Fruit fly or Gnat (generic tiny fly)
Scientific Name: Drosophila melanogaster or Sciaridae sp.
Order & Family: Order: Diptera; Family: Drosophilidae or Sciaridae
Size: 1 to 3 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found indoors near organic decay, moist soil, sinks, drains, and ripening fruit.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on decaying organic matter, fungi, and fermenting liquids; adults seek out sugars and moisture.
Behavior Patterns
Attracted to light and moisture; rapid reproduction cycles often leading to sudden infestations in kitchens or bathrooms.
Risks & Benefits
Primarily a nuisance pest; can potentially transport bacteria from decaying matter to food surfaces, but they do not bite humans.
Identified on: 1/1/2026