Drain Flies

What are drain flies?

Drain flies are a species of “true fly” that, because of their appearance, are also referred to as “moth flies.” The dark wings and head covered in fine hairs are what give them their moth-like appearance. When drain flies are at rest, their wings lay on their backs in a roof-like manner. Their weak flying ability also identifies these flies as well as the short hops they make when moving from place to place.

In addition to their physical characteristics, where they live and breed also helps to identify them. Drain flies live in and around decaying organic debris that builds up on drains and sewers. Inside Washington homes and businesses, these flies typically become a problem in basements, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Why do I have a problem with drain flies?

The presence of drain flies is usually an indicator of other underlying problems like clogged drains, leaky pipes, and high humidity levels. Female drain flies are well-known for laying their eggs in the moist, decaying debris found in sinks, tubs, and floor drains.

Drain flies will also become problematic behind walls and crawl spaces, near leaky pipes, or in areas not ventilated properly. People often discover drain flies after they see them hovering around the drains they developed in. 

Are drain flies dangerous?

Drain flies are not a species of fly that poses major concerns for people. However, these flies do develop in moist and decaying organic matter, so, like other pests, a major concern with drain flies is the spread of bacteria to surfaces in a home or business and the contamination of food.

The biggest problem with drain flies is their ability to increase their populations quickly and become a huge annoyance inside any structure they have decided to invade.

Do drain flies bite?

Being bitten by a drain fly is not a concern. Drain flies are non-biting gnats. 

How do I get rid of drain flies?

Drain flies may be tiny in size, but they can cause big problems inside homes and businesses. If you are dealing with a drain fly problem, contact a pest control company specializing in fly control. At Prosite, we offer onsite inspections to accurately identify the fly problem, evaluate the severity of the infestation, and then develop a plan of action that will deliver results. Contact us today to learn more about our effective fly control solutions for Central Washington homes and businesses or to schedule your inspection.

How do I prevent problems with drain flies?

At Prosite, in addition to our pest control treatments for flies, we recommend implementing the following drain fly prevention tips:

• The ideal way to prevent problems with annoying drain flies is to keep drains clear of debris. Regular maintenance of drains goes a long way in avoiding issues with drain flies.
• Use dehumidifiers to control moisture levels in your home to help make it less attractive to these moisture-seeking pests.
• Make sure to ventilate any crawl spaces.
• Repair any leaky pipes that pop up in your home.
• Use dehumidifiers in your home to reduce humidity levels.
• Keep drain flies out of your house by sealing entry points. Drain flies are tiny, so even the smallest opening around windows, doors, or in exterior walls need repair.