Small flies in the bathroom are a common problem that can be frustrating. These tiny insects are attracted to moist environments and can quickly become a nuisance if left unchecked. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of small flies in the bathroom without professional help.
This article will show you how to identify what type of fly you are dealing with, how to get rid of small flies in the bathroom using natural or chemical remedies, and how to prevent them from returning.
Following these tips, you can keep your bathroom free of small flies and enjoy a clean and hygienic space.
Identifying Small Flies in the Bathroom
The first step to getting rid of small flies in the bathroom is identifying what kind of flies they are. Two main types of small flies are common in bathrooms: drain and fruit flies.
Drain flies
Drain flies are small, dark, fuzzy, like tiny moths. With hairy wings and bodies, these tiny insects are usually about 2 mm long. Also known as moth, sewer, or filter flies, they breed in the organic matter that accumulates in drains, pipes, sewers, and septic tanks.
Their diet consists of bacteria, fungi, algae, and other microorganisms that grow in these places. They are most active at night and hover around sinks, showers, bathtubs, and toilets.
Fruit flies
Fruit flies are small, reddish-brown flies that have bright red eyes. These small insects have smooth bodies and wings and usually measure about 3 mm long. They breed in overripe fruit and other sweet or fermented substances.
Also known as vinegar or pomace flies, they feed on sugars, yeasts, and alcohols in these foods. They are most active during the day and swarm around kitchen counters, trash cans, compost bins, and fruit bowls. They can enter your bathroom through windows or vents if they smell something sweet.
Identify Small Flies in the Bathroom with a Homemade Trap
You can use a simple homemade trap to identify which type of fly you have in your bathroom. Fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and poke some holes in it.
Place the bowl near the source of the infestation and wait for a few hours or overnight. The vinegar will attract both drain flies and fruit flies, but the dish soap will break the surface tension of the liquid and make it drown. Check the bowl and see what kind of flies you have caught.
How to Get Rid of Small Flies in the Bathroom
Once you have identified the type of small flies in your bathroom, you can use different methods to eliminate them depending on their breeding habits.
1. Clean Your Drains
If you have drain flies in your bathroom, you must thoroughly clean your drains to remove their breeding grounds. Drain flies lay their eggs in the organic matter in drains, pipes, sewers, and septic tanks. If you don’t clean these areas regularly, they can become clogged with sludge and provide a perfect environment for drain flies to multiply.
You can use a pipe brush or a drain snake to clean your drains manually to scrape any debris from your drain and pipes. You can also use a plunger or a wet vacuum to suck out any sludge from your drain. Alternatively, you can use a drain cleaner product that is safe for your pipes and septic system. Follow the instructions on the label and use it regularly to keep your drains clear and clean.
2. Use Natural Remedies
There are many natural remedies that you can use to get rid of small flies in the bathroom without using harsh chemicals or pesticides. Here are some examples:
Boiling water:
Pour boiling water down your drain every day for a week to kill any drain fly larvae that may be hiding inside your pipes. The hot water will also help dissolve any organic matter in your drain.
Baking soda, salt, and vinegar:
Mix half a cup of baking soda with half a cup of salt and pour it down your drain. Then, pour one cup of vinegar on top of it and let it fizz for 15 minutes. The baking soda and vinegar will create a chemical reaction that will loosen and remove any organic buildup from your pipes. The salt will also act as an abrasive and help scrub any residue. Finally, flush the drain with hot water.
Vinegar trap:
Place a vinegar trap described above near your sink or shower. This will attract and kill both drain flies and fruit flies that may be flying around your bathroom. You can also add some honey or sugar to the vinegar to make it more appealing to the flies. Replace the trap every few days or when it is full of flies.
Essential oils:
Spray oils such as lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, or lemongrass around your bathroom to repel small flies. These oils have strong scents that small flies don’t like and will avoid. You can also add some drops of these oils to a diffuser or a humidifier to spread the aroma throughout your bathroom.
Herbs:
Place herbs such as basil, mint, rosemary, or lavender in pots near your windows or vents. These herbs have natural insecticidal properties that deter small flies from entering your bathroom. They will also add some freshness and beauty to your bathroom.
3. Use Chemical Remedies
If natural remedies are not enough to get rid of small flies in the bathroom, you can resort to chemical remedies that are more effective and faster. Many chemical products are available that can kill small flies and prevent new infestations. Some examples are:
- Bleach: Use bleach to disinfect and sanitize your drain and pipes and kill any drain fly larvae or flies inside them. Pour half a cup of bleach down your drain and let it sit for an hour. Then flush it with hot water. Be careful not to mix bleach with other cleaners, as it can produce toxic fumes.
- Insecticides: Use insecticides specifically designed for drain flies or fruit flies. You can spray them directly on the flies or apply them to the areas where they breed or congregate. Follow the instructions on the label and use them with caution. Wear gloves, goggles, and a mask when handling these products, and keep them away from children and pets.
- Sticky traps: Use sticky traps coated with a substance that attracts small flies. Place them near your sink, shower, or toilet, and replace them when they are full of flies. These traps are easy to use and dispose of but may be ineffective if you have a large infestation.
Prevention
The best way to get rid of small flies in the bathroom is to prevent them from infesting your bathroom in the first place. Here are some tips to prevent small flies from entering your bathroom:
- Keep your bathroom clean and dry. Wipe down your sink, shower, and bathtub after each use, and remove any hair or soap scum from the drain. Empty your trash can regularly and keep it covered. Avoid leaving wet towels or clothes in your bathroom.
- Fix leaks or standing water. Check your pipes, faucets, showerheads, and toilets for leaks or drips, and fix them immediately. Standing water can attract small flies and provide them with a breeding ground.
- Properly dispose of overripe fruit or other sweet substances. Avoid overripe fruit or other sweet substances in your kitchen or bathroom. Throw them away in a sealed bag or compost them outside. Rinse any containers or bottles that contain juice, soda, wine, or beer before recycling them.
Conclusion
Small flies in the bathroom are a common nuisance that can be easily dealt with if you know how to identify them, get rid of them, and prevent them from coming back. Following these tips, you can keep your bathroom free of small flies and enjoy a clean and hygienic space.
We hope you found this article helpful and informative.
