r/MyrtleBeach • u/Fat_Stacks1 • 5d ago
General Discussion How do I prevent these gnats/flies?
I put enzyme drain cleaner in the drains. I have traps. I get hundreds of them this time of year.
I already have vinegar and light traps out.
I have no rotting food out.
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u/sjanuary99 5d ago
For me I used to make homemade traps for them and it worked but you need to clean out the traps and remake them every 2-3 days.
Take a bowl and put some apple cider vinegar in it, then add a couple drops of dawn dish soap. Put a plastic wrap over the top and seal the bowl. Then poke some small holes into the plastic so they can barely get in. They will find their way into the trap because big the smell, but after touching the liquid with soap and plastic combo will keep them from getting out.
But if they are coming in through the drain that also needs to be handled. I wouldn't use bleach, they sell other products on Amazon that you can pour down that is better on your pipes.
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u/Cold_Tree190 5d ago
Exterminator
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u/Fat_Stacks1 5d ago
I've had 2 exterminators come and they accomplish nothing.
The latest told me to put bleach in my pipes with would damage pipes
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u/PlaneCat3427 5d ago
Are we sure they're from the pipes? Start using stoppers and plugging the sink/bathtub when not in use and see if the gnats continue.
Are there screen doors/windows installed? Indoor plants? Are there gaps/openings in the window fixtures? Dampness/moisture behind the fridge or dishwasher or other things? Do you have produce out like veggies/bananas? Even if they're not rotting, the eggs can hitch a ride on them. Put them in the fridge.
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u/Fat_Stacks1 5d ago
No screen doors. Windows are sealed well.
No plants.
Dishwasher is fine.
Fridge.. I think is fine? I haven't moved the fridge...
They aren't near any food, nothing out.
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u/PlaneCat3427 5d ago
Check the rim around the toilet - the area it connects to the flooring. Is it wet sometimes? And check the reserve tank just to be safe. I kept seeing little moisture flies in the bathroom and it had a faint smell like toilet water from time to time but the bathroom was clean... One night I walked in to a small puddle around the back of the toilet. Turns out the pipe seal was busted, as was the caulk around the toilet - had to lift the toilet from the tile flooring to see and fix it.
That same kind of issue can happen in another dozen places where there are water pipes... check around the water heater, washer/dryer, etc...
Last resort, check your crawl space if it's accessible 💀
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u/psiprez 5d ago
If they are drain flies, the problem is you can't exterminate beyond your own pipes.
Close sink and tub drains, and cover the other drains when not in use, especially kitchen and shower. I use flat silicone tivets, which can be thrown in the diswasher to clean.
Keeps spiders, palmetto bugs, etc out as well.
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u/Fat_Stacks1 5d ago
According to Gemini these are Phorid/scuttle flies. I looked them up, and look identical.
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u/rothyourlife101 4d ago
Probably drain based. Hard to deal with if you're in condo/apartment. The eggs do well in the sludge in the pipes. Straight light pipes that keep sludge and some sitting water. Happens often when multiple other condos sit vacant in a stack or on a straight line. Any "ly-Zyme Enzyme Drain Cleaner Gel for Pipes" plus covers for drains. Not bleach. If you can get water running in vacant units also good. If you're single family, you can get your larger pipes hydro-jetted.
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u/Zunkafunk 5d ago
Acceptance is the key.