2 cup vinegar in a container. After that, pour the prepared solution down the drain and wait overnight. Next day, flush the drain with lots of boiling water. Redo this hack twice or thrice a week for the best results.
How to Prevent Drain Flies?
Other than trying the above remedies, follow these prevention tips to banish pesky drain flies from your home.
- Always keep your home drains clean using homemade cleaning solutions or chemical cleaners.
- Having stagnant water on the surface or in the pipes is also a major cause of moth flies infestation. That’s why it is essential to eliminate the sitting water regularly.
- Cover the drains that are seldom in use.
Find out how to get rid of house flies with vinegar here