Delta wing flies - Ask Extension
We have had several of these little delta-winged flies in our bathrooms and kitchen. We have never seen them before. We live on Morris Mill Pond, Geor...
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Delta wing flies #670830
Asked July 30, 2020, 2:41 PM EDT
We have had several of these little delta-winged flies in our bathrooms and kitchen. We have never seen them before. We live on Morris Mill Pond, Georgetown.
What are they? Where do they come from? Do they carry anything I should be concerned about?
What are they? Where do they come from? Do they carry anything I should be concerned about?
Sussex County Delaware
Expert Response
This is an insect known as a "moth fly". It is a member of Psychodidae, a family in the order Diptera (true flies). They are frequently found in bathrooms or sinks and the larvae often feed on organic matter found in sink plumbing. They are sometimes found in the sludge that will clog up sink drains. Unless the sludge is removed, the flies can persist. They may also be found in toilets or in moist crevices of shower stalls/bathtubs. They do not cause any illnesses that I know about and are only an issue as a nuisance.