Nuisance Insect - Ask Extension
In December we noticed some little flying insects in our house. I assumed they were fruit flies, but the regular fruit fly remedies didn't work, and u...
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Nuisance Insect #820593
Asked February 17, 2023, 3:31 PM EST
In December we noticed some little flying insects in our house. I assumed they were fruit flies, but the regular fruit fly remedies didn't work, and upon closer inspection I realized they did not look a lot like fruit flies. Then I thought they were fungus gnats and threw out all of our indoor plants thinking they came from eggs laid in the soil. That didn't work and the insects seem to be more numerous than ever. They are in all rooms of the house, but do seem to be most abundant in rooms with water. I find groups of dead insects on the floor, maybe 30+ in each group. Now I am wondering if they are drain moths. I'm attaching three pictures. The first two are of living specimens, the third is a dead one with a ruler beside it. Any ideas?
St. Louis County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hi Kate,
This does look like a drain fly/moth fly to my eyes. They like moist, dark environments, so it might be worth cleaning out your drains.
More info on the biology and management of drain flies here:
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ENT-41
Marissa Schuh
Horticulture Integrated Pest Management Extension Educator
This does look like a drain fly/moth fly to my eyes. They like moist, dark environments, so it might be worth cleaning out your drains.
More info on the biology and management of drain flies here:
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ENT-41
Marissa Schuh
Horticulture Integrated Pest Management Extension Educator