Drain (Moth) Fly
Psychoda phalaenoides
Identification
- small: about 1/8 inch long
- very hairy
- wings covered in fine hairs; moth-like
Nesting Habits
- develop in the scum lining drains and sewer lines or decaying organic material
- larvae hide behind scum making attempted treatments with boiling water, pesticides or other chemicals ineffective
- can breed around broken pipes/drains beneath slabs or in crawlspaces, and enter buildings through floor cracks, etc.
Diet
- drain scum
- decaying organic matter
Significance
- can spread disease through contact
- bodies of dead flies may disintegrate to form allergens
IPM Recommendations
- Locate the breeding site and remove.
- Remove larval habitat by using a hard bristle brush to remove the scum film from inside the drain.
- Use an enzyme drain cleanser to maintain drains free of organic film.
- If flies are coming from voids, crawl spaces or slabs, fix the moisture issue causing the problem and seal.