Are Drain Flies Good For Septic Tanks?

The Psychodidae (sewer flies and gnats) live in a moist environment, such as septic tanks. They feed on organic material and waste buildup and can help make a septic tank cleaner. However, they can be a nuisance and should be avoided.

The best way to eliminate drain fly problems is to eliminate the source. This can be excess moisture, organic buildup, wind currents from a nearby sewage treatment plant, or a faulty septic system. It is important to check your toilet tank for signs of drain fly infestation.

Drain flies do not bite humans and do not lay eggs on human food. However, if they multiply in large numbers, they can cause asthma symptoms in people. Nevertheless, large infestations are rare. As one mated pair can multiply into hundreds, it is important to regularly clean your drains to reduce their food source.

Adult drain flies are small insects, measuring just under a half-inch in length, with thick covering of hairs. They have a bead-like antenna and large wings, which fold over their bodies when they rest. They can only fly a few feet at a time, so they are generally active at night. They lay eggs in clumps of up to 200 eggs.

Drain flies lay their eggs in organic material near the opening of the drain. They can also lay their eggs deeper inside pipes. To eliminate them, you can use natural methods such as washing your drains thoroughly with hot water. You can also use drain cleaners that contain baking soda and vinegar. The baking soda and vinegar react to kill the larvae, so you should rinse the drain clean with hot water to remove any residue.