Drain flies are small and gray. They do not bite, sting, or spread diseases, but their decaying bodies may cause allergic reactions. They can also spread bacteria from trash, decaying vegetables and fruits.
Drain flies aren't known to carry or transmit any human diseases, but infestations have been known to trigger asthmatic reactions. These small insects are opportunistic agents of myiasis (a disease that occurs when the body is infected by a parasite, namely fly larvae that need a host to develop).
The only type of insects that lay eggs inside humans fall under the parasitic family. A drain fly is not a parasite and won't lay eggs inside of humans, only in decaying organic matter.
These pests are a nuisance because they infest in large numbers. Once inside, drain flies may plug pipes and spread bacteria from the filth they live in, possibly contaminating food in the process. These pests, even though they live in filth, are not known to spread any disease to humans.
No, drain flies (Psychodinae) do not lay eggs in humans. They are not parasitic, and the human body is an inhospitable environment for them. Their close relatives, sand flies, are not as friendly, but these are not going to be invading your home in most regions.
Drain flies are not known to bite or transmit any diseases to humans. However they can trigger bronchial asthma in susceptible individuals and their larvae can cause myiasis, a parasitic infestation in which the larvae grow inside human tissue.
Typical symptoms of furuncular myiasis include itching, a sensation of movement, and sometimes sharp, stabbing pain. At first, people have a small red bump that may resemble a common insect bite or the beginning of a pimple (furuncle). Later, the bump enlarges, and a small opening may be visible at the center.
What causes drain flies? Stagnant pools of water, particularly in pipes and other drainage areas, attract drain flies. These small, gnat-like insects feed on and breed in sewage. Organic material can build up along the side of drains quickly, welcoming drain flies to eat and reproduce.
Make a natural cleaning/fly killer mixture.
Mix together 1/2 cup of salt, 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar. Pour the mixture down the drain.
Boil a medium-size pot of water once or twice per week, and pour down and around the drain. Another easy option uses baking soda: Combine 1/2 cup salt with 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar, and pour down the drain. Leave overnight, and finish by pouring boiling water down the drain in the morning.
One possible sign of an undetected mold problem in your home or office could be the presence of Phorid flies, sewer flies or some other gnats or bugs.
Like really love it! They're attracted to moist places like bathroom drains or sink drains and moist towels where there is a lot of stagnant water for them to breed and lay their eggs.
Identifying the Source
For the plastic cup method, lightly coat the inside of the cup with vegetable oil or petroleum jelly then invert the cup over a drain where you suspect flies may live. Leave the cup in place for several days, but check it daily.
It's true! Drain flies, also known as moth flies or sink flies, are a type of fly that is attracted to and lives in dirty drains and pipes. With a lifespan of about two weeks and a reproduction time of about 48 hours, drain flies can quickly turn from an annoyance to an infestation.
Their larvae have been known to be an opportunistic agent of myiasis—a parasitic infection of the body that can occur when the larvae enter the body—though this is quite rare. So, no, drain flies aren't likely to make you sick.
Behavior: Drain flies are most active at night. They are weak flyers that make short hopping flights of a few feet when they are disturbed. Drain flies rest on surfaces with their wings held over their back like a roof. You'll usually find a drain fly close to its breeding ground.
One common remedy for killing drain flies is using household bleach. This is a very useful and cost-effective manner for getting rid of these little pests with an item you already have around the house.
Essential oils are sometimes used to keep flies away from infested sections and also to kill them. Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass, and citronella are just a few of the scents that insects despise (with lavender probably being the most effective).
What Smell Attracts Drain Flies? Drain flies are attracted to the smell of sewage, rotten food, moisture, mildew, and other bacteria. These smells often come from kitchens and bathrooms, where moist organic matter frequently becomes trapped in pipes. Some theories suggest drain flies are attracted to vinegar.
These flies will breed in any moist area that they can find. So if you are facing a drain fly infestation that you cannot figure it out, you may want to look deeper for the cause. The problem could be from a leaking pipe or drain under the sink or even a leaking pipe inside of your walls.
Nine times out of ten, a drain fly problem will go away on its own. Once you get rid of the drain flies that you see, start flushing toilets and running the water in your sinks. This eliminates the standing water in which they dwell.
IT STARTS WITH MAGGOTS IN YOUR DRAINS!
It's the larvae or maggots of these flies that live inside the drains, feeding on the gelatinous goo that forms on the inside of the pipes.
What are the signs and symptoms of infection with myiasis? A lump will develop in tissue as the larva grows. Larvae under the skin may move on occasion. Usually larvae will remain under the skin and not travel throughout the body.
Intestinal Myiasis
In rare cases, you might eat something with fly eggs on it. If the eggs survive in the intestine, the larvae can mature. You might have symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. You may be able to see the larvae in your stool after you defecate.
Myiasis commonly resolves on its own as the larvae are sloughed within weeks. In cutaneous myiasis, however, larvae extraction may be aided by applying topical substances, like petroleum jelly and liquid paraffin, to assist the migration of the larvae out of the skin.