Your kitchen is usually bustling with activity. But that doesn’t mean you welcome the buzzing of extra insect guests. Two of the most common pests you may encounter in the summer are drain flies and fruit flies.
Difference between drain flies and fruit flies
Before we get to strategies for getting rid of these pesky insects, let’s talk about the difference between drain flies and fruit flies. While both are about the same size (1/8 of an inch), drain flies are black, gray, or brown, and have fuzzy bodies. On the other hand, fruit flies appear either tan or yellow.
What both species have in common are that they spread bacteria anywhere they land, which is another reason why you do not want them flying around your home.
How to prevent drain flies
As their name suggests, drain flies usually congregate around sinks and showers. This is because they depend on algae and fungus for feeding and laying eggs.
The key to getting rid of drain flies is to control the environment they love (wet, dark areas). Check under your sink for any leaks from the drain pipe. It’s also possible there’s a small clog in the drain, which can become a breeding ground for bacteria. You’ll want to clear the clog properly, not cover it in commercial drain cleaner products.
How to prevent fruit flies
Fruit flies are attracted to produce and other sugary substances like juices, sodas, alcoholic drinks. What makes fruit flies especially aggravating is that they reproduce very quickly. So when you start seeing a few flying around, you need to take action quickly before you have an infestation.
- Throw away overripe fruits and vegetables
- Store all produce in the refrigerator
- Clean up spills and wipe off countertops
- Remove full garbage bags from indoors
Sink drains and garbage disposals can also collect organic matter, which essentially becomes a buffet for fruit flies. So make sure these areas are clear of food residue and cleaned thoroughly.
Did you know that there’s a connection between pesky flies and your home’s plumbing? Now you do. If you need professional draining cleaning or a leaky pipe fixed, call the Milford plumbing experts at Rick’s Plumbing at (203) 874-6629.