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Moth Flies
drain flies
Sewage flies
These pests go by several names including drain flies, sewer flies, moth flies, and others.
The associated names alone should be an indication of how disgusting these pests are.
Most times when we get a call in regards to drain flies, it’s normally a homeowner with a busted drain pipe in the basement, a homeowner with a faulty septic tank.
In several restaurant locations. We find these guys in similar conditions in addition to having clogged or busted grease traps etc.
Identification
Habits
Disease
Pictures
Identification
In natural settings, this species of fly larvae feed on decaying plants and animals and organic wastes. Most moth flies are harmless to humans though they may transmit bacteria and other microorganisms from their breeding sites to areas where people are. Moth flies do not bite.
They love the damp dark areas. Being nocturnal these pests are seen in the day and tend to hide on ceilings of infested areas. The flight patterns for this pest is simply erratic, they are not distance fliers. They can reproduce relatively fast with a 20-40 hrs. and reaches maturity in a time of about 2 weeks. With an adult size on average, 3/8th’s of an inch.
Habits
Due to the small nature of these types of flies. They easily enter through screens and ventilation.
In most cases during the day, moth flies tend to migrate to a shade covered wall and rest.
Identifying the source is important in eradicating this pest. Some customers report these pests exiting their drains including sinks and bathtubs. In these situations, a mechanical remedy is needed to eradicate. Immediate results however a thorough inspection is still needed to eliminate at the source.
Disease
Although these flies come from drains and sewage they are not known to transmit any known human sickness and pathogens. They are vectors, by habit. Sewers and drains are designed to deal with waste.
Their size and speed of populating have been noticed to interfere with asthma conditions. Also, they are known to contaminate food sources being that they derive and flourish best in organic materials.
Locating this pest in the bathroom and other damp areas of the home. It is a sure indication of a possibly larger problem. This pest can become a problem all year round in our homes and indoor locations.
Pictures
