How to Get Rid of Drain Flies for Good

Updated: November 11, 2025

Picture this: you’re washing dishes when something moves out of the corner of your eye. You pause, trying to figure out if you really saw something. Then, you realize what’s happening – you’ve got drain flies. These tiny bugs might seem scary at first, but don’t worry. We will show you how to handle this common problem and get your home back to being a comfortable, bug-free place. Let’s find out how to get rid of drain flies and keep your home clean.

Fruit Flies vs Drain Flies

We know what you’re thinking: “drain flies, fruit flies, who cares? I just want them gone!” You have a point. Although similar, knowing your enemy is crucial to eliminating drain flies. Drain flies have a moth-like appearance, are dark in color, have antennae, and fuzzy wings. Fruit flies tend to be smaller, are brown or yellow, and have bright red eyes. A slightly different approach will be needed for each. Let’s look at how to get rid of drain flies in your kitchen.

Drain Flies Mean You Need to Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Your kitchen sink and garbage disposal provide an ideal environment for drain flies. These pests thrive in moist, warm areas filled with food residue. To prevent an infestation, it’s crucial to avoid disposing of items that contribute to build-up, such as coffee grounds and grease. Keeping your garbage disposal clean is key to preventing drain flies.

How to Clean Garbage Disposal

Regular cleaning of your garbage disposal can help maintain its efficiency and prevent drain fly infestations. Follow these steps to ensure your disposal stays clean:

1. Turn off the power: Before cleaning, ensure the garbage disposal is turned off to prevent any accidents.
2. Remove any debris: Use tongs or pliers to extract large debris or food particles from the disposal.
3. Clean the splash guard: Detach the rubber splash guard and scrub it with a brush and soapy water to remove grime.
4. Use a natural cleaner: Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar into the disposal. Allow it to fizz for several minutes to break down residue.
5. Flush with hot water: Run hot water through the disposal to wash away loosened particles and residual cleaner.
6. Grind citrus peels: Grind lemon or orange peels in the disposal to neutralize odors and leave a fresh scent.

By incorporating these cleaning practices into your routine, you can maintain a hygienic and efficient garbage disposal, keeping drain flies at bay.

Drain Flies Treatments To Try at Home

If you’re looking to eliminate drain flies around your garbage disposal, follow these DIY steps regularly for a cleaner, fly-free, ktichen: 

• Clean the garbage disposal to eliminate grime and debris that attract drain flies.
• Pour boiling water down the disposal to dislodge stubborn food particles.
• Grind ice cubes in the disposal to clean the blades and scrub away food residue.
• Mix half a cup of baking soda with a cup of white vinegar and pour into the drain.
• Let the baking soda and vinegar fizz to loosen grime and repel flies.
• Rinse thoroughly with boiling water to clear out any remaining mixture.

If you’ve tried everything above, consider chemical solutions. While bleach is effective in eradicating drain flies and their eggs, it may cause irritation to your skin and lungs. Instead, try more environmentally-safe products like Bio-Clean, which utilize natural enzymes for a thorough kitchen sink cleanse.

How to Get Rid of Drain Flies in Bathroom

Drain flies are a common nuisance in many bathrooms, often appearing unexpectedly. These tiny, moth-like insects breed in the organic residue that accumulates inside all sink and bathtub drains. Understanding why they appear and how to eliminate them can help keep your bathroom free of these pests. Here’s what to do:

Drain flies flourish in the film and debris that build up within bathroom drains. To eradicate them, it’s crucial to remove their breeding grounds. Consider these steps to tackle the issue:

1. Clean the drain thoroughly. Start by removing any debris from the drain cover. Then pour in a mix of boiling water, baking soda, and vinegar (1 cup baking soda + 2 cups vinegar). This helps break down organic buildup where flies lay eggs.
2. Scrub or snake the drain. If the infestation is bad, use a drain brush or plumber’s snake to scrub inside the pipe walls — that’s where the larvae hide.
3. Flush daily for a week. Run hot water down the drain every day to prevent residue from rebuilding.
4. Use enzyme drain cleaners (not harsh chemicals). Enzyme-based cleaners eat away the organic slime safely and keep drains clean long-term.
5. Check other sources. Drain flies can also breed in shower traps, floor drains, or even rarely used sinks. Treat all nearby drains if needed.

If the flies keep coming back, it’s likely there’s a hidden buildup or a small plumbing leak that’s keeping things damp — something a professional plumber can inspect and clear permanently.

Swift Solutions to Eliminate Drain Flies from Your Home

Don’t let drain flies disrupt your home life. These pesky insects may be a warning sign of underlying damage in your garbage disposal system. Compromised blades can hinder performance, creating an inviting environment for drain flies. Be on the lookout for telltale signs such as unpleasant odors, sluggish drainage, unusual noises, and leaks.

Our skilled technicians are ready to come to your home, often on the same day you reach out. We’ll thoroughly clean your garbage disposal, utilize advanced video technology to inspect your drains for hidden debris, and address the root of the problem with expert repairs or replacements. Let us help restore your peace of mind and keep your home fly-free.

Bonus Tip: Effective Strategies to Eliminate Sewer Gnats

Dealing with sewer gnats can be a nuisance, but there are strategic steps you can take to address this issue. These pesky insects, similar to drain flies, thrive in damp, dark environments like drains. Start by thoroughly cleaning your drains to remove any accumulated organic matter that may serve as a breeding ground. This includes regular scrubbing and using a drain cleaner to dissolve stubborn grime. Additionally, it’s beneficial to understand the proper way to clean and maintain garbage disposal units, as these can also harbor sewer gnats. Implementing a dedicated insecticide designed for these pests can further aid in exterminating both sewer gnats and their larvae. Consistent maintenance and vigilance are key to keeping your drains and home gnat-free.

re it in an air-tight container to deprive your unwanted housemates of their heart’s desire. Finally, you should consider moving any potted plants, flowers, or tabletop herb gardens outside. Fruit flies thrive on nectar and they love the moisture in soil. If you still notice fruit flies in your kitchen area after removing food waste and properly storing fruit, your plants could be the culprit. 

Radiant Plumbing and Air Conditioning is Austin and San Antonio’s #1 in plumbing service. We’ve been serving local communities across Central Texas for more than 20 years. Our ever expanding service area covers Austin, San Antonio, and neighborhoods everywhere in between. If you need plumbing repair, you need it now. Choose Radiant for all your plumbing and drain needs.