Drain Fly Larvae: What They Look Like

Can Pouring Boiling Water Down the Drain Get Rid of Drain Flies?

Pouring boiling water down the drain is one of the most direct and effective methods for killing drain fly eggs and larvae.

How Effective Is It?

• Boiling water instantly kills larvae and eggs on the inner pipe wall.
• The hotter, the better.
• Combined with scrubbing, it removes the sludge layer inside the pipes.
• It is recommended to do this once a week.

How to Do It Properly

• Boil a pot of water (about 1 liter).
• Remove the floor drain cover and pour the water directly into the pipe.
• Wait a few minutes, then pour a second pot.
• Also pour some down the bathroom sink and kitchen sink drain pipes.

Precautions

• If the pipes are plastic (PVC), do not pour the boiling water in too fast.
• Pour one pot at a time, slowly, to let the pipe warm up gradually.
• Do not pour too much at once, or you may damage the joints.
• Metal pipes do not have this issue.

Limitations

• Boiling water only treats larvae and eggs inside the pipes.
• Adult flies that have already emerged are not affected.
• Adults still need to be handled by spraying or swatting.
• Boiling water for the pipes + spraying for the adults — doing both together gives the best results.