How to Identify Drain Flies

What Do Drain Flies Look Like?

Drain flies are small fuzzy flies often found around sink and shower drains. They are grayish-brown or tan in color and measure about 2 to 5 mm long. Their wings are longer than their bodies and are often held out to the side or roof-like over the body when at rest, giving the fly a moth-like appearance. The antennae are long, bead-like, and have a whorl of long hairs. Drain flies are weak fliers and can fly only a few feet at a time. The drain fly’s wormlike larvae (maggots) are grey in color and measure between 4 to 10 mm.

What are the Signs of a Drain Fly Infestation?

Drain flies are commonly found near drains, particularly shower drains, sink drains, floor drains, and garbage disposals. These tiny moth-like flies mate and lay eggs in the standing water and organic material that builds up in unclean or clogged pipes. Poor cleaning and maintenance will attract these pests into your home. Drain flies are also nocturnal, so you will most likely see them at night.
Regularly Clean Drains to Prevent Drain Flies

Drain Fly Control in Milwaukee, WI

Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control offers professional fly control services in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. Our certified pest exterminators provide reliable, long-lasting solutions to eliminate nuisance drain flies for homeowners and businesses. Our targeted pest treatments and recurring maintenance services will ensure your property remains pest-free throughout the year.
Regularly Clean Drains to Prevent Drain Flies

Are Drain Flies Harmful?

Drain flies are filthy pests that breed and feed in unsanitary areas, such as sewers and drains. They are a nuisance because they infest in large numbers. Drain flies can plug pipes and spread harmful bacteria to food, cooking surfaces, and utensils. They also reproduce rapidly. A single female drain fly can lay up to 300 eggs within a week.

How Can I Prevent Drain Flies?

The following prevention tips will help deter drain flies from your property.
  • Eliminate sources of standing water in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas.
  • Regularly clean drains and garbage disposals.
  • Install drain covers or screens.

Drain Fly FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do drain flies bite?

No, drain flies do not bite or sting humans. However, drain fly larvae can cause myiasis, a parasitic infection where the larvae grow and live inside human tissue. Drain flies have also been found to cause allergic reactions in some people, particularly individuals with asthma.

What is the life cycle of a drain fly?

Drain flies are short-lived insects that breed rapidly. Drain flies undergo a four-stage life cycle, starting as eggs, then going through the larval and pupal stages before emerging as adults. Female drain flies lay 30 to 100 eggs in decaying organic material in drains. After watching, the larvae will feed on the organic matter and spend about two weeks as larvae before pupating. The drain fly life cycle can take one to four weeks from egg to adult. Adult drain flies usually live for two weeks.