Drain Flies in London

Drain flies are a typical pest insect in the UK. Drain flies lay their eggs in drains, sewers and other standing water. They can breed rapidly, which means if you notice a handful of adult flies there is likely many more eggs. Adult flies will fly out of drains and typically die quickly, but they can become a nuisance inside houses. They do not usually carry diseases but could contaminate foodstuffs.

Drain flies can be recognised by their little size and dark colour. They are covered in hair which gives them a fluffy appearance, and they also have sizeable wings which they fold above themselves when not in use. Drain flies can be easily confused with fruit flies or other types of flies. Accurate identification and location is essential to a successful treatment.

If you suspect you have a drain fly infestation, you can test drains by half covering them with a piece of tape. Leave this for about four days. If you find flies stuck on the tape then the drain is infested. The most effective way to control a drain fly infestation is to eradicate their breeding areas. They like to breed on organic matter that’s caught in clogged drains, and so complete cleaning of drains is an effective way to eliminate drain flies. However, proper cleaning of pipes can be extremely unpleasant. Professional pest control companies will be able to identify and locate a drain fly infestation and conduct a highly effective treatment to regulate the pests.