Can You Kill Drain Flies with Bleach?

Whether you know them as drain flies, sink flies, sewer gnats, or filter flies, one thing is sure: they are some of the most frustrating household pests. With a name like Psychodidae, you probably aren’t altogether surprised that they make some people crazy!

Once you find drain flies in your kitchen, you’ll likely make it your life’s mission to eliminate them. But aside from being incredibly difficult to give marching orders to, these pesky critters multiply quickly!

Browse the internet for solutions, and you may see bleach listed as an effective drain fly-killing method. Will bleach kill drain flies? Is it really that effective? And will bleach damage your plumbing?

You can find much of the information you’re looking for in this article below! Let’s take a closer look at what drain flies are, why they hang around sink drains, and which remedies are the most suitable, safe, and practical to get rid of them.

What Are Drain Flies?

Whether you know them as drain flies, sink flies, or something else, they are small flying insects most often found loitering around kitchen and bathroom drains. Most drain flies are black or brown, measure around 1/8-inch long, and have hairy bodies with one set of uniquely patterned wings. If you crush one, their bodies leave behind a powdery substance.

In a drain flies vs. fruit flies comparison, drain flies don’t hang around fruit and vegetables like fruit flies do. As their name suggests, they much prefer drains. They congregate around septic tanks, drains, and sewers to feast on rotting organic materials, grease, and even sewage.

Drain flies aren’t harmful, but they sure are frustrating. Worst of all, a single female drain fly can lay up to 100 eggs at once. A non-urgent drain fly problem can quickly become your worst nightmare!

Will Bleach Kill Drain Flies?

A common question people ask is, “Will bleach kill drain flies?” The answer is possibly, but not without risks. Bleach should only be a last resort and is not recommended by most service professionals for these reasons:

Toxic Fumes

Bleach can create toxic fumes when mixed with other substances like vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and ammonia. If you were to combine these products and breathe in the fumes, you could be at risk of shortness of breath, chest pain, respiratory damage, and even death. If you decide to use bleach to kill drain flies, only ever mix it with water.

Septic System Damage

Pouring full-strength bleach down your household drains may lead to permanent septic system damage.

Home Plumbing Damage

Bleach can damage home plumbing if it mixes with other substances in your pipes. It may even corrode lead or plastic pipes. Old pipes, in particular, are more susceptible to bleach-caused corrosion and damage.

It Flows Quickly

Bleach may not even be all that effective for drain flies because it flows too quickly. There is not enough time for it to break through thick buildups of drain fly eggs and larvae.

How to Get Rid of Drain Flies With Safer Remedies

The good news is that bleach is not your only drain fly solution. If you’ve been questioning how to get rid of drain flies, you don’t have to put your health and plumbing at risk! You may like to explore some of these effective (and safe) remedies:

Kill Drain Flies with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar is a classic combination for cleaning and even clearing clogged drains. Did you know it may also be effective for killing drain flies?

1. Pour 250 ml of baking soda down your drain before slowly pouring in 500 ml of vinegar
2. As the mixture bubbles and fizzes, let it sit in your drain for approximately an hour to loosen drain buildup and kill any drain flies, larvae, and eggs in your drains
3. Rinse the mixture down the drain with boiling water

Spray Drain Flies With Dish Soap and Water

Take a more active role in eliminating drain flies by spraying them with dish soap and water.

1. Put equal parts warm water and dish soap in a spray bottle
2. Spray the drain flies with the solution
3. Wait for them to die – the solution acts as a family-safe insecticide

Trap Drain Flies with Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is more than a health product. It may help you give drain flies their marching orders.

1. Pour 125 ml of apple cider vinegar into a glass and cover it with plastic wrap before securing it in place with a rubber band
2. Poke small holes in the wrap with a toothpick
3. Place the trap near drains to attract drain flies – they’ll be able to fly through the small holes in the wrap but not escape

Keep Your Drains Fly-Free with Help from Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Are you tired of drain flies becoming frequent visitors to your home? Keep your drains fly-free with help from Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Our licensed and insured service professionals can assist with drain cleaning, clearing clogs, and even plumbing replacements and installations. Get in touch with your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing today or request an estimate online to get started.