Drain bugs - Ask Extension
These bugs are crawling out of the bathtub drain at my elderly parents house. They are about 1-2mm. I’m assuming they are drain moths but am not cer...
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Drain bugs #839136
Asked July 05, 2023, 4:19 PM EDT
These bugs are crawling out of the bathtub drain at my elderly parents house. They are about 1-2mm. I’m assuming they are drain moths but am not certain.
Baltimore City County Maryland
Expert Response
Drain flies (they do look moth-like) are different in shape and size (larger) than these insect cousins, which are springtails. Fortunately, springtails don't hurt anything and only feed on debris like mold spores and pollen. Their presence might mean an area indoors is staying more damp than usual or might be molding if there is a water leak into wood or wallboard, but near a drain on hard surfaces they aren't necessarily an indicator of a problem.
Miri
Miri
This is awesome. Thanks very much for the explanation.
You're welcome!