How To Get Rid of Drain Gnats From Your Garbage Disposal

If you see small insects hovering around your kitchen sink, you may have drain gnats or fruit flies. These bugs can breed rapidly and can contaminate food and cooking surfaces to create unsanitary conditions. Luckily, there are a few simple methods to eliminate these sink gnats and prevent them from returning.

In this article, the plumbing experts at Legacy Plumbing provide step-by-step instructions on how to thoroughly clean a garbage disposal, along with tips to trap and prevent drain fly infestations.

Why Are Drain Gnats or Fruit Flies in My Garbage Disposal?

An unclean garbage disposal can attract drain gnats, as they are drawn to the organic remnants in pipes. This includes rotting food, soap scum, and grease. These moist environments are then ideal areas to breed. If your garbage disposal is lined with decaying food particles or has any stagnant water, you could be at risk for a fruit fly infestation.

How To Clean Your Garbage Disposal To Get Rid of Flies

To thoroughly clean your garbage disposal and remove drain flies, follow these steps:

1. Turn off your disposal: Unplug the disposal under the sink or shut off the breaker to ensure that you can safely clean all components.
2. Remove debris: Start by using tongs or pliers to pull out food scraps or any accumulated gunk around the disposal opening. 
3. Scrub the splash guard: Use a coarse brush and dish soap to clean the rubber flaps of the splash guard. Make sure to flip them upward and scrub underneath, as this area often harbors the most eggs.
4. Flush: Pour boiling water down the disposal to help loosen any debris and kill the fly larvae.
5. Baking soda and vinegar: 1/2 a cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of white vinegar will break down serious grime. Allow the mixture to fizz in the drain for 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Scrub inside: Use a long-handled brush to thoroughly clean the inside chamber of your garbage disposal.
7. Ice and salt: Drop a few handfuls of ice cubes and 1/2 cup coarse salt into the disposal. Then restore power and run the disposal for 15 to 30 seconds while running cold water.
8. Citrus peels: Finish by grinding a few citrus peels to improve the overall odor.

Create a Trap for Gnats & Fruit Flies

Any lingering flies after cleaning can be caught using simple homemade traps or commercial sticky traps from a hardware store. A small bowl with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap can be effective if left by the sink overnight. Another option is to fill a cup with vinegar, cover with plastic wrap, and poke holes in the top. With this option, flies can enter the cup, but not escape. 

Additional Tips for Preventing Drain Flies 

To prevent fruit fly infestations in the future, follow these tips:

• Clean garbage disposals with hot water daily.
• Use a baking soda and vinegar mixture to clean drains weekly.
• Avoid pouring grease down the sink.
• Install drain covers to keep flies from laying eggs.
• Proactively fix any leaks to prevent moist breeding environments.

Call Legacy Plumbing for Garbage Disposal Services

When you need expert plumbing services in North Dallas, contact the team at Legacy Plumbing. Our skilled, licensed professionals are available for prompt care and offer the highest quality services for your home. We’re dedicated to treating your home with the utmost respect and providing transparent pricing to help you budget properly. Plus, we offer a full range of plumbing services to handle all of your needs.

Call Legacy Plumbing today to schedule garbage disposal services for your North Dallas home.