Borrego Springs Local • January 27, 2023
Getting Rid of Drain Flies in Borrego Springs: Naturally
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What are Drain Flies?
Drain flies, also known as sewer flies or filter flies, are small, moth-like insects commonly found near damp or humid areas, such as sinks, drains, and garbage disposals. They have distinctive furry bodies and are about 1/8 inch long. While they do not bite or harm humans, their presence indicates a sanitation problem in your home.
Three Common Types of Flies in Homes
- Fruit Flies: These flies are about one-eighth of an inch long, resembling smaller house flies. They are attracted to decaying or aging fruits, trash, drains/disposals, and other sugar-based sources.
- Drain Flies: These flies have tan bodies with darker wings, are shaped like small moths with fuzzy bodies, and are around one-eighth of an inch long. They prefer dark, damp conditions like the sludge that develops inside drains.
- Fungus Gnats: These flies have brown and black bodies, are less than one-eighth of an inch long, and have a slim, mosquito-like shape. They lay up to 300 eggs in moist, rich soils and prefer decomposing plant roots.
Natural Solutions for Getting Rid of Drain Flies
Several natural solutions can help get rid of drain flies in Borrego Springs:
- Vinegar and Baking Soda: Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda, pour the mixture down the drain, let it sit for a few minutes, then flush with hot water. This helps remove grime and debris that may attract flies.
- Essential Oils Spray: Mix one cup of water with a few drops of peppermint oil, lavender oil, or eucalyptus oil. Spray the solution around areas where flies are commonly found. The strong scent of the oils will repel the flies.
Prevention Tips
Preventing drain flies from becoming a problem is the best way to keep them at bay. Here are some tips:
- Keep Your Kitchen and Bathroom Clean: Regularly clean sinks, drains, and garbage disposals to prevent a build-up of grime and debris that can attract flies.
- Fix Any Leaks: Drain flies are attracted to damp and humid areas, so fixing leaks in your plumbing can help prevent an infestation.
- Use Screens: Ensure all home drains, vents, and windows have screens to keep the flies out.
- Proper Disposal of Waste: Properly dispose of food waste and keep garbage containers sealed and clean.
By following these steps, you can eliminate drain flies and maintain a clean and healthy living environment in your home.
Learn More About Borrego Springs
Borrego Sun Youth Intern Mia Garcia Talks with Martha Deichler About Community, Service and Opportunity During a visit to the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center while a dog training class was underway, Director Martha Deichler reflected on education, community service and why transportation could shape the town's future. As part of the Borrego Sun Youth Internship Program, Mia Garcia prepared the interview questions, discussed the topics in advance and selected the questions she wanted to ask, gaining hands-on experience in community media.
The historic farm offers fresh local products, farm tours, and a chance to experience sustainable agriculture in the heart of the desert. Riviera Farms continues to bring new life to one of Borrego Springs' historic properties. Originally established in 1975 by Knute and Gloria Quvale , the 22-acre farm has been revitalized with a focus on regenerative agriculture, sustainability, and caring for rescued animals. Visitors can stop by the farm to purchase fresh products, meet the animals, and take a tour of the property. For those who can't make it in person, many of the farm's products are also available through its online store. Riviera Farms offers a growing selection of organic eggs, seasonal produce, herbs, nopales, handcrafted seasonings, soaps, bath products, honey, apparel, and other farm-made goods . Inventory changes throughout the year based on what's in season and available. Supporting Riviera Farms means supporting a local Borrego Springs business that is helping preserve the community's agricultural heritage while producing fresh, locally grown products. To learn more, schedule a tour, or browse available products, visit rivierafarms.com . Riviera Farms 2021 Borrego Springs Rd. Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Martha Deichler, CRC Executive Director and Cristian Hernandez, CRC Team Leader
By Sandra Sterling, Retired R.N. Many health care professionals consider dementia one of the greatest challenges facing older adults and their families today. Millions of Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, and as our population ages, that number is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. Families often do not know what to expect when a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis. Most people have heard stories about memory loss, confusion, poor judgment, personality changes, and wandering, but the reality of caring for someone with dementia is often much more complex. Dementia affects more than memory. Individuals may experience changes in behavior, communication, sleep patterns, mobility, and their ability to perform daily tasks. Caregivers frequently find themselves providing increasing levels of support over many years. One of the greatest challenges facing families is caregiver burnout . Providing care can be emotionally, physically, and financially exhausting. Many caregivers put their own health and well-being aside while focusing on the needs of their loved one. Education and support are essential. Understanding the disease process, learning effective communication techniques, and connecting with available resources can make a significant difference for both caregivers and those living with dementia. In Borrego Springs, caregivers do not have to face these challenges alone. The Alzheimer's Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets at the Borrego Seniors Community Center on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 12:00 p.m. The group provides a welcoming environment where families can share experiences, discuss concerns, learn coping strategies, and find encouragement from others who understand the journey. Over the years, I have seen how important it is for caregivers to have a place where they can speak openly about their struggles and successes. Many participants tell me that simply knowing they are not alone brings comfort and hope. My interest in dementia care became deeply personal after losing a family member to the disease. After more than 40 years as a registered nurse, I found a renewed purpose in helping other families navigate the challenges of caregiving. Through the support group and caregiver respite visits, I strive to provide practical assistance, education, and encouragement. There is no single solution for dementia, but there is help. Families can benefit from support groups, respite care, community resources, and the guidance of healthcare professionals. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it is an important part of providing the best possible care. When a loved one is living with dementia, remember that quality of life matters. Patience, compassion, understanding, and support can make a meaningful difference for both the individual and their family. Alzheimer's Dementia Caregiver Support Group The Alzheimer's Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets at the Borrego Seniors Community Center, 580 Circle J Drive, on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 12:00 p.m. Families share stories, struggles, helpful coping skills, and resources in a supportive environment. Sandra Sterling, a retired registered nurse with more than 40 years of experience, also provides caregiver respite visits for relief and support. After losing a family member to dementia, she found purpose in helping other families navigate the challenges of caregiving. For information about the support group, call the Borrego Seniors Community Center at 760-767-3116 . For caregiver respite visits and support services, contact Sandra Sterling at 760-803-2212 .
Beat the heat and keep moving all summer long. As temperatures climb in Borrego Springs, Prajna Yoga is offering a full summer schedule with air conditioning and a variety of classes designed for all experience levels. Whether you're looking for a gentle stretch, a relaxing slow flow, or a more active sculpt and flow class, there are options throughout the week. The summer schedule includes Slow Flow classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, Sculpt & Flow on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Gentle Stretch on Wednesdays, Vinyasa on Monday evenings, and a Sunday evening Restorative class. Prajna Yoga also offers flexible pricing options, including $15 drop-in classes, a two-week trial for $39, class packs, and unlimited monthly memberships. With triple-digit temperatures arriving in Borrego Springs, summer is a great time to stay active indoors while focusing on strength, flexibility, balance, and relaxation. The studio's air-conditioned space provides a comfortable environment to maintain a healthy routine throughout the season. Whether you're new to yoga or have been practicing for years, Prajna Yoga invites the community to stay connected, stay moving, and enjoy a healthy summer.
Discover Borrego Springs County Park, a pet-friendly haven with separate areas for small and large dogs, ample play spaces, safety features like double-gate entries, and amenities including water faucets and waste bags. Enjoy clean, spacious areas for pets and scenic views, making it the perfect destination for relaxation and fun..
Experience the Walk of the Cosmos in Borrego Springs—a journey through the solar system in a beautiful desert park with playgrounds, sports courts, and stargazing opportunities.
Discover freshly made pizza in Borrego Springs at Carlee’s and Calico’s, two family-run spots offering delicious options for both vegetarians and meat lovers in casual, welcoming settings.
Learn about Shape Note singing and the San Diego Fasola Singers’ community event at St. Barnabas, a historic American tradition open to all ages.
Borrego Springs continues to expand its wellness community with the arrival of Mountain Healing Acupuncture, led by Lara Koljonen, a dedicated practitioner of holistic medicine since 2008. Lara brings more than 15 years of experience in acupuncture and integrative care, focusing on empowering patients to better understand their bodies and take an active role in their health. Her philosophy centers on the idea that life is like a garden. The more we care for it, the more vibrant and resilient it becomes. Through education, treatment, and ongoing support, she helps patients cultivate long-term wellness. Her approach blends eastern and western methods, bridging traditional acupuncture with modern health understanding. Treatments are designed to support pain relief, stress reduction, balance, and overall vitality in a safe and nurturing environment. Mountain Healing Acupuncture emphasizes continued learning and integrating new therapies to best serve patients. Lara works to both heal and educate, encouraging clients to build sustainable habits that strengthen their physical and emotional well-being. Contact: Mountain Healing Acupuncture 619.980.0745 Borrego Springs continues to grow as a destination for wellness, and the addition of a long-practicing acupuncturist adds another valuable resource for those seeking holistic support close to home.
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