The tiny bugs that you see crawling out of the drainpipe and congregating around the sink are drain flies. They are common in the UK and are also known as drainage moths. They are similar to black bugs and are black, grey, or brownish-grey in colour.
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What causes drain flies in my home?
Drain flies love stationary water and they are found in homes where slow or clogged drains are a problem. They live in drains, sewers and septic tanks and from there they breed and can make their way into your kitchen or bathroom, resulting in a dirty and unhygienic appearance.
Do drain flies pose a threat?
Drain flies are not harmful to humans, but they can be a nuisance if there are a great many. Although they don’t bite, they can spread bacteria.
Their life cycle lasts approximately one to three weeks, and this short lifespan prevents them from travelling long distances. They lay eggs which hatch within two days, surviving in areas of high temperatures.
This is one of many issues that arise in drains that homeowners will encounter. Drain lining is an effective solution for repairing damaged pipes, drains, and sewers and it eliminates the need to dig. If you require drain lining in Oldbury, you can contact a specialist such as https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/sewer-repairs-drain-lining-concrete-cutting/drain-repairs/drain-repairs-oldbury/.
What are the signs of an infestation and how do I remedy this?
Drain flies can be found on the walls of bathrooms or around sinks and drain holes. Homes and Gardens offers advice on how to get rid of drain flies. If you have a problem with drain flies, you should thoroughly clean the kitchen drain and unclog the shower. Don’t pour boiling water down the drain, as although it will eliminate the infestation, it can also damage your pipes.
What else can I do?
You are most likely to suffer from a drain fly infestation if a drain has remained unused for a long period. If you have been on holiday or have a bathroom which is only used occasionally, a drain fly problem could crop up.