You can use bleach to kill larvae. Empty the contents of the black tank, fill it with fresh water, and add bleach. Let it sit for a while, then drain and rinse the tank again. Take caution to avoid mixing bleach with ammonia or any other chemicals.
What is the best septic treatment for a RV holding tank?
- Finding the best treatment for your recreational vehicle’s holding tank is possible if you check out those products that do not have any formaldehyde. Note that you need a formaldehyde-free solution as formaldehyde tends to kill the septic system’s natural bacterial fauna, causing major issues in the long run.
How do I get rid of soldier fly larvae in my RV?
How to Kill RV Sewer Flies with Enzyme Drain Cleaners
- Drain the black tank like normal.
- Add water and the enzyme drain cleaners. Fill the rest of the black tank with water.
- Allow the tank to sit full of water and the enzyme drain cleaners overnight.
- Drain the tank.
- Rinse and re-rinse the tank.
How do you get rid of sewer fly larvae?
Pour in 1/2 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of baking soda plus a cup of white vinegar. Allow it to work its magic overnight then flush the drain with hot or boiling water the next morning. This will sanitize the drain and kill the flies and their eggs.
How do you get rid of toilet drain larvae?
Use a paint stick or scraper to scrape away any film or larvae you can reach. Then, pour a half-gallon of boiling water down the pipe. The extreme heat should be enough to kill any larvae on contact. If the problem is extreme, add a half cup of white vinegar to the boiling water.
What kills septic tank flies?
A super simple fix is to pour boiling water down the drain to eliminate drain flies. Boil a medium-size pot of water once or twice per week, and pour down and around the drain. Another easy option uses baking soda: Combine 1/2 cup salt with 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar, and pour down the drain.
Can you put baking soda in RV black tank?
Baking soda dissolved in water is an effective home remedy for heartburn and acid indigestion. RV water tanks can be deodorized by flushing a solution of one cup baking soda mixed with one gallon of warm water.
Can you put bleach in RV black tank?
Cleaning your black water holding tank is best done when you’re fully hooked up and have both a water and sewer connection. Avoid using bleach or antifreeze for your deep clean, as both of these can dry out rubber seals and ultimately ruin your sewage system.
What spray kills drain flies?
Combine equal parts dish soap and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the drain flies with this solution when you see them; the soap acts as an insecticide and kills the drain flies (but won’t put your family in harm’s way). Pour about ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar into a glass and cover it with plastic wrap.
What does a drain fly look like?
Body: Light gray or tan body and lighter-colored wings. The body and the wings are covered with long hairs, giving the fly a fuzzy appearance. Characteristics: When at rest, the drain fly folds its wings over the body in a characteristic roof-like manner. Size: Drain flies measure about 1.5 to 5 mm long.
How does apple cider vinegar get rid of drain flies?
Pour 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar into a glass and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Poke holes in the plastic wrap with a fork and place the glass next to the sink. Flies will be attracted to the cider vinegar and work their way inside and drown.
Can drain flies lay eggs in humans?
No, drain flies (Psychodinae) do not lay eggs in humans. They are not parasitic, and the human body is an inhospitable environment for them. Their close relatives, sand flies, are not as friendly, but these are not going to be invading your home in most regions.
How do you stop bugs from coming up the drain?
Some of the ways to stop bugs from coming up the drain include plugging the drain, pouring bleach down the drain, and cleaning out the room so there is nothing attracting bugs in the room like garbage cans or food. Different types of bugs find refuge in sewers and piping because it’s wet and full of food sources.
Can drain flies swim through water?
As with most gnats, the larval drain flies need moisture. They can live most anywhere that water accumulates for a week or more. Sometimes the gray, wriggling larvae can be seen swimming in the water. These areas need to be cleaned thoroughly with attention to removing surface films.
Is boric acid safe for septic tanks?
Try rotenone, temephos, diatomaceous earth, or boric acid in your septic tank. Therefore, place them in the tank where they can stay dry for at least a few days, if that is at all possible. The first three won’t kill the microbes that your septic tank needs.
Do septic tank worms work?
More importantly, what we, as humans, put into a septic tank is more than sufficient for any processes to occur and bacteria to grow. If there’s an issue with a septic tank or there are noticeable odours, worms just aren’t going to help.
How do you put bacteria in a septic tank?
Flush a packet of brewer’s dry yeast down one toilet on the bottom floor of your house once a month. The yeast will help add “good” bacteria to your septic tank and break down waste.
How To Get Rid of Maggots in RV Toilet in 7 Steps
Hi-van has the support of its audience. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of my affiliate links, I may receive a commission. More information may be found here. If you notice maggots in your RV toilet, it’s possible that a nest is building within your black water tank, which you should investigate. It can be difficult to get rid of these nests since they are typically hidden deep within the tank and are not always apparent from the outside. Listed below are seven ways that can assist you in getting rid of maggots in an RV toilet:
- Flush the holding tanks for your black and grey water
- Pour boiling water down the toilet of your RV. The black tank should be refilled and flushed to eliminate any remaining particles. Make a freshwater supply for your black water tank. Include a treatment for the septic tank system. Allow the mixture to settle in your tank for 3-4 days before using it. Remove any residual water from your black water tank by flushing it thoroughly.
Maggot infestations may grow quickly and become a serious problem, so if you suspect you have a nest, you must act promptly to prevent it from spreading further. Continue reading for a more in-depth explanation of the processes outlined above.
1. Flush Your Black and Grey Water Holding Tanks
When you flush the waste water holding tanks in your RV, you will remove a large number of the maggots and maggot larvae that have taken up residence in your RV. Maggots are attracted to organic garbage. If you flush the tanks, you will cause a disruption in their habitat, which will push them to relocate and look for a new spot to call home. This step requires you to thoroughly rinse away any remaining trash and dirt. By removing the maggots’ food source, you will also be removing their housing as well as any motivation that the flies may have to lay their eggs within your aquarium.
- Otherwise, I propose that you use a tank wand or tank rinser, such as theCamco Dual Flush Pro, which can be found on Amazon.com.
- Drain all of the leftover water from your tanks once they have been cleaned.
- While you’re about it, you should also clean out your grey water tank to ensure there is no cross-contamination from the flies.
- If you are unsure whether or not you are completely rinsing out your black water tank, please refer to the video below for more instructions:.
2. Pour Boiling Water Down Your RV Toilet
Once your tanks are empty, flush your RV toilet with hot water to help eradicate any maggots that may have accumulated in your tank and clean up debris. All larvae that come into touch with boiling water will perish as a result of the hit. However, you should not rely only on this step as a therapeutic option. It is only the maggots that come into direct contact with boiling water that will be killed, and if you haven’t cleaned the system beforehand, you will likely miss the majority of them.
Bring the water in your tank to a full rolling boil in order to eliminate the maggots that have taken up residence at the bottom of the tank.
To guarantee that any residual larvae on your toilet and at the bottom of your tank are destroyed, allow the boiling water to settle for at least fifteen minutes before continuing the process.
3. Fill and Flush the Black Tank To Remove Lingering Debris
Pour boiling water into your black tank for fifteen minutes, then rinse and refill your black water tank until it is almost completely full of water. Once the water level begins to rise to the top of the tank, drain all of the water out of the tank. Draining the water will assist in getting rid of any maggots and maggot eggs that may have become trapped inside the tank. In the event that you have not previously done so, this is a great moment to use the wand or rinser to thoroughly clean out your black tank of any remaining debris.
4. Fill Your Black Water Tank With Freshwater
You should give your black tank a fresh start when the maggots and larvae have been purged from the tank. This procedure will necessitate the addition of fresh water and the refilling of your black water tank. By repeating this process, you will be able to remove any leftover maggot larvae, maggot eggs, or maggot excrement that may still be present in your RV’s toilet and holding tank after the initial cleaning.
5. Add a Septic Tank System Treatment
To completely eliminate the maggot problem, it is necessary to attack the maggots at their point of origin. If you want to prevent maggot eggs from developing in your black water tank, you must kill them while they are still in the larval stage. In order to accomplish this, you will need to apply a septic system treatment that contains enzymes. If you make a purchase via our link, we will receive a commission at no additional cost to you. I recommend that you use RID-X Septic Tank Treatment Enzymes, which can be purchased on Amazon.com.
If you make a purchase via our link, we will receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
It is a non-toxic mixture that aids in the removal of maggot eggs without causing damage to the holding tanks of your RV.
Good bacteria live in your black water tank, but if you use any harsh chemicals, these bacteria may be killed out.
6. Let the Mixture Sit Inside of Your Tank for 3–4 Days
I recommend allowing the tank treatment mixture to remain in your black water tank for at least 3-4 days in order to provide the best maggot protection possible. These conditions will allow for the breakdown of organic waste within the tank and the elimination of maggots at their source. The enzymes in this procedure will also destroy any larvae that have come into touch with the enzymes if you have any maggots living within your toilet. This is a really important phase. We recommend that you avoid filling the black water tank until the maggots have been completely eradicated.
Having waited the specified time, it is okay to refill your black water tank with fresh water. Do you find this information useful? You may show your support for my work by purchasing me a cup of coffee down here – or if you want to learn more about me, please visit this page.
7. Flush the Remaining Water Out of Your Black Water Tank
Rinse your black water tank thoroughly with fresh water after allowing the enzymes to dwell inside for a few days. This will aid in the removal of any maggots that have been killed by the therapy. You may accomplish this by filling your tanks with water and then draining them until there is no more water coming out of the tank. After the process is complete, dump and refill your tanks until they are entirely clear of any dead maggots that may have remained. It is possible to prevent maggots from growing inside your RV toilet and causing the entire process to start over by following these instructions.
As long as you follow the instructions, you should be clear of maggots in no time.
How To Keep Your RV Maggot-Free
Implementing these preventative strategies will assist to keep maggots out of your RV toilet and will help to protect you from maggot eggs that may be present in your black water tank if you have a persistent maggot problem.
Keep the Water Level in Your RV Toilet Low
It is critical to maintain a low water level in your RV toilet in order to avoid maggots from hatching and spreading. The presence of excessive water in your tank increases the likelihood of the development of eggs into maggots, which can then find their way out of the tank and into your recreational vehicle. It is preferable to keep the water level below 50% at all times when fishing.
Keep Your Black Water Tank Flushed Out
Even if you do not have maggots, it is necessary to keep your black water tank from becoming overflowing. The presence of maggot eggs in your black water might indicate that the tank has become overflowing and that they may hatch. Maintain the cleanliness of your tanks by running them every 4-5 days. Maggots are drawn to the garbage and germs that accumulate within your RV toilet, which attracts them to it. By flushing out your black water tank on a regular basis, you may prevent maggots from developing within and producing an environment that is conducive to the hatching of maggot eggs.
Kill All Adult Flies Inside Your RV
In addition to maggots, you may also see flies in your RV’s interior. These fly deposit their eggs in the black water tank and toilet of your home. In order to prevent them from reproducing, it is recommended that you place fly traps throughout your RV. Flies are incredibly harmful and can cross-contaminate all of the surfaces in your RV, making it unsafe to travel with them. In particular, if they have been inside your black water tank, you should be concerned. If you make a purchase via our link, we will receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
The straightforward design allows flies to enter, but prevents them from exiting via the opening.
Interested in creating your own RV fly trap?
Clean All Surfaces That Have Come Into Contact With Flies
Using a maggot-killing product, spray any surface that has come into touch with maggots or flies to eliminate them. Included in this category are your toilet seat, the lid of your black water tank, and any other surfaces found within your RV. If you make a purchase via our link, we will receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
I recommend that you use Star Brite Toilet Bowl Cleaner, which is available on Amazon.com, to clean the exterior surfaces of your toilet. You can be certain that it is particularly made for RV toilets, and will not damage the plastic or seal of your toilet.
Always Make Sure That Your RV Is Clean and Organized
Due to the fact that maggots are drawn to garbage, keeping your RV clean will help to keep flies away from your vehicle. Keep all surfaces clean and clear of dirt, and wipe up any food spills immediately. Maggots and flies might be attracted to food that has been left outside. If you plan on putting food outside, make sure it is in a container that can be tightly closed and secured. Prior to storing any food that you have brought in from the outside, make sure it is in good condition. Keep food crumbs and spills clean as soon as they occur by sweeping them up and wiping them up as soon as they occur.
Replace Your RV’s Toilet Paper Frequently
Keeping your RV clean will avoid flies from congregating in it because maggots are drawn to garbage. Clean up any food that has fallen on the floor or on other surfaces. Maggots and flies might be attracted to food that has been left out. Food should be kept in an airtight container if it is going to be left out in the sun or rain. Before you leave your RV, inspect all of the food that you are bringing in from outside. Keep food crumbs and spills clean as soon as they occur by sweeping them up and wiping them up as quickly as possible.
Clean Your RV’s Toilet Flange
It is quite easy for maggots to get access to your tank opening, therefore keeping it clean is essential if you want to discourage maggots from developing in your holding tank. If you use a normal toilet brush or wand, you may reach any waste or debris that has become lodged in your flange and remove it from the system. Maggots also like to hide in narrow cracks and beneath rims of jars and bottles. Maintaining cleanliness in these locations will make it more difficult for maggots to establish a nest within your toilet.
Store Your RV With an Empty Black Water Tank
If you have a problem with maggot removal on a regular basis, it is preferable to keep your RV’s black water tank empty while it is in storage. Waste and germs that grow in your black water tank attract maggots, who are attracted to them. Maggots will not be able to develop inside of your RV tank if you keep it as clean as possible when the RV is not in use, according to the manufacturer. Especially important if you are keeping your RV in a warmer climate. The warmer the climate, the simpler it is for flies and maggots to survive and reproduce in large numbers.
Conclusion
To successfully remove maggots from your RV toilet, make sure to follow the methods outlined below. Keep your black and grey tanks clean and free of any waste or debris. If maggots continue to appear in your black or grey tanks after using this method, you may need to consider using maggot treatment in the form of tablets or maggot spray.I hope this maggot removal guide for RV toilets has been helpful in preventing maggots from reappearing.
Here are some of my favorite van life essentials:
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope you find it useful as you navigate your way through your new life on the road. Here are some of the equipment and gadgets that I use on a daily basis to make living in my van a lot simpler. I hope you will find them to be as beneficial as I have. These are affiliate links, which means that if you decide to make a purchase through one of them, I will receive a fee. Nonetheless, in all seriousness, these are the same things that I employ and suggest to everyone, even my closest friends and family members.
Because I’m also spending a lot of time at my desk working, I like to drink my coffee from my beloved Yeti mug.
I like getting out and seeing my ever-changing area, despite the fact that I spend a lot of time in my vehicle while working.
The Winner Outfitters Hammock is my go-to piece of outdoor furniture when I just want to sit out and snooze.
They’re sturdy, and they can be stacked on top of one another. When it’s hot outside, I prefer to take a shower with this portable solar shower from Advanced Elements, which I purchased online. Check out this resource that I created for you to view all of my most up-to-date tips on living in a van!
Get Rid of Drain Flies in Your RV
The most effective method of removing sewer flies from an RV is to destroy their nesting place. This entails determining whether the odors are from from black tanks, garbage traps, or plumbing lines. Once the breeding location has been destroyed, the adult flies will no longer have a place to lay eggs, and their lifespan will come to an end. Aerosol spraying can be used to eliminate any remaining adult flies. It is possible to avoid further infestations by maintaining appropriate cleanliness and by keeping your hose dump valves closed while the hose is connected.
What are sewer flies?
Sewer flies, also known as drain flies, are little black flies that spend the most of their time perched on the walls or ceilings of sewers and drainage systems. They enjoy moist environments and may be found in drains, sewers, septic systems, and shallow water with scum build-up, among other places. The larvae, which are aquatic, spend the most of their time in water, where they develop and feed on organic debris. Nothing, it goes without saying, can bring a vacation to a grinding halt like a drain fly infestation.
Drain flies can be distinguished by the following characteristics:
- The mature flies are small, measuring around 15 to 16 inches in length. They are often black, gray, or brown in color. When at repose, adult flies may have wings coated in fuzzy hair that are broader than their bodies, giving them the appearance of a heart or a roof. Drain flies are similar in appearance to moths, and they fly in short, jerky lines. They have antennas that are segmented and lengthy. They are frequently encountered in close proximity to their breeding place or port of introduction.
In just 48 hours, drain flies may lay up to 300 eggs and hatch them, despite the fact that they only have an 8-24 day life expectancy. This is why spraying the adults without first eliminating the larvae will not be effective in eliminating them!
Signs of a Fly Infestation
In just 48 hours, drain flies may lay up to 300 eggs and hatch them, despite the fact that they only live for 8-24 days. In order to get rid of them, it is not necessary to spray the adults before getting rid of the larvae.
What Causes Drain Flies in an RV?
RVs are equipped with a specialized water storage system. Holding tanks are used to store gray and black water (sewer) until they are drained. Drain flies love the raw sewage in the black water tank because it provides them with a perfect breeding ground. The gray water tank, on the other hand, can serve as a breeding ground for flies. So, how do they gain access? An open dump hose valve linked to your RV’s sewage hookup is a typical entrance place for rodents and other pests. It is possible for flies and gnats to enter your home through the gray or black tank valves if you leave them open from below.
Drain flies flourish on organic waste that is wet, particularly solid waste.
Once they start breeding in holding tanks, it will need a concerted effort to get rid of them once and for all, and this will take time. They will return if you do not carry out your instructions correctly.
How to Get Rid of Sewer Flies
It is possible to get rid of RV sewer flies by following the procedures listed below:
Step 1) Flushing Black and Gray Holding Tanks
Traditionally, chemicals such as bleach have been found to be ineffective against drain flies or larvae since the liquid only comes into contact with them for a brief period of time as it flows through the drain. A holding tank, on the other hand, is a different story. The following items can be used to clean the holding tanks of an RV:
- Built-in rinsing systems: Some recreational vehicles are equipped with their own built-in rinsing systems. The video below may assist you in determining whether or not your organization has one.
- RV Dual Flush: Connect a hose connection to the RV dual flush unit, which shoots water into the RV sewage lines to clean up blocked pipes as well as rinse the tanks. This product creates a strong spray that aids in the reduction of smells and malfunctions in recreational vehicle holding tanks and hoses.
- When you use the Tornado Rotary Tank Rinser, you may dislodge and drain tenacious waste deposits and odor-causing particles that remain in the holding tank after it has been emptied. It has a rotating head that can be rotated 360 degrees and ten high-pressure nozzles. All of the surfaces of your holding tanks should be cleaned.
- The use of tank wands, which link to a water line, allows you to flush the black water tank when it is not in use. When connected to a hot water pipe, it may be used to give the tank a thorough rinse.
The use of tank wands, which link to a water line, allows you to flush the black water tank. When connected to a hot water pipe, it may be used to give the tank a thorough cleaning.
Step 2) Eliminate the Breeding Ground
Once the tanks have been thoroughly cleaned, you must eliminate any leftover eggs or larvae. This may be accomplished by utilizing the following methods:
Bleach
When using bleach in your system or tanks, proceed with caution. Some people do not advocate it since it can interact with the materials and coatings used in the process. There are many more RVers who use bleach without incident (or so they believe?). In contrast to treating drain flies in pipes, an RV has a closed black tank, which allows the chemicals to remain in place while the vehicle is in motion. In order to destroy larvae, you can use bleach. Make a new water fill in the black tank and add bleach after emptying the tank’s contents.
Precautions should be taken to prevent combining bleach with ammonia or other chemicals.
As an illustration:
- Chloramine fumes are formed when ammonia is burned. Chloroform is produced by rubbing alcohol. When bleach and vinegar are combined, poisonous chlorine gas is produced.
Enzyme Cleaners
Sewer flies deposit their eggs on a layer of organic material film, and the larvae that hatch into adult flies feed on this layer of organic material film. By removing this layer, you are removing the flies’ preferred food supply from the equation.
- Empty the contents of the black tank into a sink
- Make a filling of the container with water and add the enzyme drain cleaning
- Allow it to sit for at least one night. Drain and thoroughly rinse the tank
Moreover, these cleansers have the additional benefit of eliminating odors.
Drain Fly Gels
These are available in both enzymatic and chemical forms, and they are designed to eliminate organic buildup in pipes or obstructions. They decompose the solid waste, so removing the flies’ breeding grounds from the environment. Drain fly gels that are often used include the following:
- It is possible to purchase them in either enzymatic or chemical form, and they are used to clean organic accumulation from pipes or clogs. As a result of digesting solid waste, they are able to eliminate flies’ breeding sites. Common drain fly gels include, for example, the following products:
Drain gels are often costly and should only be utilized in pipe systems.
Step 3) Kill Adult Flies
As soon as the breeding grounds have been eliminated, you must get rid of the adult flies that have emerged. The following are examples of common methods:
- A fly trap made of apple cider vinegar may be placed near a drain to attract and kill adult flies, which will attract and kill the flies. Other types of fly traps include disposable bag traps and sticky yellow ribbons, which are also effective in catching flies. Electric insect zappers/fly light traps: Because flies are drawn to light, they should be used with caution. Adult flies can be eliminated with the use of a zapper/fly light catcher. The biggest problem is that they are unable to completely eradicate breeding habitats. Insecticides: The use of contact aerosols (Pyrethrins) to kill adult flies can be effective in reducing their population. Read and follow the instructions and safety precautions that have been provided to you.
Prevent RV Sewer Flies from Occurring
RV sewage hookups are frequently the source of flies invading campsites. It is simple to keep drain flies at bay by closing the RV tank dump valves for the black and gray tanks. The only time you should be open is when you are actively dumping. This will assist in preventing unwelcome sewer-dwelling visitors from floating into your RV while you are traveling.
Check out theHepvO Sanitary Waste Valvesas an alternative to p-traps (which, if not maintained, may become breeding grounds for bacteria). It is also a good idea to remove any standing water that has accumulated, other than that in tanks.
Final Thoughts
To completely eliminate sewer flies, you must first identify them and then use the appropriate treatment procedures to eliminate them from your home. It may take numerous strategies and efforts to totally eliminate the flies from your home. As a result, it is critical to place emphasis on prevention. Learn what to do if you ever come across an astink bug in your RV, as well as what you can do to prevent them in the future! Further Reading:
Maggots coming out of toliet overflow
To completely eliminate sewage flies, you must first identify them and then use the appropriate treatment measures to eliminate their presence. Many different procedures and tries may be necessary to entirely eliminate the flies. Preventative measures must be prioritized as a result. Learn what to do if you ever come across an astink bug in your RV, as well as how to prevent them in the future! Further Reading:
How do I get rid of maggots in my RV toilet?
In response to “Maggots coming out of the toilet overflow” It is possible that you may need to fill and empty the external tank a number of more times in order to completely purge it. Also, you might add a dosage of septic tank enzyme cleaning, such as Rid-X or Roebic 67, and allow it to rest for 3-4 days after filling it with new water. Using one part bleach and one part water, you may kill maggots by squeezing them with the solution you made. Alternatively, hot water and flea or lice shampoo can be used.
Furthermore, what is the best way to get rid of maggots in my toilet?
If you want, you may make a gallon of boiling water with a cup of bleach and 1 1/2 cups hydrogen peroxide.
In a similar vein, you can wonder how to get rid of fly maggots.
- In response to “Maggots escaping from the toilet overflow” In order to completely purge the external tank, you may need to fill and empty it a couple of times more times. If you want, you might fill it with fresh water and add a dosage of septic tank enzyme cleaning, such as Rid -X or Roebic 67, and allow it to rest for 3-4 days. Using one part bleach and one part water, you may kill maggots by sprinkling them with the solution you made. Flea and lice shampoo can also be used in conjunction with hot water. To get rid of maggots without using pesticides, you might pour boiling water or a combination of hot water and cinnamon over them. How can I get rid of maggots that have accumulated in my toilet? Maggots will be killed instantaneously if they are exposed to hot water. A gallon of boiling water can be treated with a cup of bleach and 1 1/2 cups of hydrogen peroxide if desired. Dish soap is a fantastic insect repellent and/or pesticide that may be used in the kitchen. Another question you can have is “How do I get rid of fly maggots?”
How can I get rid of sewer flies in my recreational vehicle? The Best Way to Get Rid of RV Sewer Flies Using Enzyme Drain Cleaners
- Drain the black tank as you normally would
- Next, add water and the enzyme drain cleansers to the tank. Fill the remaining space in the black tank with water
- And Wait overnight for the tank to fill with water and the enzyme drain cleaners to do their work. Drain the tank of water
- Tank should be rinsed and re-rinsed
How to Avoid Sewer Flies
If you’ve never heard of sewer flies before, keep reading to find out how you can prevent being bitten by them. The following article has been sent to us by Gary Bunzer, also known as the RV Doctor.
Frustrating Fly ‘Festation’ with RV Toilet
Please continue reading to learn how to prevent being attacked by sewer flies if you haven’t already.
Our thanks to Gary Bunzer, the RV Doctor, for providing the following article.
How To Get Rid Of Sewer Flies In RV (12 Methods!)
One of the most prevalent and annoying pests that RV owners have to deal with is the bug with the Latin name of Clogmia albipunctata, which is also known as the sewer fly, drain fly, bathroom moth midge, and other variations. Despite the fact that they are not biting insects and are not known to spread illnesses, they are a source of irritation. Generally speaking, they like to dwell and breed near sewage drains and treatment facilities, marshes, and shady regions with stagnant water that is rich in decaying organic matter.
The first step in getting rid of them is determining whether or if your RV is genuinely infected with them and, if so, where they are coming from.
What’s Attracting Sewer Flies To Your Rv?
Generally speaking, all pests that you may come into contact with in your surroundings are drawn by three factors: food, breeding circumstances, and shelter. It is possible for sewer flies to enter your RV in search of food as well, and the good news is that if you discover them in your RV, this does not necessarily indicate that it is contaminated with them. However, in order to understand how to get rid of them or prevent them from colonizing your motor home, you must first understand why they might appear in your area.
Shade During The Day
Sewer flies are not one of the insects that prefer direct sunlight and the heat of the day, which makes them quite rare. As a result, they will seek shelter from the sun wherever they can. Considering that they are not particularly adept fliers, they would seek a location close to their breeding grounds. Because sewer flies prefer to reside and breed in areas where there is decaying organic waste and stagnant water, RV campground sewage connections are virtually always a good site to look for them.
Light During The Night
Many insects, such as sewer flies, that like to dwell and nest in warm and moist environments, such as sewer flies, are drawn to lights via indirect means during chilly evenings. The majority of lightbulbs frequently seen in RVs generate both heat and ultraviolet light, which is known to attract a wide variety of insects. Seeing sewer flies in and about your RV at night might mean that they are drawn to the lights and that your recreational vehicle is not contaminated with them, so keep an eye out for them.
Moisture
Adult sewer flies may survive for up to 12 days on nothing but water alone. However, when there is wetness, there are possible sources of food as well as ideal circumstances for egg laying. For the most part, adult insects prefer to feed on the nectar of flowering plants, which they locate by detecting moisture in the air.
If your RV is in close proximity to their colony, they may be drawn to the flowers in your car. However, the presence of wetness also implies the availability of sites that are suitable nesting grounds for them.
Decomposing Organic Material
Using only water as their only source of nutrition, adult sewer flies may survive for up to 12 days. There is possibility for food supplies and ideal circumstances for egg laying in areas where there is wetness, though. A majority of adult insects prefer to feed on the nectar of flowering plants, which they locate by sensing the presence of moisture in the atmosphere. Flowers in your RV may attract them if your vehicle is in close proximity to their colony. However, the presence of moisture also suggests the presence of environments that are suitable for their reproduction.
How To Get Rid Of Sewer Flies In Your Rv?
Depending on whether you have a sewer flies infestation or invasion, you should determine what activities need to be taken in order to eradicate them. The simple act of eliminating those that are visible may be sufficient to deal with these pests if they have simply arrived by air from the outside. It is, nevertheless, prudent to inspect potential nesting sites and take steps to prevent an infestation from taking hold. One of the most effective methods of eradicating them is to prevent them from becoming a problem in the first place by removing all possible breeding locations.
Aerosol Insecticides
If you simply need to get rid of adult sewage flies that have made their way inside your RV from the outside, numerous insect sprays are an excellent answer. Sprays containing pyrethrins and its analogs, pyrethroids, are the most often used short-term remedies for bedbug infestations. A class of naturally occurring substances known as pyrethrins, which are isolated from a variety of chrysanthemum flowers. As a result, it is classified as a natural pesticide or organic pesticide. In addition to these two forms of pesticides, there are a plethora of different bug sprays available for purchase.
Boric Acid Spray
Spraying a water solution of borax on sewage flies is one of the most often used home pesticides for controlling sewer flies. However, in practice, it is not a very efficient bug killer. It is because borax is a compound of boron that is commercially available in the form of a white powder that there is so much misunderstanding. Boric acid, on the other hand, is a highly efficient and relatively harmless pesticide that may be used to kill insects that groom themselves and groom other insects.
This is why you will find them as an active component in a large number of commercial insecticides.
Flytraps
Fly traps, both commercial and homemade, can be used to manage the number of adult sewage flies in residential areas. The simplest trap to create is one that uses apple cider vinegar and other common home goods. All you need is some vinegar in a glass or similar container; a quarter of a cup will enough, and you will wrap the container with plastic wrap to keep the vinegar fresh. The plastic wrap will need to be pierced with few small holes, and the trap will need to be placed near the location where you have spotted the flies.
They will be attracted to the fragrance of apple cider vinegar, and they will find their way into the trap by accident. Unfortunately for them, getting away from it is not as simple as it appears.
Drain Insecticides
In the event that sewer flies have contaminated the sewage in your RV, you will need to take more serious methods to get rid of them. On the market, you may discover a wide variety of pesticides that have been carefully developed for use in drains. When used in this manner, they form a chemical barrier that is lethal to sewer flies that attempt to escape from your drains. They are most commonly applied by pouring or spraying them into your drains. One disadvantage of these pesticides is that they are only a short-term remedy, since they do not generally kill larvae or make your drains unsuitable for flies to live in on a long-term basis.
Drain Repellents
Another possible remedy for the problem of sewer flies infestation is the use of different insect repellents designed specifically for use in drains and sewers. They are often based on citronella oil, which is an extract of lemongrass that is non-toxic and effective as an insect repellent. Because these repellents are most usually made out of a gelatinous composition that must be put into drains in order to work, they prevent sewer flies from leaving through drains. The difficulty with this method is that it does little more than make the infestation less noticeable on the surface.
Despite the fact that they will be effectively stopped from infiltrating your living area, you will still have to deal with them in their preferred dwelling environment.
Cold
The most effective and least expensive method of killing adult sewer flies is to use cold. All that is required is that you empty your tanks and leave your RV exposed to temps below freezing for at least 48 hours before starting. However, for the vast majority of RV owners, this is easier said than done, and a more easily available fix would be a preferable alternative in this situation.
How Do You Get Rid Of Sewer Fly Larvae?
It is not enough to just kill adult flies in order to eliminate them permanently. Adult flies may live for up to 12 days, but they are ready to produce eggs as soon as they reach the second day of their life cycle. Feminine adults can lay anywhere between 30 and 100 eggs, from which larvae will emerge over the course of the following two days. During this stage, they will feed on decomposing organic waste, algae, and other microorganisms. They will remain in this state for up to fifteen days.
Flush The Tanks
Sewer flies like moist, decaying organic matter-rich environments in which to deposit their eggs, and it is in these same environments that you will locate their larvae. Your drains and pipes may be clear of sludge and debris, but your black water tank is a great environment for them to flourish. If you discover sewer flies in your RV, it is imperative that you completely clean the black water tank of the vehicle.
It is not critical what method you choose to flush the tank as long as you flush out all of its contents, including any filth and slime that may have accumulated on its top inner surface.
Pipe Cleaners
In addition to having extremely fine hairs covering their bodies and wings, sewer flies also have hairs on their legs and wings that act as a water repellent and protect them from drowning. This allows them to fly up from the black water tank and discover the slime that accumulates on the interior of drain pipes, which creates an ideal environment for laying eggs for the next generation. As a result, in the case of sewer flies, infestation larvae may be present in this layer of slime, and one treatment is to remove it using pipe cleaners to prevent the spread of the infestation.
Enzyme Drain Cleaners
The use of enzyme pipe and drain cleaners is your best option if you are seeking for an environmentally friendly way to deal with larvae in your plumbing system. In fact, almost of enzyme cleansers are derived from chemical compounds collected from plants, making them a natural answer to this problem. Commercially available enzyme cleaners include either bacteria or plant enzymes that will speed up the breakdown of organic materials in your RV’s drains, depending on the type of cleaner used. Both enzyme drain cleaners and sewer fly larvae removers will assist you in removing organic debris from your drains, as well as the larvae of sewer fly, while being less harsh on the pipes and other sections of the waste system.
Tank Additives
The use of enzyme pipe and drain cleaners is your best option if you are seeking for an environmentally friendly way to deal with larvae in your home. Almost of enzyme cleansers are based on chemical compounds collected from plants, and as a result, they are a completely natural solution to this problem. Commercially available enzyme cleansers include either bacteria or plant enzymes that will accelerate the breakdown of organic debris in the drains of your recreational vehicle (RV). It is possible to eliminate organic debris from your drains, as well as sewer fly larvae and other pests, with the aid of enzyme drain cleaners while being less harsh on the pipes and other sections of the waste system.
Bleach
Even while there are several recipes and directions for using bleach to kill both adult and larval sewer flies, in practice, they simply do not work in the manner that they are marketed to. This does not rule out the possibility of a solution; it only indicates that it does not function in the manner described in other publications. As a degreaser, bleach does not harm sewer flies in the same way that it does to other insects, depriving the larvae of their food supply. Because it dissolves lipids that enclose bacteria and viruses, it also has an antibacterial impact on them as well.
Both of these gases are extremely hazardous and must be handled with extreme caution.
Mechanical Cleaning
Getting rid of sewer fly larvae boils down to removing the materials in which they are residing, which is simple. If you are unable or unable to use any chemical cleaning procedure on your drains, pipelines, or tanks for whatever reason, mechanical cleaning is your only alternative. There are many different types of brushes and similar equipment available for cleaning drains and pipelines. Furthermore, many contemporary recreational vehicles are already equipped with tank wands and other similar equipment that are specifically designed for this function.
If you don’t know what you’re doing, getting rid of sewage flies in your RV may be a frustrating experience.
However, if your black water tank and drain pipes are overrun with them, simply removing the adult bugs will not enough; you will also need to get rid of the larvae that hatch from the adult bugs.
Recap
You should now understand what attracts sewage drains to your RV, how to get rid of them, and how to get rid of sewer fly larvae. The remainder of the website is worth checking out if you like this post and found it to be useful. If not, have a wonderful afternoon!
Bugs in Black Water Tank
| 10-26-2014, 12:06 PM | 1 |
| Rivet Master2008 25′ ClassicFull Time, TexasJoin Date: Nov 2012Posts: 4,309 | Bugs in Black Water Tank
I have the AS at home and I can dump the black water into a 5 gallon bucket then close the valve and haul it to the nearby power room toilet in my house. I’ve used the black water flush to clean out the tank and as the water cleared I noticed what seems to be insect larvae in the water. Anyone notice this? Would using tank deodorant prevent the bugs?Kelvin |
| 10-26-2014, 12:13 PM | 2 |
| Rivet Master2007 InterstateNormal, IllinoisJoin Date: Jan 2009Posts: 17,099 | Ick!Have never noticed that, but I would sure do whatever is needed to get rid of them.And, not sit on that toilet til I was sure they were gone.Sounds like your tank is not being emptied completely, perhaps?Maybe find a dump with a long hose, put it down the toilet and give it a good cleaning.You can also buy an attachment for a garden hose that creates pressure and do the same thing.Maggie_Find a need and fill it. Cherish and appreciate those you love.This moment could be your last. |
| 10-26-2014, 12:17 PM | 3 |
| Rivet Master2007 30′ ClassicOswego, IllinoisJoin Date: Jul 2010Posts: 11,930Images:5 | Fly larvae?What Maggie said.they need poop to lay eggs.Flush it good.I have never seen that either.Something must not have gottten cleaned out last time_-Rich-“If the women don’t find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.” – Red Green |
| 10-26-2014, 12:56 PM | 4 |
| Rivet MasterPort Orchard, WashingtonJoin Date: May 2009Posts: 4,464Images:1 | I am very curious about how long the black tank was left without being emptied.Keep in mind that insects can, and probably occasionally do, accessboth the black and gray tanks, through the roof vents.A good ripe black tank would probably lure a lot of flies.I wouldn’t be concerned, unless bugs start flying out of the toilet when you flush it.I would just empty it, flush it, and in the future don’t look to see what comes out of it when you drain it.Ken |
| 10-26-2014, 12:58 PM | 5 |
| Rivet Master2000 25′ SafariDavidson County, NCHighlands County, FLJoin Date: Aug 2006Posts: 4,452 | I seen that sometimes, especially when going down south where it is warm and humid.Flies and gnats can get down through the plumbing vents into the tanks.Dumping every 4-5 days and taking time to rinse and flush really good after dumping the waste tanks solves this problem._Alan2014 Silverado LTZ 1500 Crew Cab 5.3L maximum trailering package |
| 10-26-2014, 02:32 PM | 6 |
| Rivet Master2008 25′ ClassicFull Time, TexasJoin Date: Nov 2012Posts: 4,309 | No bugs found in the toilet bowl or the trailer. Usually when I’m at a campsite with water before I go to the dump station I fill the black tank almost full with the black water flush. They are small, 1/4″ long x 1 1/16″ wide. Maybe they are mosquito larvae. Maybe I’ll put some chloride don’t the tank before I go out next weekend.Kelvin |
| 10-26-2014, 03:32 PM | 8 |
| Rivet Master1972 27′ OverlanderDenver, North CarolinaJoin Date: Aug 2004Posts: 761Images:4 | How can mosquito/ fly larvae survive the chemicals we add?Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums_Lucky Dave, Denver NC |
| 10-26-2014, 03:58 PM | 9 |
| Rivet MasterPort Orchard, WashingtonJoin Date: May 2009Posts: 4,464Images:1 | Quote:Originally Posted bymccrostiHow can mosquito/ fly larvae survive the chemicals we add?Sent from my iPhone using Airstream ForumsI’m sure it depends which of the many various products are used.Some are simply deodorants.Some are biologic enzymes that break down the waste.Some people probably don’t use any.Maybe they use floating objects as rafts.Ken |
| 10-27-2014, 06:09 AM | 10 |
| Figment of My Imagination2012 Interstate CoachFrom All Over, More Than Anywhere ElseJoin Date: Dec 2011Posts: 10,868 | Living in an area where mosquitoes grow the size of Cessnas, this is a subject near and dear to my heart… The accepted method of killing mosquito larvae (and by extension any insect larvae) in standing water is:1 – Add mineral oil to the water. Mineral oil floats, and forms a barrier that prevents the water from being oxygenated.2 – Squirt in dish soap. This poisons the water and kills the little buggers that survived the mineral oil. If you wash dishes in a washbasin and dump the basin in the toilet, that works too, in addition to stretching your gray tank capacity.Sidebar— The fact that dish soap kills insect larvae is one reason why you only see the larvae in the black tank, not the gray tank._I thought getting old would take longer! |
| 10-27-2014, 06:56 AM | 11 |
| Rivet Master2007 InterstateNormal, IllinoisJoin Date: Jan 2009Posts: 17,099 | That’s good info, Protag.There are at least a few pans of dishwater in every tank we dump, always.May have been accidentally preventing insects all along.This also makes a good case for dumping frequently.not usually a problem when you have small tanks like ours.If I were to find insect larvae moving around in my toilet, I would be one freaked out woman.Maggie_Find a need and fill it. Cherish and appreciate those you love.This moment could be your last. |
| 10-27-2014, 11:13 AM | 12 |
| 3 Rivet Member1980 31′ International1966 22′ SafariCincinnati, OhioJoin Date: Sep 2012Posts: 238 | Protag – That is a wonderful idea about the dishwater. I had no idea the dish soap would kill those insects in the black water tank. (though we have always used plain Dawn on the many rescue dogs and puppies we fostered to kill fleas) Now that we are finally getting on the road, this is a great tip!_Robb, JennThe Brown Dog (Dex)Maizie, The Black Dog, May You Rest Peacefully1980 International 311966 Safari 22 WBCCI4447 AIR70157 |
| 10-27-2014, 11:44 AM | 13 |
| Rivet Master2008 25′ ClassicFull Time, TexasJoin Date: Nov 2012Posts: 4,309 | I don’t find the bugs in my grey water so the dishwater must do the trick. They are not mosquito larvae looking at a previous post link so must be something else. They almost look like seeds but there seems to be a small head at one end. Several flushes of the tank in preparation for monitor recalibration and I still saw some in the bucket. I’ll add some dish soap to the tank before heading out this weekend.ThanksKelvin |
| 10-27-2014, 12:01 PM | 14 |
| retired USA/USAF2001 30′ ExcellaSomerset, New JerseyJoin Date: Jan 2009Posts: 2,415 | I’m sure a bit of chlorox in the black tank would effectively terminate any residuals that may have survived your prior efforts.It would also end any biologic action going on and then that would need to be regenerated on it’s own time.I guess that I have unknowingly prevented such growth by the occasional dishwater deposited in my effort to save some grey tank space.Amazing some of the good things that happen out of ignorance._Roger in NJ” Democracy is the worst form of government.Except for all the rest”Winston Churchill1948TAC – NJ 18 |
| 10-27-2014, 12:06 PM | 15 |
| Figment of My Imagination2012 Interstate CoachFrom All Over, More Than Anywhere ElseJoin Date: Dec 2011Posts: 10,868 | Quote:Originally Posted bypolarlyseI’m sure a bit of chlorox in the black tank would effectively terminate any residuals that may have survived your prior efforts. It would also end any biologic action going on and then that would need to be regenerated on it’s own time.Actually, while dish soap kills aerobic (oxygen-breathing) mosquito larvae, it doesn’t actually kill the anaerobic (non-oxygen-breathing) baceria that breaks down solid waste. Otherwise a residential septic tank would never work. You can add enzymes at the same time you add dish soap, and both will still work.On the other hand, chlorine kills all organics, including the beneficial anaerobic bacteria.Don’t add chlorine to your black tank._I thought getting old would take longer! |
| 10-27-2014, 12:11 PM | 16 |
| 4 Rivet Member2002 31′ ClassicHouston, TexasJoin Date: Oct 2004Posts: 442Images:1 | If you really want to kill the little devilsgo to Home Depot or Lowes and purchase some pool shock.Mix up a little in a gallon of water and pour down through the toilet (be careful as it turns into ~90% chlorine and will bleach/eat almost anything) followed by filling the tank; let steep about an hour and dump tank; fill and dump tank twice to remove the shock and ALL living things will cease. |
| 10-27-2014, 12:42 PM | 17 |
| Rivet Master2012 25′ FB Eddie BauerVintage Kin OwnerVirginia Beach, VirginiaJoin Date: Sep 2004Posts: 7,668 | Pool shock treatment might be a bit too harsh.I’m sure it wouldn’t cause immediate failure of the tank, but over time it could accelerate normal wear making it brittle and subject to leaks.A quarter cup of bleach may be just as effective and you’re bound to have some already.Part of what dish detergent does is lower the surface tension of the water.If you ever watch mosquitos, the mature ones will literally walk on water.If you have a sadistic streak (and I do hate mosquitos) just add a squirt of detergent to any stagnant water and the skeeters will start sinking like rocks.The larvae may simply lose the the integrity of their outside membrane once dish detergent enters the picture.Carrying buckets of effluvient.This is a job for the Sewer Solution.If your plumbing is less than 60 years old, you are sure to have an “outside cleanout” somewhere on your property.Even if it is slightly UPHILL from your Airstream, the Sewer Solution, with assistance from water supplied via garden hose, can drain your tanks.It’s certainly neater than the bucket route, and no tripping and spilling “IT” all over your bathroom! Look at their website to see how it works.Paula_Today is a gift, that’s why they call it the present. |
| 10-27-2014, 01:25 PM | 18 |
| 4 Rivet Member2002 31′ ClassicHouston, TexasJoin Date: Oct 2004Posts: 442Images:1 | Quote:Originally Posted byFoiled AgainPool shock treatment might be a bit too harsh. I’m sure it wouldn’t cause immediate failure of the tank, but over time it could accelerate normal wear making it brittle and subject to leaks. A quarter cup of bleach may be just as effective and you’re bound to have some already.PaulaI agree it’s harsh, but after two flushings (complete tank fill) it is essentially all removed.I use it since I have a pool and it’s readily available; additionally I do have a sewer clean-out which I use 2″ PVC to gravity flow to; it’s located literally within two feet of my pool steps, go figure. |
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