What are drain flies, and where do they come from?

I keep seeing tiny flies near my sink and bathroom drain. What are they, and why are they showing up?

Drain flies, sometimes called sewer flies, moth flies or sewer gnats, are small, fuzzy insects that rapidly breed in the slimy buildup inside pipes. These pests often appear around sinks, tubs, or floor drains because the damp, organic material in those areas provides the perfect environment for them to lay eggs. If you’ve noticed flies coming from the drain or hovering near standing water, you may be dealing with drain flies, and whilst they don’t bite, their rapid reproduction can lead to an infestation quickly.

They are often mistaken for fruit flies but there are differences:

• Drain fly vs fruit fly: Fruit flies are drawn to overripe produce, while drain flies breed in damp drains.

A few flies from the sink may not seem like much, but they often point to a buildup problem inside the plumbing. Maintaining your drains and controlling moisture levels around your property can help to prevent future infestations. 

If you’re struggling with drain flies in your home or business, our technicians can inspect your property and help provide solutions to protect your home. Contact us for fly control services today.