Getting Rid of Flies in Your Sump Pit
- Drain the Standing Water The first step to getting rid of flies in your pit is to drain the standing water. ...
- Clean the Basin Next, use a stiff brush to scrub the basin walls. This will help remove any buildup where flies might breed.
- Use an IGR to Stop Breeding Cycles
- Step 1) Drain the Standing Water. The first step to getting rid of flies in your pit is to drain the standing water. ...
- Step 2) Clean the Basin. Next, use a stiff brush to scrub the basin walls. ...
- Step 3) Use an IGR to Stop Breeding Cycles. ...
- Remove Drain Flies in Your Kitchen »
How do I get rid of flies in my sump pump?
Broken sump pumps and lower water tables are also to blame, since the water does not drain on a semi-regular basis. The first step to getting rid of flies in your pit is to drain the standing water. The easiest way to do this is by triggering the pump.
How do I get rid of flies in my drain pipe?
Killing Adult Flies Use a fly swatter to kill adult flies. Go to the drain area and squash as many of the drain flies as possible with a standard fly swatter. Apply a space spray. If a fly swatter is inefficient, treat the infested area with an insect spray that works in confined spaces.
Where do drain flies come from in a sump pump?
Drain flies would be coming from drains connected to sewers, such as sinks and floor drains. It is highly unlikely that you do not have a floor drain if you have a sump pump. Thanks! How do I destroy ants that trail on the cement of a dog kennel?
How do I get rid of fuzzy winged insects in my Sink?
Fuzzy winged insects flying out of seemingly clean sinks are the stuff of homeowners' nightmares. Fortunately, if you can unclog and clean up a drain, you can rid your home of this pesky problem.
How does vinegar get rid of drain flies?
Pour ½ a cup of salt, ½ a cup of baking soda, and one cup of vinegar down the drain. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, causing it to bubble and fizz. This reaction is what will kill the larvae. Leave the mixture overnight, then flush the next day with hot water.
How do I keep bugs out of my sump pump?
How to Keep Drain Flies Out of the Sump PumpDrain the Pit. Automatic sump pumps only trigger when the water has reached a certain level. ... Clean the Pit. Use soap, warm water, and a long-handled brush to thoroughly clean the pit. ... Use an IGR. ... Kill Adult Drain Flies on Sight.
Why is there a lot of flies in my basement?
Stagnant pools of water, such as a sump in a basement, are also areas of breeding for flies. Sump pits that are not frequently flushed can accumulate deposits of moist organic matter that can serve as nurseries for houseflies and other species of gnats and flies.
How do I get rid of sewer flies in my basement?
A super simple fix is to pour boiling water down the drain to eliminate drain flies. Boil a medium-size pot of water once or twice per week, and pour down and around the drain. Another easy option uses baking soda: Combine 1/2 cup salt with 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar, and pour down the drain.
How do you get rid of flood flies?
Use a household spray or an aerosol bomb to kill mosquitoes, flies or other insects that get into buildings. Spray shrubbery and shaded areas of buildings to kill adult insects. Contact your county Extension agent for specific recommendations. If possible, keep small children indoors, especially in the evening.
How do you clean a sump pump pit?
How to clean a sump pumpDisconnect the sump pump from the power supply. Unplug the sump pump or turn off the circuit breaker at the power source. ... Wrap the pump. ... Clean the pump. ... Rinse the pump. ... Drain the check valve. ... Use the wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water from the sump pit. ... Reconnect the pump.
Does Ridex get rid of drain flies?
Rid X is a scientifically formulated powder or liquid that helps treat septic system issues. It can kill drain flies by helping remove buildup in pipes and drains where flies breed.
Can drain flies come from outside?
These flies can sometimes come from outside due to a nearby water source. Shady areas like under potted plants, under air conditioners, and in bird feeders and birdbaths will attract drain flies because the area is moist. Inspect these areas regularly.
What instantly kills drain flies?
Pour in 1/2 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of baking soda plus a cup of white vinegar. Allow it to work its magic overnight then flush the drain with hot or boiling water the next morning. This will sanitize the drain and kill the flies and their eggs.
Why do drain flies keep coming back?
Besides inadequate control measures, another reason why you have drain flies present again could be because there was a secondary infestation in another site that was not discovered or treated. There may be other bathroom drains, or a floor drain, laundry room drain, or sump pump that are breeding flies.
Where are drain flies coming from?
Locate the Source Drain flies can come from organic buildups in any area where there is standing water. Check your bathroom drains, kitchen sink, shower, sump pump, sewage system, and even floorboards where there might be a pipe leak. Look for multiple flies hanging out on the walls near these possible sources.
Drain Flies from pipe in Sump Pump Area - Ask Me Help Desk
We've been in our home for two years now. For the first year, we were fine, but this year, we've had record rainfall and billions of drain flies since late February. We didn't know where they were coming from at first, but now we know where... the pipe where the sump pump is located. See attached photo. This is the sump pump and the black pipe that all the drain flies are coming from (located ...
How to treat drain flies breeding in sump pit? - DoMyOwn.com
R. from Wilmington, De writes. How to treat drain flies breeding in sump pit? Drain flies are breeding in stagnant water in sump our sump pit. Have tried treating with DF 5000 (pouring directly into standing water).
How to Clean a Sump Pump - Best Sump Pump Cleaners
We recommend cleaning your sump pump at least every 6 months and giving it a quick check after a heavy storm or snowfall. If left uncleaned dirt and other debris that float in with ground water will build up and can ruin your pump – plus cost thousands of dollars in water damage.
1. Drain The Pit Of Your Sump Pump
The first thing to do is drain all of the water from the pit of your sump pump. And when I say all of the water, I mean all of the water. Drain flies can breed in small amounts of water, so you need to make sure the pit is as dry as possible, thus removing their natural habitat.
2. Clean The Sump Pump Pit
The next step is to make sure that the sump pump pit is clean. Drain flies like stagnant water full of organic material to help them breed and eat. So you’ll need to get rid of both. To clean the pit all you need to do is use soapy, warm water and a scrub brush to give it a thorough clean.
3. Use An Insect Growth Regulator
The next step is to use an insect growth regulator. They’re not as strong as pesticides but are still more than capable of killing any larvae that drain flies try to lay in your sump pump pit. Not only will it kill larvae that you missed, it will also kill any future eggs that are going to be laid.
4. Kill Any Adults You See
Now the final step to make sure the drain flies don’t continue to breed and start the cycle all over again is to make sure you’re killing all of the adult drain flies. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can do this.
Recap
As you can see, keeping drain flies out of your sump pump isn’t actually that hard at all. In fact, it can be an incredibly easy and quick process. It’s all about catching them early and removing them as soon as possible.
How to keep flies out of sump pump?
How to Keep Drain Flies Out of the Sump Pump. 1. Drain the Pit. Automatic sump pumps only trigger when the water has reached a certain level. Thus, if there is only a small amount of water in the pit, the pump will not turn on. That small amount of water can still attract drain flies if left stagnant for too long.
Why do drain flies breed in sump pumps?
Drain flies can often be found living and breeding in sump pumps, particularly the pit area, because they are attracted to places with plenty of standing water and decaying organic material. To eliminate them, thoroughly clean the sump pump pit often.
What to do if sump pump is broken?
If your sump pump is broken, contact a professional plumber or electrician to take care of the issue.
What are drain flies?
Drain flies, also known as moth flies, sink flies, and sewer flies, are part of the group generally known as “gnats.”. Learn how to tell the difference between drain flies and another very common household gnat, the fruit fly, here. These bugs are not venomous and do not carry disease.
Why do you not use pesticides in sump pumps?
Because of environmental concerns, do not use pesticides in this step. Do not contaminate the water or the sump pump with harmful chemicals.
What is sump pump?
A sump pump is a machine that gets rid of water that has collected in an unwanted area. Sump pumps are most often found in basements but are also installed in garages and other areas prone to standing water. The pump is generally automated to turn on whenever a certain amount of water collects in the tank.
What to do if your soap pump isn't working?
If the pump isn’t working, use a damp cloth to wipe the soap away.
How to treat drain flies breeding in sump pit?
Drain flies are breeding in stagnant water in sump our sump pit. Have tried treating with DF 5000 (pouring directly into standing water). Is this method effective?
Answer
Typically for sump pumps and pits it is good to use a foaming product which would be our invade hot spot . Foam gets into the pump and cracks and crevices where the gel is really only meant for drains in your kitchen or bathrooms.
Why does my sump pump get stale?
The water in sump pits can get stale very quickly if left sitting. Many models of pumps do not trigger when the float switch is below a specific level. This reduces the number of cycles and could increase the longevity of the pump. However, this may lead to a scenario where the water sits for months at a time, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria, insects and drain flies.
Where do flies come from in basement?
Drain flies in your basement may be coming from a floor drain, sump basin or a main sewer line break under your slab. There are a few methods of treatment, including drain gels, growth regulators and insect growth regulator aerosols. If you start to see small black flies buzzing around your basement, take note of where they appear.
How to diagnose a sewer line break?
If you suspect this issue, the only way to properly diagnose it is to call a plumber. They will run a camera down the line and look for breaks. Fixing a sewer line break can be difficult and costly. We recommend that you speak to an exterminator if the plumber confirms the issue.
How much does it cost to replace a broken water pump?
The easiest way to do this is by triggering the pump. If it is broken, you can either replace it yourself, or have a plumber do it for anywhere from $200-350. Otherwise, you will have to remove the water manually, which is time consuming.
Do drain flies fly well?
Drain flies tend stay near their breeding site, as they do not fly well. If they are in the vicinity of a floor drain or sump pit, start your inspection there.
Can you pour insecticide down the drain?
The issue is that you cannot pour insecticides down the drain due to environmental regulations. However, you can use an insect growth inhibitor, such as Gentrol. An insect growth inhibitor effectively breaks the lifecycle by eliminating the insects ability to breed. Adults eventually die off without reproducing.
Can a sewer line break in a basement?
Sewer Line Breaks. A sewer line break beneath your home may go unnoticed if it is small. Insects are drawn to the area, and will start to feed and breed. If you have a french drain internal style water management system (common with sump pits), then the flies could make their way up into the basement between the small gap between the wall and floor.
How to kill drain flies?
Use a fly swatter to kill adult flies. Go to the drain area and squash as many of the drain flies as possible with a standard fly swatter. While destroying the breeding grounds will prevent the flies from laying more eggs, you'll still have to deal with adult drain flies up to 20 days after you clean the drains.
How to keep flies from flying up drain?
Place a strip of clear tape over each drain. Stick the tape over the center of each drain with the sticky side facing down. Do not completely cover the drain with tape. A covered drain will prevent flies from flying up, leaving you with no evidence.
What does applying a drain cleaner to the edge of the drain do?
Applying the cleaner to the edge of the drain allows it to coat the sides of the drain and pipe as it glides down.
What is the key to destroying drain fly breeding ground?
The key in destroying the drain fly's breeding ground is removing all hair, grime, and debris that the flies might lay their eggs in.
How to get rid of grime in a drain?
Fish out other grime with a plumbing snake. Insert a plumbing snake into the drain and twist it through the pipes to pull out clumps of grime that lie further down.
How to remove grime from pipe?
Twist the brush while slowly moving it up and down to remove grime from the sides of the pipe.
How to get rid of a fly swatter?
Apply a space spray. If a fly swatter is inefficient, treat the infested area with an insect spray that works in confined spaces. Close all the doors and windows in the space. Spray the insect poison upward for 5 to 8 seconds per 1000 cubic feet (28 cubic meters).
What is the best way to clean drains for flies?
That’s why, for the best results, I recommend you also use some kind of enzyme drain cleaner, such as InVade Bio Drain Gel ( click here to check out current pricing on Amazon), InVade Bio Foam ( current price) or Forid Drain Gel Cleaner. These products remove the organic buildup in drains naturally so they help to destroy the breeding sites of drain flies.
Why is it important to remove slime from drain flies?
Again: It’s very important to mechanically and chemically remove all the organic debris and slime from all the potential breeding sites to cut off the food supply of the larvae and prevent adult drain flies from laying their eggs.
Why are drain flies white?
Clogmia albipunctata (a common species of drain fly) has also got some small white spots on the edges of the wings (hence the name). Drain flies are more active at night. They’re weak fliers, thus they usually spend most of their time on walls. That’s the reason why they can be caught much easier than house flies.
What are drain flies?
Drain flies (also known as moth flies, bathroom flies, sink flies, filter flies, drain gnats and sewer gnats) are small moth-like insects. Quite a few drain fly species exist, one of the best-known ones is called Clogmia albipunctata. This species is the one you will most likely meet in your bathroom and kitchen, ...
Why can't drain flies be caught in UV light?
The high survival rate of drain flies in homes is partly due to their behavior in the presence of light: they’re not attracted to light (many websites claim the opposite, however, studies show they’re wrong) and you can’t catch them all by using UV light either because more often than not they simply don’t care.
How long do drain flies live?
The larval stage usually lasts up to 24 days, and the adult drain flies live for approximately 15-21 days.
How big is a drain fly?
An adult drain fly usually has a length of 0.12-0.20 inches (3-5 mm) and it’s very similar to a small moth because its body and wings are covered with thick hair. That’s why it’s sometimes also called moth fly ( 1 ). Drain flies usually have a dark color (mostly black, sometimes brownish) and segmented antennae.
What are drain flies?
Photo: fotosearch.com. Drain flies, also known as moth flies, are a common nuisance in many homes. These pests live and breed inside your plumbing pipes, feeding on decomposing material and laying eggs within the gelatinous slime that collects along the interior walls of your drain. While these insects don’t bite or spread disease, ...
How to keep bugs out of drains?
You don’t want to block airflow in your drain, so just make an “X” over each drain opening with the tape. Put the tape on the drains before you go to bed and leave it there overnight to catch any insects that may try to fly out.
How long does it take for drain flies to go away?
After a week, if drain flies are still a problem in your home, it’s safe to assume you didn’t adequately treat all the problem areas. Perform another set of tests (as in Step 1), and look for other spots that need your attention.
How long do drain flys live?
The length of the life cycle of a drain fly varies depending on the climate and temperature of the drain, but it can last anywhere from eight to 24 days. Once you’ve wiped out their breeding ground, the adults will eventually disappear because there is nowhere left for them to deposit their eggs.
How to get slime out of drain pipe?
Instead, start by running warm water down the drain . Next, insert a drain snake (or pipe brush) down the drain and use a gentle scrubbing motion to remove the built-up slime covering the inside of the drain pipe. A plunger can also be used to help pull out any leftover material from your pipes.
Why do drain flies breed?
Adult drain flies love to feed and breed in slow-moving or clogged drains, because they provide plenty of decomposing material where the insects can complete their life cycle. If any of your drains are backed up, chances are that those are the root of the problem.