Best Management Practices:

Drain Flies

Drain flies are a nuisance in both homes and commercial areas.  Drain flies pest are unsightly, are unhealthy and if left unchecked may become so numerous that they cover windows, lamps, bathtub and shower enclosures, sinks, basements, floor drains and even contaminate food. Drain flies dwell in damp and dark organic matter.  Drain flies are also associated with open sewage pits and build-ups.  Drain flies are most active during evening hours.  Drain flies seem to suspend around and light on drains and sinks. Their small size allow them to pass through ordinary window screening.

A easy way to check your drains for Drain Flies is to dry drain areas of the sink, bathtub and shower.  After that has been completed, place a piece of tape across the center of each drain with the sticky side down.  Do not completely cover the drain with the tape.  Leave the strips of tape in place over night and preferably a couple of days. If you find flies stuck to the tape, you now know that particular drain does have flies. 

If the “tape test” did not indicate the drain flies are coming from the drain you will be required to look for other possible breeding areas. Locating materials that allow these pests to breed is not an easy task.  Clean dirty garbage containers, wet lint under the washing machine, and even standing water in containers under houseplant pots. Outside the home, inspect air conditioners, birdbaths, shallow stagnant pools of water and sewage treatment facilities upwind as adult flies will travel with the wind.

If you confirm that drain lines are the source of your problems, you can begin the process of removing the organic materials that cling to the sides of drain lines.  Bac-A -Zap,  CB Microbe MAX  and Drain gel.  These products are formulated to correct the problem and eliminate the material that is the source for flies, cockroaches and ants.  These products are not harmful to plumbing and is safe for both sewer and septic systems.  Often the most effective method is to clean the drainpipes and traps to eliminate the gelatinous organic matter, thereby eliminating the larval food source. A proper mixture of either Gentrol IGR , NyGuard IGR or Gentrol IGR Aerosol may be used directly into the drains. These three Insect Growth Regulators (IGR) halt the ability of insects to reach maturity and breed and are effective against colonys of Drain Flies.   

When an area is located that is suspected of producing drain flies, it should be treated with a Cyfluthrin or Permethrin concentrate.  Tempo SC Ultra with Cyfluthrin or products containing Permethrin such as ExciteR Insecticide or Prelude will perform well to control drain flies. These are adulticides and their effectiveness is increased with the tank mixed addition of an IGR. 

An aerosol flying insect spray like CB-80 or Prescription Treatment P.I. provides temporary relief.  Another effective option is the metered sprays that are dispensed from aerosol cans like the Clean Air Purge I or Clean Air Purge III when coupled with the TimeMist Automatic Metered Aerosol Dispenser are quiet effective.

Fly Traps that use UV and pheromones glues will greatly decrease numbers of flies.  Plasma One and Vector Plasma Fly Traps are used for this purpose in restaurant kitchens.  The Plasma One is an excellent home flying insect pest control product.  These traps are all non-invasive and use a pleasant and enhancing Ultra Violet light to attract the pest to a concealed non-odorous pheromone impregnated glue board. 

Best Management Practices courtesy of:

Bes-Tex Supply, LLC     P.O. Box 664      San Angelo, Texas 76902     Ph. 325-653-1300