Drain Fly

Scientific Name: Psychodidae

Order & Family: Diptera: Psychodidae

Size: 2 to 5 mm (0.08 to 0.20 inches)

Drain Fly

Natural Habitat

Moist areas such as sewage systems, bathroom drains, sinks, and damp soil

Diet & Feeding

Larvae eat organic matter, bacteria, and fungi in gelatinous films; adults feed on nectar or polluted water

Behavior Patterns

Night-active flyers; they have a characteristic jerky flight and are often seen resting on walls near drains

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans but can be a nuisance and potentially transport pathogens from sewage to food surfaces

Identified on: 3/3/2026