How to Kill Fruit Flies Drain Flies and Phorid Flies

[@BeachPeach2010]

We moved into a home that had been vacant for some time and needed a pest control guy for another matter. He told us that we had drain flys. He had us pour Bleach into Every Drain (sinks/showers) overnight for 10 days straight...not 5, not 7, but 10 because that breaks the life cycle. Apparently they lay their eggs around the waterline and when you elevate that line with bleach, and it totally works! This guy was an awesome pest control guy!

[@Capn_Jack]

How much bleach each time?

[@mslizzy03]

Yeah how much and do you diluted it?

[@suzizuki]

@@mslizzy03 dont dilute, 1/2 cup. bleach,

[@Grawbad]

​@@Capn_Jack This will kind of depend on your problem. There is that little bend in the pipe at the bottom where when after you use the sink normally some water will stay there. The flies "usually" lay their eggs right at the top of the level of that water. The idea of putting a small amount of bleach into the drain is to effectively turn that water into bleach water and raise the line a little bit. In this case it would be less effective to pour a bunch because you could basically make the bleach at the same level of where the water usually is. This is very effective if you do as the commenter said. However I have seen homes where the problem didn't lie in the actual drain. Let me explain. As a for instance in someone's bathroom sink they had a drain fly problem but I noticed more flies accumulated from the three holes that are at the top of the bowl of the sink. Those holes that when you overfill the sink it starts to pour in there and go down to the drain. In this sink it was much harder to get rid of them in a cheap way. In this case I would suggest something like the oil mentioned in this video but funneled through those holes as well. You could also do the bleach trick this way but funnel the bleach through those holes and use more of it and then as a last step poor little down the drain and leave all that overnight so that it sits. If you have the ability I would also suggest covering the sink. If you have the ability I would suggest during these 10 days to use the sink as little as possible. Maybe for the first 2 days or maybe on a weekend when you're going away Make sure to do this and cover the sink this way it's there for a couple days or even if you're home and you have the ability to not use the sink do the bleach trick every night but still don't use the sink. This is not absolutely required but will help dry out what is in there from the bleach. After the 10 days I would suggest boiling water and pouring it in the drain.

[@timl.b.2095]

I like the calm presentation without the "music" and arm waving too many KZbinrs think they have to use.

[@_Coffee4Closers]

Doc, allow me to add this. I have had issues with the Sewer fly's (drain fly's) and you are correct that you need to take care of the drain trap. However, the main place I discovered them was inside of the Sinks "Emergency Overflow port" on the upper face of the sink bowl. Make sure to flush this area out with whatever cleaner you are using. I closed the drain and filled the sink with hot water and Clorox and allowed it to flow though the overflow port to sterilize the inside of that space. I found a flood of small black maggots pouring out of there... yes prepare to gag.

[@GrandmaReulahPositiveThoughts]

Thank you.

[@Davethreshold]

Although gross, (LOL) that was very helpful also! Thank you.

[@TheSwissChalet]

Another area is sump pumps...they can get really nasty. Another note: these flies COME FROM the organic matter in the drains...they do not seek it out and lay their eggs there. No, they did not travel from the outside, find their way in your home, find the perfect spot to lay eggs, etc...they were created by the organic matter...that is how decomposition works. Living cells contain the eggs for whatever insect, worm, bacteria, fungi, etc that is needed to degrade that cell in the event that it dies. That is Nature's way of decomposing matter. That is how the human body works, too.

[@timl.b.2095]

I agree about the overflow port and the black larvae.

[@_Coffee4Closers]

@@pigjubby1 I hope it works for you. If there was one there are more in there probably. So flush it out as best you can in there. Good luck.

[@stevencgay1]

Just before locating your site I had identified (ironically) the Scuttle (Phorid) Flies using a 30x scope with a reticle and captured photos using my iPhone. Worked great. I got some great mag shots of the ugly little critters. The one I photographed was 1/10" long. The photo allowed me to search and to identify (which led me down the path to finding your You Tube). Thanks for the info. We have been fighting them all summer and they got much worse toward the end of September. Our home is new construction and we moved in on May 25 so we haven't had a long time to build decaying matter in a lot of places with only two of us living here. However, there is a 5-7 acre tomato farm behind our home and the farmer left the last 5 rows of fruit to rot on the vine for some stupid reason. I believe the beginning of the infestation occurred when they 'invited' themselves into our house. I've been dosing the drains with 200 degree water twice per day for the past several days and we have 6 Vevo Light Traps near drains in bathrooms and kitchen. In the heat of the battle I have had to change the Vevo pads once per day because they literally filled up and a little No Vacancy sign was required. We also have the Gold Stick sticky traps. We, too, tried the vinegar in the bowls and got the same result as you. Plus; I have been dosing overnight with Natural Armor Fruit and Drain Fly Killer in sinks showers and tubs. And, lastly, I set off Raid Flying Insect Bombs in the house the other day. I've done everything BUT burn the house to the ground (LOL). I think we are turning the corner now. Thanks for your info to add to my current;y crash course in controls and elimination.

[@davidkendrick3158]

One thing to be careful about with Drano…if you’re on a septic system, the chemicals in Drano will kill the bacteria that digest the…organic material…in your septic tank. If you must use it, there are septic tank bacteria primers that you have to reintroduce into the tank by washing them down the sink with hot water. The hot water activates them, like yeast, and they will multiply once they get into the septic tank. Best bet is to skip the Drano option altogether. Hate to say it, but the gag method is the fastest way to go - just put a fan in the bathroom and turn it on high when you do - it may keep you from passing out! And don’t forget to pull the hair out of you tub/shower drains on a regular basis, either…especially if you have long hair!!!

[@hannahtryon794]

Thank you for this!!!!!!!! I have been on the edge of a nervous breakdown with little flies and didn't know what they were. Driving me crazy!!!!!!! Getting ready to do all of these steps.

[@gt2847c]

For the unused sink and shower/bath drain traps, you can pour some mineral oil down those drains. It won't evaporate and will keep the trap sealed. Some have suggested using vegetable oil, but that can get rancid and smell after some time. Mineral oil won't.

[@FVWhimsy2010]

Close the stopper on the drains when not in use...they can't use the drain if it's closed.

[@n_-_-]

That's actually very smart. Mineral oil!

[@celticspirit1]

Bio Clean, Zevo traps and Gentrol complete aerosol worked. After 6 months, drain flies returned. You need to Bio Clean ALL drains once a month long term. Lesson learned.

[@j.c.linden]

I am wondering why you did not include fungus gnats that show up in bagged potting soil used in house plants.

[@spikefivefivefive]

Making it more confusing is the fact that the phorid flies are also attracted to the traps I use for fruit flies. I think my most recent infestation is due to new houseplants from big box stores. Currently I'm using diatomaceous earth to break the cycle.

[@zenyahill7862]

I wish i can give this man a hug

[@BigDaddyJinx]

I'm "that guy" friend. The reason that you may have only caught 5 in your home trap is because that's not how that works. I have a problem with fruit/drain flies and it comes and goes. Especially bad in the summer though. In the beginning I used to use a small piece of BANANA in a glass, with Saran Wrap and ONE hole punched in the top. I collected hundreds of those disgusting critters in the glass and it was disgusting. If you punch more than ONE hole they have an easier chance to escape. You have ONE hole and they will get trapped. But since I didn't want to have to keep doing that, I found the cider vinegar trap. This one I use religiously now and is super effective. You need a small container like a glass or I use the bottom end of a coffee creamer container cut off. Add a decent amount of vinegar to it (between 1/4 to 1/2 cup based on how big a container you use) and around 5 DROPS of dish soap into it. NO WATER. Just vinegar and soap. NO SARAN WRAP. Just vinegar and soap. Place the container near something like a drain or a garbage can, on a counter near it, and let it do its thing. You will have all kinds of action and dead bodies in the solution every day. The vinegar loses its potency after about a few days, so you'll only need dump it in the toilet, rinse it, then repeat. The only downside is that in the first day or two, your room area WILL reek of the cider vinegar. I call it a small price to pay for the quickest and easiest method to rid yourself of these pests. If you have animals (or infants), do NOT place these homemade traps on the floor where they can get access to them. Been using these traps for over 10 years and they are damn effective if done RIGHT.

[@johnmiller732]

I found dozens of some kind of small (fruit-fly size) flies dead in my FREEZER. I'm assuming they were from the drain for condensate ! ? !?

[@jeffbehringer1262]

Katchy indoor fly trap works great too.

[@mindofmadness5593]

Subbed for you. Another thing about termites is they will build clay tunnels up the supports or other structires under the house to keep a moisture flow to them as they eat upwards. Have to put in a barrier. We just bought an old farmhouse and have a lot of issues with the small flies, wife says fruit flies but they do not match so figuretheyare the humpback ones. I suggested they come from the drains but my retired plumber roomie says it is "Impossible!" [[yeah, I know.]] Anyhoo, we got a wonderful mix of houe flies, roaches, fleas and stink bugs to deal with here. Tried a bug zapper-inside it did little, outside it got totally clogged overnight. Suuch is life. Nice looking job on you place BTW.

[@d.aardent9382]

Yah i was pondering using a little bug zapper indoors , wondering if any type of that tech would attract and kill the tiny flies. I dont have a problem with them that much as i try not to let anything damp or moist sit in kitchen trash cans but even at that i invariably find some , one little thing they exploit and start eggs in again even when ive thought id got rid of all the habitat. I inherited my moms cat and then have up to five various outdoor living cats that i help out, and so i have a lot of those metal moist food cans and i forget to clean one or so sitting out every so often and thats enough to start them up again as there are lots outside that a couple sneak in as we go on and out with the dithering cat who wants to sit in door and not go either all the way out or all the way in and so the door gets left open way too long and of course damn flies are always moving around outside when its hot. I thought the drought would help kill a bunch of them.

[@golfinghuntingtonbeach4493]

I Had to Comment on this video as being in thè top 🔝 ten Videos of the 50,000 or so I've watched as being close to perfèct I've seen from start to finish 🏁 nèver lose focus precise and accurate info presented clèarly. Thanks ,You have a natural Talent for This.

[@karenwright8556]

Thanks Doc...good call they seem to be everywhere in Kentucky this year. Onions at the grocery are covered with the little blackies,and bring fruit in the house gee whiz.

[@OddWoz]

Extremely informative even though most of it I had already encountered and been in battle using…. The drain trap info specifically was important. Other folks also not being aware of those traps possibly going dry and allowing in pests is probably a very widespread issue. Good luck to everyone. Thankfully our house is in remission.

[@lh98]

My wife brought in plants for the winter last fall and we’ve had little black gnats ever since. One day I was spraying them and saw a few of these little black gnat things in the soil. I think some of these nuisance bugs come in with the plants. Maybe those lighted sticky things will help with this problem

[@chuck-dd3gk]

get mosquito bits. it's a must have for indoor plants.

[@d.collier_8280]

Do a video on spraying permethrin

[@dfinite1111]

Deadly.

[@betzib8021]

Where is the drain pipe you are talking about...what does it look like?

[@shanks4391]

Under the bathroom sink the pipe should curve into a U-shape. That's called the trap

[@betzib8021]

@@shanks4391 oh...thank you

[@argusfleibeit1165]

Who needs the saran wrap? I have open used cat-food cans with the vinegar, and get 100 in each trap every week. I have 4 traps in the kitchen, and one where I sit, to keep them flying up my nose. Non-toxic, and they die happy. Glue traps horrify me for any critter.

[@TheCMoneyPlaya]

what do you spray the outside mulch with again? do you have a name brand to recommend?

[@smokes8759]

How do you get rid of fungus gnats in the lawn

[@matthodel946]

You might try mosquito bits. Mosquito bits are small pellets that contain an active ingredient called Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI). BTI is a naturally-occurring bacterium found in soil that's particularly effective at killing mosquito larvae.Feb 8, 2022. It could be tank sprayed or injected through a fertigation system.

[@digger105337]

Wet pet food left after feeding, change the water bowl daily and clean and dry the pet feeding are. Cat litter box can also attract them and wet cleaning cloths and wet clothes in a hamper. Wash machine left open ect. So many places.

[@mmartinez4117]

Great info thanks. Question... You water all that grass Doc?

[@widowswatch6610]

Every year around august September we have fruit flys or drain flys. For two days I have been using vinegar and liquid soap in a small bowl. . It is definitely working. I think you have to change it everyday. I think they are coming from the drains in bathroom and the kitchen. They are so gross. I started covering the drains with paper towel at night. I will also try your recommendations. Thanks

[@Davethreshold]

It's WAR!! Just kidding, that was very good and helpful. Here is another idea that I came up with: With the Raid UV attractors and similar. I took a bit of cider vinegar in little bowels just to attract them to the light. It went from catching 2-5 in the first couple days to 30 after I used the attractant! Much better results. You are right, about the traps KZbin traps. LOL! For a few days I had vinegar and soap dishes lying around, and I started to smell like a pickle! Nice place you have there also!

[@robnation2475]

Put a rag or plastic wrap around your clothes washer drain too. Check if it has a proper u-pipe drain as well.

[@dc-wp8oc]

Our problem originates from outside plants that were brought into the house. We call them "gnats" but are not sure this is correct. Drano and bleach are terrible for septic systems as they impact the beneficial bacteria in the septic tank.

[@AbsoluteHermit]

First I wanted to say that this is a fantastic video with spot on information. Second I have been dealing with a Phorid Fly issue in my lower floor of my house for a few days. I thought these were fruit flies at first but they are Phorid Flies. The Zevo, blue light sticky traps work GREAT! The bowls of apple cider vinegar/dish soap do not work so great. These flies are drawn to light for sure. During the day they are attracted to the windows and back slider and at night with all the lights off the Zevo traps get them. Going to follow the advice in the video in regards to the drains. I do think though that they are coming in from outside somehow just have to figure out where and how. I have a contract with a pet control company and I have them coming to treat the house for these pests. Of all the insects that I have dealt with in places that I have lived this is one of the most annoying. Thanks for the video!

[@zxcvbob]

I bought one of those Zevo Max flying insect traps yesterday (they were out of the small ones) and it was a total waste of $35. The blue light does not attract insects at all. There are tiny black gnats all over the kitchen (I think they might be drain flies, except they don't look fuzzy. Or perhaps fungus gnats) on every surface except the trap. I did catch one when I walked into the kitchen and disturbed them and one accidentally flew into the trap when they flew up off the countertop. I've been pouring boiling water down the sink and keeping the stoppers in; don't know if that's working yet or not. Also using some Roebic (sp?) enzyme drain cleaner at night. I may spray the ceiling with permethrin because they like to collect there.

[@radicalttc]

Great advice thank you. Now I know what kind I have. Where did you get the lights?

[@davidcaughman4044]

I got mine at Walmart. Zevo

[@radicalttc]

@@davidcaughman4044 Thank you very much God bless

[@bensexton254]

Home Depot carries them as well.

[@sherryn39455]

I went to your website to find out about termites and the one talking about Termidor SC or Taurus termiticide is no longer available.

[@OneFlewOverThePhoenixNest]

I knew they weren't fruit flies when they started attacking me, and infesting literally everything in my apartment. I'm disabled and low-functioning and literally had no help, so, as embarrassing as this is to admit, I was literally living in filth.. so my apartment was a literal smorgasbord.. and so was my body. They were attracted to my poor personal hygiene, and started laying eggs in my tonsils and nasal cavity while I slept. Phorid flies have been an absolute nightmare for me, and I am looking forward to the day when I'm finally rid of them 😓😢 I had dealt with fruit flies before.. but this has been next level shxt. The vinegar traps don't work as well for these, and they invade literally everything. I've lost most of my food to them.. I'm housebound and bedboumd and can't leave my house at all, so I'm just stuck here with them.. I've got a severe bug phobia, so I've been having to keep myself doped up on tranquilizing anxiety medication just to cope...I can't drink water from open cups with straws anymore, I can't eat anything perishable.. ..I will just be very glad when this is all over. Thank you so much for all the advice. Phoenix

[@emc129]

I was going to ask where you lived to see if I could help but I see it now. Phoenix is very far from Ohio and sadly I don't know anyone there.

[@angelblue1408]

Thanks for the tips doc. I am dealing with a case of phorid flies in my condo. Could you kindly share what you're using to pour down the drain to kill them before adding the bacterial cleaner? Thanks so much!

[@aroundthehouse8472]

Hey Doc, what kind of garden tiller do you own? I have seen you using a walk behind in your videos but never heard you mention what kind it was.

[@HowTowithDoc]

Yardmax...

[@azlady8102]

Thank you. I have the ones that look like mosquitoes. I have been trying to get rid of them for over a month. They had diminished and now I se they have invaded my sprouting jar! They crawl through the screen! I had to give up trying to grow a few seeds they infested the potting soil. I am wondering if that’s how they came into my house through a bag of potting soil. I’m going to clean all my drains most are not used. Thank you for the info!

[@beam3819]

I live in Norway so we have a minor fruit fly problem. I just vacum the fruit flies and end of problem😊 Btw, any suggestion to avoid spiders to enter my home as cold weather are coming?

[@grabjrnskallby4118]

We were traveling for half of August and it was hot and dry the whole time we were gone. I live in south Louisiana. When we got back, we had been invaded by the flies and the small flying roaches. 😣 I’ve gotten the roaches out or under control, but the flies have been ridiculous. This was a good video! I’ve identified them as the phorid flies. Now to go gag as I clean these drains. Luckily, I only have 2 in my small house. What about the AC drain inside? Anyone ever have issues there? That’s where I usually find the big wood roaches in the dry season.

[@braniganirby3586]

❤🦟🦟🪰2:09 ❤

[@paulabarnes3351]

If you have many small flies on surfaces my favorite window cleaner spray slows them fast enough to wipe up, and then use the liquid solutions or light solutions. I have good luck with 1/4 C cider vinegar a teaspoon of sugar and drop of dawn, dawn cuts the surface tension of the mixture. This is an old world problem that has an unclean stigma to it, Mad magazine kitchens come to mind! I mentioned it to a few friends and they had the same problem. Why is this so prevalent now? I am over 70 and have lived in central Va for 40 years. I wonder if the main reason is grocery store produce?

[@redswingline262]

Excellent video; excellent presentation

[@thomasbeckett1245]

It’s been a hassle, a few came in on fruit… and seem to gather on empty dog food tins, or where cooking happens. Because it’s winter, no stores seem to have anything to battle this. And I really thought I would cancel them in a few days. But I’m frustrated.

[@darrenbellouny9017]

Doc can you give the link to the Citronella based oil mentioned in the video? Do you know if it is Septic safe?

[@musico3415]

For those live in flats, this method cant last for too long, as you share the same water drainage pipe with your neighbors upstairs and downstairs. So even my brand new renovated bathroom also have drain flies after less than a week. So the only way i could do is to put double sided tapes inside an empty clean food container, then use this container to cover the drainage every time after shower. I could see lots of the flies git stuck inside the container.

[@heatherbass2753]

I have 2 different fly issues. One in my bathroom (drain flies) and the other in my kitchen area. I live in a small apartment. Neighbors that aren’t close to me also deal with these tiny kitchen flies at the same time of year as I do. What do I do to get rid of actual drain flies in my bathroom? They’re the ones who look like mini moths. Also, I do ACV +yellow Ajax dish soap (works better than the Dawn I use for dishes for some reason…idk) for the tiny kitchen flies you talked about and it works well but I want them gone.

[@ticktock2383]

Use large flat bowls with no Saran wrap. Works like a charm. Also, you can pour Clorox down your drains. That should take care of the problem.

[@H0TDigidy]

Is there a certain amount of how much bleach to pour down? I always hear this method but noone ever says how. Also does pouring bleach in the toilets counts as well?

[@annrae1597]

If I get fruit flys ,I take a baggie, put it on my counter, and put some squished banana in it and put a fork in the opening to keep the edge up a bit ...then check it a couple of times a day or more and take the fork out and squish the little pests...they seem to love bananas more than other fruits..also....check your house plants for knats..they love moist soil.

[@karljolley8346]

clean the drain trap FIRST, then use cleaners to flush out the residue....

[@littlestbroccoli]

Doc, what did you do in your life for work? How did you afford all these renovations? Thank you for the great advice, permethrin helped us greatly.

[@edwhite7475]

What business is that of yours? That is an incredibly rude question to ask of someone who helped you and asked for nothing in return. Do you work for the IRS? OR ARE YOU JUST NOSEY AND OBNOXIOUS? It doesnt matter...no home training obviously.

[@littlestbroccoli]

Ok.. heh, sorry man. Just a person out here struggling trying to find a line of work that will let my husband and I afford more than a 400 sq. ft. apartment. No, I'm not part of the IRS or any other org.....

[@bjmattson8487]

The phorid flies seem to like the gravy from a can of cat food and I use that plus some drops of dish detergent to trap them, in addition to Zevo, and a bug zapper.

[@LFG1437]

How’s it working for you now? Ive killed 100s in the past 48hrs

[@Cooliewhistles]

@@LFG1437how did u kill them ?

[@myobmyob2215]

Will a yellow jacket trap with sweet attractant catch fruit flies too

[@HowTowithDoc]

Probably so.

[@Sidequest_Jace]

thanks for the informative video, been struggling with these Phorid flies for a few years, they come back every summer... l'm in a basement apartment adjacent to the mechanical room and just down the hall from the garbage room, plenty of cracks in the cinder block wall between me and the mechanical room l get flies and ants and all kinds of species coming through, building owners don't do anything about it. Leaving vinegar out kind of helps abit but this year they're especially bad, l hadn't thought that they might be breeding in my drains... l'll definitely be dumping draino down there for a while, great video

[@temtationeyes]

I have them in a room I'm renting in back part of house. So only so much I can do. I won't do traps that attract flies with scent cause I know more will come in as the place is poorly sealed & lots of moist vegetation outside--it's Florida. I bought a bug zapper which has been good. I pour boiling water down drains & cover them. I clean frig tray, cause I found them in there once. Bathroom drain smells bad so it's likely a plumbing problem or septic. I have 1 month left here so trying not to let them bother me but it's hard.

[@pstein2604]

Will a indoor bug zapper work

[@JeanLewis-y6c]

I tried the vinegar stuff cling film it's caught a few but made then angry these look bigger than fruit fly the cling film is catching a few ok drain fly no.i can't find were they r coming from just they lije kitcken damp.lol.i get it near. My bloody washer top floor in. Flat omg

[@MrRmeadows]

I am catching a whole bunch. They came in with Mandarians that I just bought. What I am catching them with is sour doe pancake mix. Yuck. Loosing all my starter.

[@benberns6774]

Doc I can't seem to locate the "Citronella Killer" product. Is it just the lamp oil? Thanks

[@HowTowithDoc]

Listed www.howtowithdoc.com/kill-fruit-flies/

[@human4805]

A cap full of Murphys oil soap does the same thing.

[@Midnight-gx7fj]

Citronella fumes are toxic to humans.

[@MaryAnn-r1g]

The directions for foggers that I read says do not use any electrical stuff and even unplug your refrigerator because I could cause a fire or an explosion

[@saintsrobbed6450]

That bowl works better when you use something like moscato wine. I've been catching a ton! But it doesn't eliminate the problem, it's only kicking the can down the road.

[@MikeMolden]

I used different alcohols. Whatever you drink. I think they die from the fumes, not sure, but they look disgusting because so many will go in. I dont use foil or anything. Not sure what my fliers are though.

[@johnwren3976]

Add a bit of sugar to your apple cider vinegar/Dawn mixture. It improves results a bit.

[@brendagail]

Why do I have a little flies flying around in my new build home that is only two years old? Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

[@HowTowithDoc]

We have them as well. It's that time of year. If you want to knock them down a BIT... treat mulch areas and lawn with Permethrin

[@suzizuki]

got any tips on mice? im allergic to cats,

[@ksw501]

Any links to the natural drain additives you mentioned to put down the drain?

[@krahdad210]

Ecosmart drain fly

[@Nutamu]

we have an issue with what we believe may be either fungus gnats or phorid flies. They like moisture for sure. Not sure how they got here but I saw some flying away from my plants that weren't well draining (so I repotted). I put cinnamon on the top soil of all my plants which apparently they don't like...until I brought in a couple new plants and forgot to treat them...we got a resurgence. I went and got three kinds of cheap traps. One is for fruit flies...caught nothing. One for pantry moths...got one small non pantry moth...poor guy. But those yellow stickies that you put in plants...tons! It's actually how we almost got rid of them all the first time, cinnamon and stickies until the new ones came up near empty. Now I wanna get those lighted traps.

[@chuck-dd3gk]

You must have mosquito bits. sold everywhere. You'll never get rid of them if you don't.

[@Richardofdanbury]

I make homemade wine, beer, vinegar and other fermented foods. At certain times of the year, like right now in September we get phroid flies which in our area are known as vinegar flies.

[@DeltaDemon1]

Never heard of the bowl thingy but the jar with a paper cone traps thousands. It works but will never eliminate all of them.

[@andrewbeaupre1867]

In meantime if fruit flies are bad (unfortunately us annually) cleaning the “P” Trap (drain trap) a couple times yearly helps. Another alternative to reducing quickly especially when flying around the house, use some old soda pop, or water bottles, cut the top (drill 1/8” hole(s) 2-3 first in the cap) off about 2” or so, fill with warm water, sugar and yeast to activate. Place the cropped off top (inverted) on and seal the cut edges with wide tape around the circumference to minimize any criter escapes. Give a shake/swish to maximize the sugar/yeast to activate and will create C02 which they thrive upon to breed. Do not keep longer than 3-4 days because some may breed on outside the bottle but most go inside and can’t escape from the holes and inverted top. A great deal (dozens) will go in and die or simply trapped. We have gardens, animals and manure near our house so there really isn’t a way for us to avoid yearly. * some people say 6-7 days for the traps, I say 4 days safely before newer larvae hatch which is 7 days. Hope this helps some.

[@andrewbeaupre1867]

1-2 teaspoons sugar, with 50% yeast content to that of sugar. 1/2-1 teaspoon of yeast. Poor wording on cutting the top of bottle. Cut around the circumference as straight as possible about 2” down keep it as even as possible. Follow an imaginary line removing the whole top so it can be inverted upside down. Simply drilling holes and leaving the top as is would allow for greater chance of escape. Very important for the inversion and the tape to seal around.

[@gaijincoordinator2922]

Very useful for me, thanks!!!

[@donnakennedy430]

It took a few days for our light trap, like he describes, to work. I thought it wasn't going to work as there wasn't any on there for a couple of days. Then I started having to change it every 2 days. We hung up the Raid strips because I didn't have enough outlets and the light traps got overwhelmed fast.

[@rodneyharouff5739]

the drain flies i have are coal black & like the calcium from my water. maybe they ain't drain flies, but they were id'd as such. white vinegar cleans 'em up good.

[@cameemichelle5619]

Yes the flies are black with looks like one wing and they range in size

[@glass1258]

These things just started coming around the last 5 years or so. Never had these things before then

[@earlburkhart8132]

Remove all wood mulch , if you insist on mulch , use rubberized mulch (landscape grade) more cost effective than ( play ground grade). This will keep your aesthetic appeal without near the insect issues, namely termites. Consider a pest control company &/or using a baiting control option for your subtrainium termite issues. Follow your labeling exactly if doing your own pest control. Consider a vapor barrier for your crawl space. Weather you do your own or hire a professional company, you will need to do a preventive pest control service. By the looks of where your home is (Had one of my customers put it best, he lives in a big jelly doughnut in the middle of the woods) pest control is going to be an ongoing up hill battle at best. P.S. retired pest control professional. Hope this helps.

[@pkabookitty1339]

Dawn dish soap works very well. Just pour it down all of your drains. It's very effective.

[@BigJohnson1566]

Curious what your old property looks like now, perhaps a pic?

[@SusanNoulton]

Thank you, my little horrors like water, I will try and get the stuff you said. I have to be careful what I use, as I have an elderly cat who likes sleeping in the kitchen,where these awful little things are.

[@Iam_Dunn]

Yeah, I made the mistake of using “raw” (?? not sure if that’s what you call it, didn’t know then to cook the soil before using it) topsoil for some Orange trees I grow inside. Two years in now and I have tried so many ways to get rid of these little bugger Pharod flies. Konk - nope, foggers - nope, cider vin - nope, flypaper - barely. I’m going to try some of those bug light things, hopefully they can help. Thank you for the info. :) ❤ from 🇨🇦 :)

[@richardtrawinski9957]

I used the bug plug in lights and caught 30 plus with 4 of the lights he recommended...made by VEYOFLY

[@TheSoapflake]

Mosquito Bits added to a gallon jug of plant water. Instructions on the package for indoor plants. Won't hurt plants.

[@jsauerii]

Vinegar works very well in a jar with a small hole funnel taped to the top. They go in and rarely get out. I just had an issue again with the drain flies, I decided not to burn the house yet ( :) )and hung a fly tape I had in a drawer above the sink in the window. This eliminated a bunch.

[@UraTrowelie]

I always heard you add sugar to the bowl. The lights are still better

[@Chimel31]

Drain flies are cute, their wings look like a little heart. They don't move much, they'll stay on the tiles around the kitchen or bathroom sink for a whole day. They usually appear when the sink has not been used for a few days. I have never experienced any infestation, just 1 to 4 drain flies at a time. Flushing some hot water like during regular washing up probably cook any eggs in the drain. I clean the drain trap once a year, it's mostly hair in the bathroom and organic matter in the kitchen sink, not that stinky. I use a hose to flush the shower drains. but in my home renovation, I was thinking of putting a serviceable drain trap outside the bathroom, probably in the garage. There's really no need for chemicals, these insects are rather fragile and don't stay if you don't let mold or wet organic matter settle in. They're actually a good indicator that something is wrong with your plumbing. As for unused bathrooms where the drain water can evaporate, just add a little water regularly to replenish the drain. There are also other solutions, like a longer drain that contains more water that will take more time to evaporate, special air valves, or you can also use liquids such as cooking oil that does not evaporate. But really, just pouring a little water or flushing a different toilet once a month will keep the drain in functioning order.

[@TheDragonshadow1231]

They are harmless but they are not harmless LMFAO. They are also responsible known as drain worms not the larva cycle go check drain worms. They, also give someone allergic I forgot the name condition

[@Chimel31]

@@TheDragonshadow1231 I didn't say they were harmless, just cute. And armless! I never had such drain worms, just the rare occasional (like once a year) fly or flies (one fly in the kitchen sink in late spring this year). I suppose the hot water from dish washing or rinsing takes care of any such larvae. Maybe the U shaped drain traps or the piping network work better here, not having a disposal unit but a composter outside means less organic matter in the sink pipes, not having a dishwasher means I use more hot water in the kitchen sink, never washing (as a true French man ;-) means no worms in the bathroom pipes either...

[@johndavidstoltzfus8921]

Phorid flies are super easy to identify as well. Fruit flies and all other flies will flee and fly away when disturbed. Phorid flies will actually skitter along the surface quickly and to you the observer they are "brave" for not being scared. 100% works every time.

[@shafernjames6159]

PLEASEEE!!! HELP ME, I don’t know what I have it’s none of the above, they are so tiny I can barely see them, only on my mirror. I can feel them buzzing. .. However, they’re not fruit flies or the other two mention, I am losing my patience and It’s driving me crazy nothing’s working.😢

[@diannematthews8838]

Any ideas about controlling Carpenter Bees????

[@HowTowithDoc]

There is a video I think way back I did.

[@CF-qm1gp]

Aren't the centipedes beneficial insects to have inside of your mulch? They aerate the soil and kill bugs better than spiders even can

[@Maurus200]

Foggers are fire hazards in small spaces. If a fan malfunctions it could set off an explosion.

[@helgabruin2261]

The soil of my house plants produces annoying flies.

[@Iam_Dunn]

Yeah, I found out the hard way that soil needs to be heated to kill any bugs in it before using. :(

[@jeffreyslater1656]

Also check your gutters, breeding area

[@davidcaughman4044]

Hey Doc, thank you for your information! I have another problem for you, there were hornets in my AC drain tube. I killed them at the outlet but it’s a work in progress. You might could give us some help on that.

[@barrygrant2907]

Got a shop vac? Stick it on the end of the drain and suck everything out. I have to do it about every 4-5 months here in FL to keep it from getting plugged.

[@FVWhimsy2010]

Flush the drain monthly with water/vinegar solution...they are nesting and the vinegar will destroy the nest/eggs. It will clear the drain gunk too.

[@reccocon3442]

Seen hard to get rid of "baby" flies which turn to the smaller flies. They like wet /moist dish sponges, etc. Not sink flies nor the real fruit flies. It's a pain. You're right, the cider vinegar /soap not as effective.

[@brianbrown3150]

Hi. Your information is pretty good, except on the identification part. On the slide the 3 flies and their common names. the on labelled as a "Phorid fly" is another drosophilid, not a phorid. You can tell because phorids have no crossveins between the longitudinal veins, whereas the fly in photo has a definite crossvein. Also, very few phorids have red eyes, as the photo you have is another fruit fly (drosophiid). The photos of hte phorid flies are correct later on, but I don't get why you say they look like mosquitoes. The phorids have thick anterior veins and thin posterior veins, with no crossveins between them.

[@rdaugherty52]

We had these little flies and there not the drain flies they come after banana peels and they were bad I made the traps out of water bottles and they caught some but found out they like coffee best and a left over coffee cup with an inch of coffee soon will get rid of m

[@simba0830]

I think we having issues because of my wife inside plants. She doesn’t believe me when I tell her, the plants are their home.

[@gayewilliams2521]

I think what you may have is fungus gnats. Sometimes, over watering is the cause. The cure is hydrogen peroxide and water. Google for the recipe.

[@OneWildTurkey]

Try spreading a layer of aquarium gravel or coarse sand over the top of the soil in the pots. About 1/2 inch should work. Because gnats and fruit flies lay their eggs in the top layer of soil, this will prevent their larvae from being able to climb out.

[@edie4321]

Yes, that is true. If any of the plants have slowed growth, water them with a bit of dawn dish soap. It works for many dirt dwellers.

[@OneWildTurkey]

@@edie4321 I'm not sure what you're saying, but if you do want to use dish soap on plants - make sure it is diluted with at least 20 parts water to 1 part soap.

[@edie4321]

@@OneWildTurkey, Oops, thank you for clarifying.

[@carolbonnell6675]

I gave you the bigger fruit flies a name because they kept scooting on my table the time. So I called them big fruit flies scooters!😅

[@kennethjackson7574]

Time flies like the wind. Fruit flies like bananas. Hee hee!

[@aceofspades856]

I had drain flies hatching out of the overflow slot on my bathroom sink. Fortunately, a tiny spider took up residence in the opening. End of problem!

[@clutchcargo5259]

You have to find the breeding source, traps will catch the live ones but not the unborn

[@depechemode01]

100% correct. If the breeding source isn't found and fixed or eliminated, they will keep multiplying. Traps, vinegar, only catch the flying ones. You need to find out where they are coming from. Dead animal in your wall, basement, under your concrete step outside your home that's burrowed under there and died. They feed and live off decaying matter. They won't be gone until the dead animal is completely consumed, if that is the source.

[@mevstormshot]

Bowl trap right next to the light trap isn't a good example as to which will catch the most as the flies will go to the most attractive trap first. If the light hadn't been on in your situation the bowl may have caught all those flies too. You'd need to do them seperately to judge effectiveness. (just saying).

[@kfox153]

yeah that apple cider vinegar in the bowl is fine if you only have a few here and there. It's useless otherwise. If you have tons of them, however, a splash of beer on a napkin and some meat scraps in a plastic grocery sack and tie it ALMOST closed. You'll have dozens in the bag a few hours later or the next day, and you just tie the bag closed, and toss them.

[@localppc242]

So you tested using both the bowl and the light at the same time? You put the bowl underneath the light? Huh….