Take Action Against Drain Flies with Action Mechanical
– By #Action Mechanical
Summer is in full effect and so are the pests that come with this hot and vibrant season. One common pest that enjoys invading the drains of home and business owners is drain flies. Action Mechanical is here to provide effective methods to eliminate drain flies and keep your drains clean and fly-free. But before diving into solutions, let’s first understand what drain flies are and how to identify their source.
Understanding Drain Flies
Drain flies, also known as sewer or moth flies, are small flying insects often found in homes and businesses. These tiny pests are commonly seen around drains, hence their name. Drain flies belong to the family Psychodidae and are attracted to moist environments. They are typically found in drains, sewage systems, and areas with decomposing organic matter. The flies lay their eggs in this organic material, and the larvae feed on the accumulated sludge or debris.
Differentiating drain flies from other common flies is straightforward once you know what to look for. These flies are small, about 1/8 inch in length, and have a fuzzy appearance. They are usually gray or black, with wings covered in tiny hairs, giving them a moth-like look. The life cycle of drain flies consists of four stages: egg, larvae, pupae, and adult. Eggs are laid in moist organic matter and hatch into larvae within 48 hours. The larvae feed on the organic material for about 9-15 days before pupating. After the pupal stage, adult drain flies emerge and start the cycle again. The entire life cycle lasts around 2-3 weeks.
Drain flies are mostly active during the evening or night. They are weak fliers and tend to hover around drains or areas with stagnant water. While they do not cause direct harm or transmit diseases, their presence can be quite annoying and unsanitary.
Identifying the Source of Drain Flies
To effectively get rid of drain flies, it is crucial to identify their breeding sites. Here are some common areas where drain flies breed:
- Kitchen and bathroom drains: Drain flies are attracted to organic matter that accumulates in drains, such as food particles and hair. They lay their eggs in the moist film coating the inside of drains.
- Clogged or dirty drains: Drain flies thrive in drains that are clogged or have a buildup of organic matter. Slow drainage or unpleasant odors from your drains could indicate drain fly breeding.
- Drain pans and pipes: Drain flies can also breed in drain pans under refrigerators or air conditioning units, as well as in the pipes connected to these appliances.
Recognizing the signs of a drain fly infestation is also important. Common signs include:
- Small, dark flies hovering around drains or other areas of the house.
- Presence of maggots or larvae in drains or drain pans.
- Unpleasant odors coming from drains.
To locate the breeding sites of drain flies, try the following:
- Inspect drains: Use a flashlight to look inside drains and check for any signs of larvae or flies.
- Clean drains: Regularly clean and sanitize your drains to remove any organic matter that may attract drain flies.
- Check drain pans and pipes: Ensure drain pans and pipes are clean and free from stagnant water or debris.
By identifying the source of drain flies and taking appropriate action, you can effectively get rid of them and prevent future infestations.
Effective Methods to Eliminate Drain Flies
There are several effective methods to eliminate drain flies. Here are some natural remedies and chemical treatments:
Natural remedies:
- Vinegar and baking soda: Pour a mixture of vinegar and baking soda down the drain. The foaming action helps to break down organic matter and eliminate drain flies.
- Boiling water: Pouring boiling water down the drain can kill drain fly larvae and adults.
- Essential oils: Mix a few drops of essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus with water and spray it around the drains. The strong scent repels drain flies.
Professional Drain Cleaning with Action Mechanical:
- Video Inspection: We use state of the art video inspection to get to the source of your troubles.
- Hydro-Jetting: For stubborn drains, our technicians use hydro-jetting which is the process of using a high-pressured flow of water to scour the interior grease, grime and debris that builds up in your pipe walls over time.
- Routine Maintenance: To promote the cleanliness and health of your overall environment, schedule a maintenance check up with our crew. We offer high-quality and thorough residential and commercial drain cleaning services that will ensure that your home or business is in tip-top shape.
Preventive measures:
- Regular cleaning: Clean your drains regularly using a drain brush or pipe cleaner to remove any build-up of organic matter.
- Keep drains dry: Wipe down sinks and showers to ensure they are dry, as drain flies thrive in damp environments.
- Use drain covers: Install drain covers to prevent drain flies from entering your pipes.
By following these effective methods and preventive measures, you can successfully get rid of drain flies and keep them from coming back.
Contact Our Professionals Here at Action Mechanical for Additional Help
Don't let drain flies or other pests invade your home or business. Contact Action Mechanical today for professional help in eliminating drain flies and creating a healthy environment. We are pros at commercial and residential drain and sewage cleaning, and we are ready to assist you and ensure your complete satisfaction.
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