Drain Flies
Colour: brown/grey
Size: 3 to 5 mm
Drain flies have hairy wings resembling a moth and can be typically found around the openings of drains in places like kitchens or bathrooms. Though harmless, drain flies can multiple quickly enough to seemingly appear overnight. You will want to move quickly if you see a drain fly. Before an infestation becomes uncontrollable, it is important to have a plan.


Drain Fly Habitat
In nature, moth fly larvae normally occur in aquatic habitats that experience intermittent submersion. They reproduce in polluted, shallow water or highly moist organic solids where they feed on decaying organic material in mud, moss or water. In homes, the adult flies are most likely found on the walls of the bathrooms, kitchens, basements and other locations where sewer drains, and plumbing fixtures are located. Moth fly larvae are known to live in drain traps, garbage disposals, toilet tanks, sides of drains and overflow pipes in homes, septic tanks and moist compost.

Drain Fly Life Cycle
Drain Fly eggs are laid in moist wet areas and hatch in 32 to 48 hours at 70 degrees F. The Larvae feed on the decaying organic matter. Larvae mature in 9 to 15 days into Pupae. The Pupae emerge into adult Drain flies about 20-40 hours after. The life cycle can be completed in one to three weeks. Adults live about two weeks.

Drain Fly Prevention
Make sure drains are kept clean and seldom used drains are kept covered. Use drain cleaner gel once a week to keep organic matter from gathering in drains. Drains that are seldom used can be covered with a drain stopper or a flat rubber cover which can purchased at your local home improvement store to prevent drain flies from inhabiting the drain. Repair or replace missing screens on windows and doors. And be aware of wet areas caused by air conditioners or clogged gutters.
Fly Service Prep Guide
There are many things that should be done to prepare for a drain fly treatment. For the full list of ways to make your drain fly treatment successful, view our Fly Service Preparation Guide.
Pest ID
Do you have a drain fly problem in your home or business? Let us ID it for you!
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