Knowledgebase

Problem with Phorid Flies #750348

Asked May 17, 2021, 10:13 AM EDT

Hello, We live in Ashburn, VA, and are experiencing a problem with phorid flies. After several attempts at remediation with plumbers and exterminators, the problem persists. We are checking with you to see if you can provide any recommendations, particularly for contractors with experience addressing these issues. Any assistance you can offer would be greatly appreciated. 

Thank you, 

Brenda Harrington

Loudoun County Virginia

Expert Response

The following link provides a household fly guide sheet to help you identify your household flies. This article also includes suggestions for trapping in order to confirm the fly's identity.
https://extensiondata.missouri.edu/pub/pdf/agguides/pests/g07388.pdf.  It is important to confirm the ID of the flys to make sure the right control is being applied.  

Phorid fly larvae can live in damp, high organic matter soil, like potting mix. If you have house plants or brought plants inside for the winter, that might be a possible source. For additional info on Phorid Flies See: http://www.phorid.net. Phorid fly's can also be associated with fungus, leaking waste pipes which while a lower possibility, can potentially pose more of a health risk.

Fungus gnats can also be found around wet organic matter. For additional info see: http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PDF/PESTNOTES/pnfungusgnats.pdf. Yellow sticky traps can be set-up around any house plants. One article even suggested that even areas right outside your doors should be checked for wet organic matter since this may be an entry into the house. Additional controls can be identified if you confirm fungus gnats.

Drain flies or moth flies are another possibility. On closer inspection, these can look slightly fuzzy. The larvae of these flies can live in the slime found in bathrooms, kitchen sink drains and garbage disposals. They can also be found in drains that don't get regularly used much like an A.C. drain, an unused shower or basement utility sink. I suspect you had already poured boiling water down all your drains. Also see: https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/files/efpdf3/ef615.pdf

The Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) 2021 Pest Management Guide identifies the following control for Drain flies

There are a large number of Aerosol sprays and Bacterial foam products on the market. If you can identify the product your plumber may have already used, then try again with a different product. Please fully read the label and carefully follow the label directions.

Master Gardeners are not able to identify pest control companies, but here is a link that may help you select a company to meet your needs: http://npic.orst.edu/pest/selectpco.html

We hope this info helps you confirm the identity and control your house flies. Thanks for contacting the Loudoun County Help Desk.  

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 17, 2021, 6:31 PM EDT
We are very grateful for the information you've provided - thank you! I visited the website suggested to try identifying the correct species. They are all so similar, it is difficult for me to discern the differences. Are you able to tell from the attached photos which 'family' they belong to?

We are very grateful for your help. If you are an organization that accepts donations,  please let me know. Thank you so much!

Brenda Harrington 

Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S8.


-------- Original message --------
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Date: 5/17/21 6:31 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: Brenda Harrington <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Problem with Phorid Flies (#0020279)

The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2021, 9:38 PM EDT

Brenda - we asked the VT Entomologist to confirm the species and are waiting to hear back if it is ID'd as a phorid fly.  

The following article from Penn State provide additional suggestions for how you might investigate further and possible direct a plumber if we are able to confirm as a phorid fly.

https://extension.psu.edu/phorid-flies

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 21, 2021, 1:21 PM EDT
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your help. 



Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S8.


-------- Original message --------
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Date: 5/21/21 1:21 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: Brenda Harrington <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Problem with Phorid Flies (#0020279)

The Question Asker Replied May 21, 2021, 2:25 PM EDT

Hi, Can you send some in for ID?  Eric

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 25, 2021, 4:06 PM EDT

Brenda, The VT Entomologist reviewed your photos but then asked if you could mail a sample with several fly's to:

Department of Entomology (MC0319)

Price Hall, Room 216A, Virginia Tech

170 Drillfield Drive

Blacksburg, VA 24061


The flys should be shipped in a small box or pill bottle so they do not get crushed.  

Thank you!

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 25, 2021, 4:43 PM EDT
Will do. Thank you!



Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S8.


-------- Original message --------
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Date: 5/25/21 4:06 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: Brenda Harrington <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Problem with Phorid Flies (#0020279)

The Question Asker Replied May 26, 2021, 4:22 PM EDT

The samples will need to be submitted through the Loudoun Extension office, for contact information, see:  https://loudoun.ext.vt.edu/

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 28, 2021, 9:14 AM EDT

Hello, 

I have specimens ready to ship, but based on the message posted above on 5/28, I am not sure whether I should send them directly to VA Tech or through your office. Please confirm whether I should mail, or drop off at your offices on Miller St. 


Thank you so much!

Brenda Harrington

The Question Asker Replied May 29, 2021, 6:55 PM EDT

Brenda - I tried to skip a step since I thought your photos were sufficient for the Insect Lab to quickly ID.  

The lab's feedback was is that you need to first drop your sample at the VT Extension Office for the horticulturist to review  using the Extension Office microscope.  Here is the address:  

The EO Map address is: https://goo.gl/maps/K4uxTq8eU5U6FaBQ7

Virginia Cooperative Extension Office 

750 Miller Drive S.E. Suite F-3
Leesburg, VA 20175

<personal data hidden>

I have alerted the extension office that you will be dropping your sample this week if possible on tues or wed between 9:00 am to 4:00 PM. 

Once they have had a chance to review they will notify you by email of the insect's ID.  If they are not able to confirm the fly they will send it to the VT insect lab.  

Again, my apology for the ID delay.   
- Becky

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 31, 2021, 11:41 AM EDT
Dear Becky,

If you are open today I will bring them now. Please let me know. Thank you so much!

Brenda 



Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S8.


-------- Original message --------
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Date: 5/31/21 11:41 AM (GMT-05:00)
To: Brenda Harrington <<personal data hidden>>
Cc: Eric Day <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Problem with Phorid Flies (#0020279)

The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2021, 11:54 AM EDT

Brenda - the office is closed today but I have alerted them that you could be expected to drop your sample on Tue or Wed this week between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM.  

-Becky 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 31, 2021, 12:26 PM EDT
Thanks so much, Becky! I will be there Tues, 9:00AM. I did not expect to hear from anyone today, greatly appreciate the communication. Try to enjoy the holiday!

Brenda



Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S8.


-------- Original message --------
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Date: 5/31/21 12:26 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: Brenda Harrington <<personal data hidden>>
Cc: Eric Day <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Problem with Phorid Flies (#0020279)

The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2021, 12:45 PM EDT

I look forward to seeing them. 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 01, 2021, 10:41 AM EDT

Hello,

 

I just dropped of the several insect samples, handed them to Beth Sastre. She asked me to provide the name of treatments that have been applied so far.

 

American Pest Control has applied Invade Hot Spot 6.0000 FL twice. It is an aerosol that was sprayed down the drains in the kitchen and laundry room, and in the sump pump in the basement.

 

Over the past month, we have applied Natural Armor Fruit & Drain Fly Killer Gel to drains in the kitchen, laundry room, and bathrooms multiple times in effort to kill off eggs/larvae.

 

Several times over the past few months we have also tried a solution of baking soda and vinegar, followed by boiling water. This has been poured down all drains in the house.

 

Please let me know if you need anything else. Can’t thank you enough for your help with this.


Best wishes,


Brenda Harrington

 

From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 10:42 AM
To: Brenda Harrington <<personal data hidden>>
Cc: Eric Day <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Problem with Phorid Flies (#0020279)

 

The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2021, 12:48 PM EDT

Thanks Brenda - I have forwarded your previous control attempts to the Horticulturist who you met today.  

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 01, 2021, 1:05 PM EDT

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