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Phorid Flies vs Drain Flies

Small black or brown flies can be a common sight in your home. Being able to identify the type of fly will make getting rid of them much easier. In this scenario, we will examine phorid flies vs drain flies and highlight the differences between them.

drain fly vs phorid fly side by side

How to Get Rid of Phorid Flies

Flies come in all different shapes and sizes. It is important to identify which type of fly is infesting your home before considering treatment methods. Pest control professional are usually good at identifying species of flies and providing solutions. However, in some cases, they may not be able to guarantee results.

Many fly species are smaller than the common housefly. Drain, phorid, and fruit flies might have similar size characteristics. There are still way to differentiate between them and create a fly treatment program.

What are phorid flies?

A phorid fly is a small insect with a length ranging from 1/16th to 1/8th of an inch. It is dark brown and unique from other flies because of its humpback shape. Phorid flies are also known as coffin flies, or scuttle flies. (When threatened, their first attempt might be to run away instead of flying, which is where the name “scuttle” comes from.)

picture of a phorid fly

It has a thorax with an arch that makes its back look like it has a hump. Furthermore, it is mainly seen around organic matter that has decayed, especially dead animal bodies like rodents.

Their love for decaying organic matter is the reason why it can be found in hospitals invading wounds and earned the nickname “coffin fly”. Unlike fruit flies, phorid flies are not attracted to vinegar. Home remedies involving this solution may not be helpful at all.

A common reason for phorid fly infestations is the presence of dead animals, poor pet hygiene, and undetectable breaks in the sewer lines that gives them access to the house. If you notice a foul smell around the property, there could be a dead rodent or bat in your floors or walls attracting these pests.

Once in the home, phorid flies can start to breed in damp areas.

What are Drain Flies?

A drain fly is also small but has an indistinct moth-like body, which is why it is often called a moth fly. It breeds in dark and damp areas, like the sink drains and septic tanks. Its wings have distinct veins and ovoid shape that make it easy to identify.

They have hairy wings and bodies that leave a powdery smudge when you smash them. Drains with clogs and organic matter buildup are usually the culprit for drain flies.

They lay eggs in the presence of moisture and larva inhabit the scrum buildup on the sides of pipes.

How to Treat and Prevent These Two Types of Flies

The best way of treating and preventing an infestation of your home is by locating the breeding sources and eliminating them. Sanitation procedures, such as frequently taking out the trash, cleaning dust bins and ensuring all drain as clear can prevent common infestations.

For additional defense against phorid flies, make sure the check rodent traps regularly and think twice before using loose poison bait.

Rockwell Labs Invade Products

Invade Bio Drain products are particularly effective against flies breeding in drains. You must remove the buildup and blockages.

InVade Bio Drain 1 Gallon (Original Version)
Invade Hot Spot Bio Foam Probiotic Drain Foam Fruit Flies Drain Flies
Invade Hot Spot 24 Inch Hose Extension Actuator Flexible To Apply Invade Foam
Rockwell Labes -InVade Bio Drain Quart (32oz) ~ Restaurant Drain Gel Organic Treatment ~ Eliminates Odors, Fruit, Phorid, and Drain Flies
InVade Bio Drain 1 Gallon (Original Version)
Invade Hot Spot Bio Foam Probiotic Drain Foam Fruit Flies Drain Flies
Invade Hot Spot 24 Inch Hose Extension Actuator Flexible To Apply Invade Foam
Rockwell Labes -InVade Bio Drain Quart (32oz) ~ Restaurant Drain Gel Organic Treatment ~ Eliminates Odors, Fruit, Phorid, and Drain Flies
InVade Bio Drain 1 Gallon (Original Version)
InVade Bio Drain 1 Gallon (Original Version)
Invade Hot Spot Bio Foam Probiotic Drain Foam Fruit Flies Drain Flies
Invade Hot Spot Bio Foam Probiotic Drain Foam Fruit Flies Drain Flies
Invade Hot Spot 24 Inch Hose Extension Actuator Flexible To Apply Invade Foam
Invade Hot Spot 24 Inch Hose Extension Actuator Flexible To Apply Invade Foam
Rockwell Labes -InVade Bio Drain Quart (32oz) ~ Restaurant Drain Gel Organic Treatment ~ Eliminates Odors, Fruit, Phorid, and Drain Flies
Rockwell Labes -InVade Bio Drain Quart (32oz) ~ Restaurant Drain Gel Organic Treatment ~ Eliminates Odors, Fruit, Phorid, and Drain Flies

Invade Bio Drain uses an enzyme to eats away buildup more effectively than bleach or Drano. Rockwell Labs products are a more green solution since they are all biodegradable.

Hot Water & Bleach

Pouring hot water or bleach down the drain might be effective against adult flies but will not eliminate the larvae. When used together, a drain brush and hot water can get rid of the organic material more effectively.

Drano Gel gel for flies

Bleach may be more effective against a drain infestation, but there are many reports of ongoing issues after trying this approach. You can dilute the bleach in water and pour it down the drain or pipe, leave it for a few minutes, then flush. (Never mix chemicals!)

You can also use Shoo-Fly professional, a solution containing enzymes that break down long chain fatty acids within the organic film. The solution is very effective against drain flies.

Drain Brush Cleaners

You can use a drain brush that is stiff to scrub away the organic film and then flush the drain to remove any residue. Following this treatment with a drain gel is highly recommended.

Use of Fly Traps

You can set up a fly trap anywhere in the house, preferably in a place where the flies are mostly found. The traps release specific pheromones that attracts them to its sticky surface. You can use a Musca-Stik flytrap, which is very affordable. FLy traps will not stop ongoing issue, but will help eliminate adults.

Use Aerosol Sprays

For an infestation outside the drain, you can use aerosols that contain insecticides. Insecticides in most localities are not allowed to be used in drain water, since the chemicals directly harm aqua life. In this situation, a insect growth regulator might be your best bet, since they can be used in drains. (Check with your locality first.)

Aerosol sprays containing pyrethrins such as Pyrid or PT-565 are effective against an infestation.

Sprays are very effective against phorid and drain flies.

Organic Material Removal and Breeding Soil Under the Floor

This treatment method is very costly because it requires you to make a hole in the floor, replace the gravel or soil, repair any broken pipes, and repair the hole in the floor. Insecticides are not effective against the organic matter, which will require you to manually remove the organic matter using abrasive materials.

Removing breeding soil under the floor is specific for eliminating phorid infestations caused by broken sewer lines under your home.

Removing Flies from Your RV

getting rid of sewer flies from your RV

It’s not uncommon for drain flies to breed in the black water holding tanks in RVs. This can significantly reduce the joy of hitting the road! Lucky, getting rid of flies from you RV is more simple.

Drain and clean your black or gray holding tanks. Make sure to always close the dump valves when when not in use to prevent infestations.

Use of Vinegar

Vinegar does not attract phorid flies, which is why it is ineffective against them. You can, however, set up a vinegar trap for drain flies. Add the vinegar to an empty bowl, cover it with a cling film and poke holes in the film. Place the bowl in a strategic position such as near the sink. The scent of the vinegar will attract the flies into the bowl, and they will drown in the vinegar.

Mixture of Salt, Baking Soda, and Hot Water.

You can mix half a cup of baking soda, half a cup of salt, and a full cup of hot water and pour it down the drain. You can also use vinegar instead of hot water, in the same ratio. After pouring, let the mixture sit overnight and then flush the drain with hot water in the morning.

As a precaution, you can pour a mixture of baking soda down the drain at least once weekly, let it sit for a few hours before you flush with hot water. You can use lemon juice to control any odor that may arise from cleaning the drain.

While we are generally skeptical of the above DIY methods to get rid of flies, many homeowners like to give it a try.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API