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DRAIN FLY IDENTIFICATION & ERADICATION IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM Drain flies are frequently abundant insects. (Diptera: Psychodidae). Common names include drain or moth fly (Psychoda alternata); sewer fly, sewage gnat, or Psychod fly (Psychoda cinerea); and filter fly (Telmatoscopus albipunctatus). They are associated with moist, highly organic areas such as sink drains, sewage treatment facilities, storm drains, rotten vegetation, and dung. Their fuzzy moth-like appearance is caused by a dense covering of long hairs on the body and wings. They are weak fliers and often appear to be jumping or hopping. Flight nd mating activities normally occur in the evening hours when they are attracted to lights. Female flies lay their eggs in the organic gelatinous scum which accumulates on the sides of drains. The eggs hatch into small pale wormlike larvae (7-8mm) which are capable of surviving extreme temperatures and habitats low in oxygen.  Under optimum conditions, population growth is explosive. The larvae have strong jaws and feed on the decaying organic matter and microorganisms present in the slime layers around drains. When food is scarce, they become cannibalistic. Following a feeding period, larvae pupate and soon emerge as adult flies (2-3mm, dark color). Adults can live only three to four days without food. Drain flies are of little importance except as an annoyance, nuisance, and potential health hazard. They are possible vectors of disease pathogens because their points of origin are typically "filthy conditions." Control of drain flies requires locating and eliminating larval breeding sites. For the food service industry, primary breeding sites are sink drains and areas where polluted shallow water accumulates (under refrigeration equipment, etc.). CONTROL AND ERADICATION The only effective method to eradicate drain flies is to eliminate the organic matter where they breed and feed. This can be accomplished by cleaning drains with a stiff long-handled brush or other tool. 1-800-334-9955 Sentricon System Ant Control Flea Control Fly Control IPM Program Rodent Control Weed Control |