Tiny flies - Ask Extension
I have plants in my house , But for the last six months I have had these tiny flies or bugs, flying in my house, I have called a pest guy last week...
Knowledgebase
Tiny flies #844333
Asked August 05, 2023, 9:18 PM EDT
I have plants in my house , But for the last six months I have had these tiny flies or bugs, flying in my house, I have called a pest guy last week and he said they were fruit flies, we don’t have fruit anywhere on counter and if we have it’s bananas, for two years we have had a swarm of bugs we have never had in beginning of October outside and they are so small they can come thru screens, my neighbors don’t and they are more in one spot of the house and will fill up the window sill. I think some got in and have been multiple in my house, These Are one and a half week of having this bug trap on. Please tell me what they are and how to get rid of them , before I spend tons of money for pest guy.
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for your patience in receiving my delayed response. I had a few peers share information of what insect they thought may be in your home. It is difficult to see details of the insect so I will share the most possible three options, each has a link with close up photos and information about the insect.
Fruit flies is still a possibility. As you mention, food can be a breeding ground. So can a drain or other plumbing area that may have build up or standing water.
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/insect/indoor/flies/small/fruit-flies.html
Humpbacked flies is another option. Their body has a humped shape and they move quickly rather than fly. These can be a symptom of plumbing issues as that is where the larvae develop.
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/insect/indoor/flies/small/humpbacked-flies.html
Lastly, and what thing the insects may be is a fungus gnat. These larvae typically develop in plant material/soil.
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/insect/indoor/flies/small/fungus-gnats.html
I encourage you to look at the photos on the links I provided. Vacuuming up the insects will quickly eliminate the flying ones. You will need to determine where larvae are coming from. All the best with elimination.
Fruit flies is still a possibility. As you mention, food can be a breeding ground. So can a drain or other plumbing area that may have build up or standing water.
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/insect/indoor/flies/small/fruit-flies.html
Humpbacked flies is another option. Their body has a humped shape and they move quickly rather than fly. These can be a symptom of plumbing issues as that is where the larvae develop.
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/insect/indoor/flies/small/humpbacked-flies.html
Lastly, and what thing the insects may be is a fungus gnat. These larvae typically develop in plant material/soil.
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/insect/indoor/flies/small/fungus-gnats.html
I encourage you to look at the photos on the links I provided. Vacuuming up the insects will quickly eliminate the flying ones. You will need to determine where larvae are coming from. All the best with elimination.
