Bugs Coming Up From The Drain

Are pests coming up from your drains?

Bugs Coming Up From The Drain: What Are They?

Seeing a multitude of bugs inside your home gives the impression that the residents inside are constantly surrounded by filth and disease. The same goes with finding bugs coming up from the drain.

Bugs that specifically come up from the drain are known as drain flies. They are also known by a variety of other names including filter flies, sewer flies and drain moths. As compared to other types of insects, drain flies are not known to transmit any form of disease. However, eradicating them or controlling their numbers is recommended to prevent these minute insects from spreading disease in the future.

Identifying the flies

How can you tell that what you have are drain flies, and not another species of flies? To start, drain flies are tiny. Even as full-grown adults, they will only measure up to 1/6 of an inch, including their antenna. Tiny hairs cover their bodies which makes them look similar to hairy moths.

These flies fly like intoxicated drivers. They fly all over the place even though they only cover short distances.

Drain fly habitat and life cycle

Drain flies typically love wet environments or spots where there are lots of moisture or where standing water is present. Other than drains, you may find them in bird baths, sewers, garbage cans, moist mop heads and even on the wet lint that you can find at the bottom of your washing machine. These are typical breeding grounds for drain flies. Bathtubs, sinks and open windows are some of the most common channels the flies can use to enter your home.

Female drain flies can lay anywhere between 30 and 200 pale-colored, oblong-shaped eggs. It takes approximately 32 to 48 hours for the eggs to hatch. Once they hatch, the larvae eat the sugary substances and bacteria lining the walls of the drainpipes, sewers or nearby moist surfaces. Larvae reach maturity within 15 days. Then they live as adults for approximately two weeks.

Controlling their numbers

You can prevent drain flies from multiplying in and around your home by eliminating all potential breeding areas. Look for any places where moisture or water can settle. Drain flies thrive in wet areas. By removing the areas where they can lay eggs, you are preventing their spread.

Clean your drainpipes by pouring non-corrosive bacterial gel down your drainpipes. This will effectively remove any buildup of organic matter, discourage drain flies from nesting and laying eggs there. You can also remove any standing water in and around your home and clean your garbage cans as frequently as you can. Doing so will reduce potential breeding spots in your property.

For additional questions about drain flies, contact a trusted Modesto pest control company. We can help you control the drain fly infestation inside your home.

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