Do tiny flies seem to have taken up permanent residence in your bathroom? Are you tired of swatting them away while you brush your teeth or shower? These gnat-sized nuisances, often called drain flies or fruit flies, can be a real buzzkill, but we won’t let them ruin your day. With our 15 practical ways to banish small flies from your bathroom, you’ll be armed to eliminate them and take back your bathroom peace.
Clean Thoroughly
You want to start by removing any grime, food debris, or organic matter that may be attracting them. Scrub all over the sink and toilet drains, under the sink area, and any forgotten corners where dust bunnies and forgotten food bits can hide.
Target the Sewers
Get a baking soda and vinegar solution and pour it into the drain. The fizzing action helps loosen and eliminate any built-up gunk that could be a breeding ground for fly eggs and larvae.
Don’t Let Water Linger
Standing water creates a fly haven, so eliminate it to make your bathroom less fly-friendly. Fix leaky faucets and ensure proper drainage around sinks and showers.
Trash Patrol
Fruit flies, in particular, are drawn to the sweet smell of decaying fruit. Empty trash cans regularly, especially those containing food scraps, so you don’t give them a reason to linger.
Plug the Leaks
Tiny openings must not be ignored because they can be an express entry point for flies. Seal any cracks or gaps around pipes, sewers, and vents with caulk.
Screen it Up
Install tight-fitting screens on your bathroom windows and vents. This extra layer of defense will prevent flies from entering your bathroom.
Lighten Up and Air Out
Drain flies thrive in damp environments, so make your bathroom less appealing to them by creating a drier atmosphere. Open windows or use exhaust fans to increase ventilation and reduce moisture levels.
Aromatherapy Eviction
Peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus oil can repel these invaders. Dilute a few drops with water in a spray bottle and mist all over drains or common fly entry points. The scent will discourage them from hanging about.
Apple Cider Vinegar Trap
Fill a little bowl with apple cider vinegar and a drop of dish soap. The sweet scent will attract the flies, and the dish soap drops the surface tension of the liquid, causing them to drown when they land.
Sticky Trap Takeover
Place store-bought fly traps strategically around your bathroom. These traps typically use a sweet lure to attract flies, which get stuck once they land on the sticky surface.
Boiling Defense
Regularly pour boiling water down your sewers to kill any fly eggs or larvae lurking there. Be careful not to use boiling water on plastic pipes, and always start with a smaller amount of hot water to avoid cracking.
Grease is Not the Answer
Don’t pour grease or oil into the drain. Doing this can clog drains and create a greasy film that provides a breeding ground for flies and other unpleasant guests. Opt for scraping leftover grease into a container and disposing of it in the trash.
Coffee Ground Helps
Sprinkle leftover coffee grounds all over drains and damp areas. The dehydrating properties and strong scent can deter flies from landing.
Houseplant to the Rescue
Venus flytraps or pitcher plants can be natural fly control options for your bathroom, but be sure they are suitable for the light and humidity levels. Carnivorous plants like these can help trap and consume flies. However, they might not be the most effective solution for a large infestation.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Defense
Diatomaceous earth is dehydrating to insects. Sprinkle a thin layer of DE around drains or other fly entry points (always follow safety guidelines when using, as inhaling DE can irritate the lungs). Be aware that DE can also harm beneficial insects, so use it with caution.
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