How to Get Rid of Gnats in Drains

Do you hear a buzzing sound near your sink, especially when turning on the faucet? You may also be noticing an abundance of fly-like insects in your bathroom or near your kitchen sink.

If so, you’re likely experiencing a gnat infestation. This blog post will provide more information on what they are and how to kill gnats in drains.

What are Gnats?

Drain gnats (also known as drain flies, fungus gnats, or moth flies) are tiny winged insects that are known to thrive inside the drains of homes.

Once a few appear, it doesn’t take long for them to start multiplying. It can soon become a serious and rather unsanitary problem to have to deal with.

There’s more than one type of gnat though, and they each have distinct appearances and characteristics. For example, fungus gnats have pill-shaped bodies and are attracted to the soil of houseplants.

Generally, drain flies have a fuzzy look to them and gravitate toward drains, where they lay their eggs. Living in your drains gives gnats access to water, allowing them to survive off of the bacteria that builds up inside your pipes.

Learning how to kill fungus gnats in drains is crucial, as it keeps your home clean and pest-free.

Getting Rid of Gnats in Drains

Here are some of the best methods for getting rid of gnats in drains in your home:

1. Clean Your Drain

Cleaning your drains not only prevents build-ups and clogs, but it’s also one of the best ways to counter a gnat infestation. There are several ways to do so:

• Hydrogen Peroxide: Pour half a cup down your drain to eliminate bacteria and kill gnats and eggs.
• Boiling Water: Pour boiling water down your drains to wash away gnats and their eggs.
• Baking Soda Solutions: Use a mixture of salt, baking soda, and white vinegar to foam away bacteria in your pipes.
• Chemical Cleaners: For intense infestations, consider using a chemical cleaner like Drano.

2. Traps

Set traps around your sinks to deal with any remaining gnats within your home:

A common trap is the apple cider vinegar trap. Pour about an inch of apple cider vinegar into a glass or small container and add dish soap. The vinegar attracts the gnats, while the soap ensures they become trapped inside.

Cover the trap with plastic cling wrap and poke small holes all over the surface to prevent gnats from escaping.

3. Be Proactive

Keep your house clean and free of food scraps to prevent gnats from entering your home. Avoid putting food waste down your drains.

If the problem persists, contact a professional plumber:

If you’ve tried all the methods above and are still having trouble with the infestation, the problem may be located deep within your plumbing. Contact a plumber to help locate and eradicate the gnats in your drains.

Having a problem with gnats? Get in touch with J. Blanton Plumbing. Our plumbing technicians are happy to help get rid of any drain-dwelling intruders for you.

Contact J. Blanton Plumbing today!