Fruit flies, or gnats, in the kitchen are pests. They’re hard to catch, find their source, and sometimes more problematic to get clear out. If you’ve noticed fruit flies in your bathroom, that can be even more annoying. Here’s how the experts at Michael’s Plumbing get rid of these pesky pests.
Yes, Fruit Flies in the Bathroom
You might associate fruit flies with being in the kitchen, thanks to the abundance of fruit and veggies you might have on hand, but they can also be found in your bathroom. Anywhere that has warm, moist air is a tropical vacation for these microscopic pests. Sewer gnats, which look like fruit flies, prefer the warm, moist air of your bathroom and can be found attracted to buildup and debris in the sink or shower drain.
Prevent the pests
Remove any wet items from the bathroom. Don’t leave used towels lying on the ground to decay—hang them up or run them through the washer. Same with clothing. Any used mops need to be completely dry before storing.
Fix any leaks you might have in your bathroom. If you’ve noticed wet bathroom rugs or standing water, there might be a leak in your sink or shower.
Install a fan or vent in the bathroom. Not only will this assist in removing any foul odors, but it will assist in controlling moisture and humidity levels, leaving fresher, drier air that is not inviting to gnats.
Remove the pests
Utilize a fruit fly trap in the bathroom. You can purchase these traps in stores, but you can also make your own with items already there.
- Three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- A few drops of dish soap
- Combine both items in a plastic cup
Cover the cup with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band. Poke a few holes in the plastic wrap with a toothpick and place it near the sink or shower. Once filled, throw away the cup in the trash outside.
Refresh your drains with a cleaner. Even if you don’t see the gnats flying around, their larvae may still be deep down in your drain’s pipes, ready to pop back up. Create your drain cleaner with boiling water or boiling white vinegar.
Use a drain snake to clean the pipes and remove any larvae or flies attached to the leftover gunk.
Call Michael’s Plumbing for a professional drain cleaning. If you’re still bombarded with these pests after completing all of these steps, give Orlando’s plumbing experts a call at (407) 219-9772. Our plumbers will use professional-grade cleaning tools to remove all drain buildup, thus eliminating all traces of the fruit/sewer flies. Let us help you take back your bathroom.