
Community identification
Drain Fly
Psychoda alternata
- Order & Family
- Diptera: Psychodidae
- Size
- 1.5 - 5 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Humid areas, sewage systems, bathrooms, and kitchens, particularly near drains and standing water.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on organic matter and bacteria found in drain sludge; adults eat nectar and dirty water.
Behavior Patterns
Mainly active at night; they are poor fliers, often seen crawling on walls or taking short, jerky flights near breeding sites.
Risks & Benefits
Primarily a nuisance pest that can indicate sewer leaks; they do not bite humans but may carry bacteria from sewage into living areas.