Last Updated on March 8, 2021 by
Have you noticed a black worms’ infestation in your bathroom? Are you also worried that these creatures will cause damage to your home and maybe even bring diseases? Worry no more! These tiny creatures are harmless and they don’t transmit diseases. They are however a nuisance and need to be eliminated. You can get rid of the worms by cleaning the drainage pipes, using chemical sprays, by use of a drain cleaner.
Tips Of Dealing With Black Worms
Cleaning The Drainage From Outside
If you see black worms (also known as drain fly larvae) in your bathroom, try cleaning the drain pipes from the outside. Doing this removes slime deposits and dirt that attract the worms. Pour warm water over the drain from outside to help loosen the sludge. You can also use a metal pipe brush and clean in an up and down motion to get rid of the excess waste.
Drainage Cleaner
You can purchase a strong drainage cleaning gel to help coat the sides of the pipe and remove any organic matter. Leave the gel for some time then flush out with water.
Spraying With Chemicals
Chemical sprays are effective in killing any adult worms that could remain after removing the larvae from the pipes. If not put on check, adult worms could return to the drain pipes and lay eggs which hatch into more larvae. You can mix liquid dish soap with water or use a fly swatter to kill the worms.
Using the substances is safe since they don’t have any toxic or harsh chemicals.
Flushing The Out The Larvae
You can flush out the worms by pouring hot water, chemicals or bicarbonate of soda in the pipes. Pour the sodium bicarbonate in the drainpipe every morning followed by a kettle of boiling water. You need to repeat this every day for a whole week. Make sure also that you open any unused taps and run them with hot water at least three times a week.
Treating your toilet frequently with strong bleach will also help to keep the annoying creatures at bay. Make sure that you flush the toilet several times after treating.
What Causes Black Worms In The Toilet?
Black worms survive on soap scum, organic matter, and mineral residue inside the drainage and they are also attracted to moist areas that humans frequent. You can identify the creatures by their black or gray, fluffy bodies and long antennas.
Worms can increase really fast if not controlled since their eggs take only two days to ahtch into larvae. These larvae enter into pupal stage within 8-24 days where they take one or two days before becoming adults. It is necessary to locate the breeding sites to help deal with the infestation.
You need to place a piece of tape face down in a place where you suspect the creatures to be. Check the tape frequently since adult drain flies will emerge and stick on it. Ensure that you clean the breeding site thoroughly after discovering it to kill the larvae. Doing this will stop them from feeding and reproducing.
You can also prevent black worms from infesting your home by cleaning all drain pipes frequently. Make sure that the shower surfaces and traps remain clean all the time. Your septic system needs to have proper maintenance to keep the larvae at bay.
Simple Steps To Eliminate Worms From Your Bathroom
While preventing worms from infesting your bathroom is the best remedy, you may sometimes realize that these creatures are already in. These annoying creatures love wet and damp environments which makes the bathroom an ideal place for them. This is not, however, enough reason to let the worms thrive in your home.
Follow these simple steps to help you deal with the menace:
Cleaning
Start by cleaning all the areas near the tubs and drainage. Ensure that you scrub properly since worms like hiding in such areas. Clean the areas at least once every week using a brush or sponge to remove the worms and larvae.
Using Household Cleaners
Use household cleaners like bleach or borax after cleaning. These substances help to kill the larvae, eggs, or adult worms. Flush the drainage using baking soda or vinegar to remove any eggs. Ensure that the inside flaps of the drainage are clean all the time.
This decontamination process should be carried out every week to eliminate the worms completely.
Cleaning Jammed Pipes
Larvae and worms love feeding on grime found inside jammed pipes. Use a brush to clear the waste in such pipes. But if you are uncomfortable doing the cleaning yourself, then you can call in an expert to do it. Cleaning these pipes will deny the creatures grime hence leesening their chances of survival.
Using A Trap
Once you have cleaned every part in your bathroom, you can put a trap on the drainage to prevent the worms from re-entering. Use petroleum jelly to cover the inner sides of the drain pipe. The jelly traps the worms and larvae and blocks them from getting inside.
Sealing Any Entry Points
Identify any gaps or holes in your restroom that may act as entry points for the black worms. Seal the holes but ensure that you don’t cause plumbing problems.
You can also spray the entry points with insecticides. You may also use dilute vinegar to repel the worms, bugs, and other insects. If you are using insecticides, it is advisable to use one that is suitable for indoors. Carefully read the instructions on the label before spraying to avoid contamination.
Consulting A Pest-Control Expert
Pest-control experts have better ideas on controlling worms. Pest-control professionals will also advise you on how to eradicate the menace of worms and other unwanted organisms from your home.
While most worms are harmless, their presence makes your home look untidy and unhygienic. It is therefore necessary to do everything possible to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation.
How To Get Rid Of Drain Flies
Drain flies are a nuisance to your home especially when they come from floor drains. They may also find their way into other drains that are not used frequently. If you have such a problem in your home, use the following methods to get rid of them:
Pour Hot Water Inside The Drain
Check if the drain is functioning properly by pouring 1/2 gallon of water. If the water drains fast, it means the drain is working well. Follow this step by pouring some hot water to kill larvae. Be careful when using very hot water as this may crack the surface materials. You need to also be cautious when using hot water not to injure yourself.
Pour White Vinegar
White vinegar is effective in killing larvae that may be sticking to the inside of the pipe. You may also use household bleach instead of vinegar but be careful since it is caustic and dangerous. Never mix bleach with vinegar as this may produce chlorine gas which is poisonous. Pour a little bleach (about one cap of the bleach bottle) into the drain as this is enough to kill larvae and insects.
Other Household Items
There are several household items that you can use to kill drain flies. Pour half a cup of salt, half cup baking soda, and one cup of white vinegar in the drain. Leave the items to work overnight then flush with boiling or hot water in the morning. Doing this will help to sanitize the drain eliminate the flies and the eggs.
Do not mix these substances as doing this may endanger your health.
How To Stop Worms From Entering Your Toilet
One of the best ways to prevent worms from coming into your toilet is cleanliness. Always make sure that your toilet bowl is clean, and there are no entry holes and gaps. Replace any old sewer pipes and fix any drain issues that may arise.
You can also call in a pest-control expert occasionally to help deal with the pests in your home.
