Effective Inspection and Best Fly Control Method Suited for Drian Flies Concerns

The larvae and pupae of the moth fly live in the thin gelatinous film found in drains, septic tank field lines or filter stones. The larvae feed on sediment, decaying vegetation and microscopic plants and animals. The larval stage lasts from 9 to 15 days before pupating.During the day the moth fly (drain fly) adult rests in shaded areas or on walls near plumbing fixtures or on the sides of tubs and showers. Most of the activity of the moth fly (drain fly) occurs during the evening. They may be seen hovering around the sink areas in your home at this time.Moth/Drain fly larvae live in the moist film that develops on the sides of a drain and in the drain's trap. The presence of numerous adult flies inside a drain is a good sign that the drain is a breeding site. Use a knife or screwdriver to scrape the film off the sides of the drain and examine it for live larvae.

Adult flies then enter the living space above the slab through cracks in the slab and back through the drain pipe. To determine if they are coming up through the slab, place the masking tape over the crack as described above.

If the suspicion is strong enough that moth flies(drain flies)are breeding under a slab, a hole must be broken through the slab to see if indeed a pipe has broken and flies are breeding there. After a hole is broken through the slab, poke around and dig in the soil under the slab. The organic debris and moist soil may actually be several inches under the surface. The presence of fly larvae and/or adults confirms the site as a breeding source.Sump pump pits and sewers are usually found in a basement area and also prime breeding sites for moth flies, particularly in commercial buildings. The sewers and pump pits need to be checked for activity even if it is not close to where the moth have been seen flying. Also, inspect the pits of elevators in commercial buildings for excess water or moisture.

If you strongly believe that the shower is a possible source, it may be necessary to drill a hole into the area under the shower pan or the wall behind the shower. In most cases where moth flies are breeding in this area, adult flies will begin emerging from the hole within minutes. Moth flies are strongly attracted to light and will fly to the hole drilled through the wall.

Inspect crawlspace areas. Sometimes , if the drain pipe is leaking there, a breeding source is found. Look for the presence of adult flies. Spiders may have dead moth flies in their webs.

Don't stop looking when one breeding source has been found. In most cases, several breeding sources will be present.

Drain flies,or moth flies, can be found in moist, highly organic debris areas such as sink drains,moist mops, sewage treatment facilities, storm drains, dung and rotten vegetation.

Drain flies may also breed in moist, shady areas outdoors such as under potted plants, in bird feeders and baths, in moss, in clogged roof gutters, under air conditioners, in thick mulch, or on wet ground areas.

In natural settings, moth fly larvae feed on decaying plants and animals. Most moth flies are harmless to humans, though they may transmit bacteria and other microorganisms from their breeding sites to areas where people are. Moth flies do not bite. Adults live about two weeks

Re-grouting tiles to prevent water seepage into walls will stop breeding in those sites. If found in rotting vegetable matter, the source should be destroyed. Call pest control professionals for a more reliable results

Clean dirty garbage containers, wet lint under the washing machine, and even standing water in containers under houseplant pots. Outside the home, inspect air conditioners, bird baths, shallow stagnant pools of water and sewage treatment facilities upwind as adult flies will travel with the wind.

Go to main page Auckland Fly Control for more useful tips and control assistance