Moth flies are also called drain flies, gnats, sewer flies, fruit flies, kitchen flies, and filter flies. No matter what name is used they can cause mad irritation and problems in both commercial and residential properties in Dallas, Texas, and the surrounding areas.
Flies are the largest insect groups. Small flies are found in moist places, such as under kitchen equipment, soft drink dispensers, and in cracked tile or flooring. As suggested by the name, drain flies or moths are found in or around drains. Run! That’s a good place to start looking. The challenge is when they are not located in those easy to spot places.
Drain Fly Habitats:
These flies also like sewage, and can be found in garbage disposals, toilet tanks, and overflow pipes, and moist compost. They have also been found in dirty garbage containers, soiled mop buckets, and rotten/spoiled foods.
In commercial areas, look “upstream”. Drain flies often will appear after rain showers, and sometimes fixing drainage systems and making sure that wastewater flows away from the site would be helpful. HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.) systems are another point of entry. If the roof isn’t maintained well, water can pool and create that perfect environment for Drain flies. Vents allow them entry when they get sucked into air ducts and blown out in different directions. In residential settings, the area near the HVAC units isn’t often sealed good enough allowing entry points for moth flies.
Health Risks From Drain Flies:
Drain flies do not bite and cause harm, but majority consider them annoying. In healthcare settings they are considered a health risk because of the potential for contaminating sterile surfaces. Ingestion of fruit fly-infested food has been reported to cause intestinal upset, diarrhea, or intestinal myiasis. With the hairs all over their wings they can pick up particles of contaminated things and transfer them to other places. It also affects food sites. Drain flies aren’t just annoying, but they’re a health risk to human health and food.
Fly Inspection tips:
Drain flies takes around 21 days to develop. Sometimes around 7-10 days after a rain event, they start to show up. Where you are seeing Drain flies are most times close to their entry point was or is. Asking customers to seal those entry points can reduce the problem in the future. Outside the home inspect air conditioners, bird baths, plant pots, and garbage containers. Finding moth habitats can be difficult because water sources are often hidden behind ceilings, or in walls.
Treatment: treatment is typically cleaning and removing the food source and breeding site. Drain flies quickly fly a short distance away when they detect something coming their way. Their body structure is also evolved to avoid what is targeted at them. They have quick reaction times so their behavior is adapted to avoid when liquids are aimed at them.
How To Get Rid Of Drain Flies
Have Drain flies and can’t get rid of them? Willis Exterminating in Dallas, Texas, has the right professionals for you. Call today to get more information about our drain fly removal and schedule a free inspection today!
Stop the flies from singing to you and bugging your space!