Where Do Drain Flies Come From

When you see bugs resembling tiny, furry, flying things around your sink or shower, most probably you have come up with a question. Where do drain flies come from? These little biters are everywhere, and they go into homes, there is no exception. They are the most common pests that harass people living in the US. Especially those who are very health-conscious and care for a clean environment. Moreover, knowing where do drain flies come from is vital if you wish to keep your spaces clean and safe. We will discuss the topics of drain flies, the top places where do drain flies come from, and how to get rid of them in this article.

What Is a Drain Fly?

Drain flies are only a different name for moth flies, sink flies, or sewer gnats that are from the dipteran family. These are small insects and their bodies and wings are covered with short hair, which make them look like a small fuzzy moth. Their color can be from light gray to tan. Each of them has six legs and two antennae. Most people don’t distinguish them from fruit flies or fungus gnats. Although, drain flies lead their own, different lifestyle and are situated in the different places.

The life span of a drain fly is very short. It lasts for 20 days during which it lays 30 to 100 eggs depending on the species. Eggs are deposited not in the water but on a moist surface just above the water line inside the drain. After 48 hours the eggs hatch and larvae start feeding. Larvae is a slimy organic substance in the drain called biofilm. The larvae stage takes 9 to 15 days, and the pupal stage only 20 to 40 hours. This is before new adults emerge. To answer the question Where do the drain flies come from is easy if we take into consideration their ability of reproduction. However, this same ability can turn into a menace if not held in check and infestations become quite unwieldy.

Drain fly is not usually linked to diseases but when they are in large numbers, they cause a problem. They may be the cause of the allergy or asthma attack in sensitive individuals.

Know Where Do Drain Flies Come From

The most common places you’ll find them include:

Clogged or Slow Drains:

One of the most popular reasons for drain fly infestation is clogged or slow drains number one and most obvious. Such places become filled with stagnant water and organic matter that lead to drain flies deciding to use these spots for egg-laying.

Rarely Used Toilets:

Toilets that rarely get flushed can lead to a build-up of standing water and a deposit of organic film. This is certainly the number one top spot in the list of places where do drain flies come from.

Refrigerator Drain Pans:

Pans used for the drip under the refrigerator can become a place for drain flies to come, if they are not regularly cleaned, as the water and food particles in those areas create a hidden source of drain flies.

Leaky Pipes and Plumbing:

Moreover, any leak will cause the water to become a pool under the sink, behind the walls, or in the basement, which in turn will become a breeding place for these flies. These dark and wet places are still the most common answers to the question where do drain flies come from.

Garbage Disposals:

Additionally, if your garbage disposal hasn’t been cleaned of all food scraps and there is moisture present, it will become a haven for drain flies in no time.

Septic Tanks and Sewer Lines:

Issues with your septic system or sewer lines can lead to water that is not flowing and organic debris, that is exactly the source of drain flies.

Basements:

Basements are also a hub for these flies because of the high humidity and the fact that they are not normally clean.

Drain flies may get into your home via cracks in windows, doors, or vents, as well. This happens especially when there is standing water outside.

Conclusion

The question- where do these flies come from is a very important one, that every homeowner who is health-conscious should think about. Where do these pests get their energy from? Is another important question. The common areas from where the flies come from are drains, pipes, and other damp places near your house. Make sure to remember that regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent them.