How to Get Rid of Worms From the Base of a Leaking Toilet

How to Get Rid of Worms From the Base of a Leaking Toilet
Published: May 18, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Moth flies are attracted to toilets, drains, septic tanks and just about anywhere that contains moist decaying matter. When they mature, the “worms” turn into small black flies that typically hang around the same area, as they are poor fliers. Fortunately, getting rid of the worms is a fairly easy fix.

Things You Will Need

  • Scrub brush
  • Household cleaner
  • Bacterial or enzymatic agent effective against moth flies
  1. Clean the area around the base of the toilet with a scrub brush and a general cleaner labeled for household use. Moth fly larvae feed off of the gelatinous matter that often collects around a leaky toilet or other areas in which still water sits. Washing the toilet tank with the cleanser is also helpful in preventing moth flies from breeding in that area of the toilet, as well.

  2. Apply a product to the toilet base that contains enzymes and bacteria designed to eliminate moth flies and their larvae. These products are typically applied around the base of the toilet; however, read the product’s instructions for best results.

  3. Clean around the base of the toilet on a regular basis to prevent the gelatinous substance from accumulating again. Weekly cleanings with a scrub brush or paper towel and household cleaner are often enough to keep the area scum-free and the moth flies away.

The Drip Cap

  • Seeing worms around the base of your leaky toilet is often a troublesome sight; but they probably aren’t worms you spot.
  • Moth fly larvae feed off of the gelatinous matter that often collects around a leaky toilet or other areas in which still water sits.

References

Photo Credits

Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Heather Vecchioni

Heather Vecchioni is a freelance writer in Maryland. Her work has appeared in several animal-interest magazines, as well as Baltimore-area newspapers and publications. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Maryland.…

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