Drain Flies
Psychodidae family
Drain flies (moth flies) are small, fuzzy flies with large, leaf-shaped wings held roof-like over their body. They look like tiny moths. They're weak fliers that make short, hopping flights. Often fou...
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How to Identify Drain Flies
Drain flies (moth flies) are small, fuzzy flies with large, leaf-shaped wings held roof-like over their body. They look like tiny moths.
Drain flies (moth flies) are small, fuzzy flies with large, leaf-shaped wings held roof-like over their body. They look like tiny moths. They're weak fliers that make short, hopping flights. Often found resting on walls near drains.
Drain Flies Behavior & Habits
Understanding how drain flies behave helps prevent infestations
Drain fly larvae develop in the organic gunk (biofilm) that accumulates in drains, pipes, and septic systems. Adults emerge, mate, and lay eggs in the same material. They don't bite and rarely fly far from their breeding source.
Drain Flies Risks & Dangers
What drain flies can do to your health and property
Health Risks
Drain flies don't bite or transmit diseases to humans. In large numbers, their body parts and feces can potentially cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Property Damage
No property damage. They're purely a nuisance pest that indicates organic buildup in drains.
Signs of Drain Flies Infestation
Look for these indicators in your home
Drain Flies in Boise & the Treasure Valley
Drain flies are common in Boise bathrooms and kitchens, especially in older homes with slower drains. Floor drains in basements and garages are frequent breeding sites. Rarely-used drains often harbor populations.
How We Eliminate Drain Flies
Professional treatment for complete elimination
Drain fly elimination requires locating and treating the breeding source—usually organic buildup in drains. We use enzymatic drain treatments to break down biofilm, mechanical cleaning when needed, and may apply insect growth regulators. Surface sprays don't work without addressing the drain.
How to Prevent Drain Flies
Steps you can take to reduce the risk of infestation
Drain Flies Questions Answered
Common questions about identification, prevention, and treatment
Why do I have drain flies if my drains aren't clogged?
Drain flies breed in the biofilm (organic buildup) on pipe walls, not in standing water. Even drains that flow freely can have significant biofilm accumulation. The gunk isn't visible from above.
Will bleach kill drain flies?
Bleach kills some adults but doesn't effectively eliminate larvae in biofilm. The biofilm protects larvae, and bleach flows past too quickly to penetrate. Enzymatic drain cleaners work better by breaking down the biofilm over time.
How do I find which drain is the source?
Place strips of tape over suspect drains overnight (leaving gaps for airflow). Emerging flies will get stuck on the tape, identifying the breeding drain. Check all drains including floor drains, overflow drains, and outside drains.
Similar Pests
Learn about other pests in this category