Indoor small flying bug - Ask Extension
Hi
About a month ago we started getting very tiny flying bugs in our house. We do not have any fruit, vegetables etc out on counters . I can’t get...
Knowledgebase
Indoor small flying bug #890668
Asked December 10, 2024, 6:31 AM EST
Hi
About a month ago we started getting very tiny flying bugs in our house. We do not have any fruit, vegetables etc out on counters . I can’t get a picture since they are small and fly fast. We can’t get rid of them. We have left vinegar out in cups, gotten plug in lights with sticky tape to attract them. Can you help with what to do please?
Macomb County Michigan
Expert Response
If it's not fruit flies, these insects could be living in one of two spots - sewers or in the pantry.
To see if it's drain flies living in the pipes, you'll want to cover the drain in the kitchen or bathroom overnight with a cardboard cutout that fits snugly over the drain. Attach a sticky card or some petroleum jelly to the bottom side of the cutout.
I would also recommend searching in your pantry to rule out a forgotten about item or a bulk item such as rice or pet food that might be the source of the flies.
If you are able to capture the insects, you are welcome to bring a sample to the Macomb County Plant Diagnostic Lab at the Verkuilen Building in Clinton Twp. I'm the entomologist who works at that office and could tell you what the insect is, which may help figure out a plan for eradication. The charge to identify an insect is $7. Please email or call first before coming:
<personal data hidden>,<personal data hidden>.
To see if it's drain flies living in the pipes, you'll want to cover the drain in the kitchen or bathroom overnight with a cardboard cutout that fits snugly over the drain. Attach a sticky card or some petroleum jelly to the bottom side of the cutout.
I would also recommend searching in your pantry to rule out a forgotten about item or a bulk item such as rice or pet food that might be the source of the flies.
If you are able to capture the insects, you are welcome to bring a sample to the Macomb County Plant Diagnostic Lab at the Verkuilen Building in Clinton Twp. I'm the entomologist who works at that office and could tell you what the insect is, which may help figure out a plan for eradication. The charge to identify an insect is $7. Please email or call first before coming:
<personal data hidden>,<personal data hidden>.
