On social media, many viewers were stunned after a video captured a strange creature after a human poured boiling water down.
Have you ever noticed something odd inside your drain? It could be more than just dirt.
Strange creatures lurking in your drains might indicate a bigger problem. Addressing it quickly can help protect your home and health.
What lurks inside your drains ?
If you’ve read Stephen King’s It, you’ll know peering into drains can be risky.
While Pennywise is fictional, the creatures hiding in your drains are very real.
These unwelcome guests, often drain fly larvae, can cause a major nuisance if left unchecked.
A content creator recently shared a viral TikTok video after spotting a “black mass of creatures” wriggling inside an unused drain.
“This is actually something relatively common, and they might even be in your home,” he warned.
According to pest control experts, these larvae will grow into drain flies—hairy, moth-like insects—which thrive in damp, polluted environments. Adult drain flies lay eggs in the sludge accumulating in drains, creating a cycle that’s hard to break if not addressed promptly.
Social media reaction
In the comment selection, many viewers express their shock by Tiktok’s revealation.
One person said: how could a drainage be that so gross, i think prevention is better than any remedy
A second wrote: Caustic soda will solve that pretty fast!
While a third commented: Hell, I’m doing it if I see ANY creatures in my drain
Another added: Can’t cope without my daily warning of something
Someone else said: Never have I ever lived in the house that the drains were unused long enough for flies to lay eggs, hatch, and crawl out.
How to identify drain flies and their larvae
Appearance: Drain flies are light grey or tan with dark-bordered wings. Their larvae often appear as wriggling black masses.
Breeding Grounds: These pests love standing water in sinks, drains, or other damp areas.
Health Risks: While small numbers are harmless, infestations can spread bacteria to surfaces and food.
Steps to eliminate drain flies
1. Use boiling water to target larvae
Pour boiling water directly down the drain to dislodge and kill the larvae. Experts recommend doing this once or twice a week.
2. Clean the drain thoroughly
Use a pipe cleaner or brush to scrub inside the drain, ensuring you remove any debris or buildup.
3. Try a homemade cleaning solution
Mix baking soda, salt, and vinegar, and pour it into the drain. Let it sit overnight and rinse with boiling water the next day.
4. Opt for a commercial drain vleaner
Chemical cleaners are highly effective for dissolving sludge and removing larvae. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Why are drain flies such a big problem?
Drain flies love polluted water, often contaminated with organic matter like food or faeces.
One female can lay hundreds of eggs, causing infestations to spiral out of control. As one pest expert noted, “Anywhere there is standing water in your home, they will spawn.”
In small numbers, drain flies are harmless, but infestations can contaminate food and surfaces. A content creator described the situation: “They’re not something you want in your home.”
Tips for preventing future infestations
Regular Maintenance: Clean your drains weekly to prevent buildup.
Eliminate Standing Water: Fix leaks or areas where water pools.
Monitor Drains: Check frequently for signs of larvae or debris.
Drain flies are more than just a nuisance; they can pose serious hygiene risks if ignored. If you notice these creatures in your drains, don’t wait. Start with boiling water to address the problem, then follow up with thorough cleaning and preventative measures.
Don’t let drain flies take over—act now to keep your home pest-free!