
Community identification
Drain Fly
Psychodidae
- Order & Family
- Order: Diptera; Family: Psychodidae
- Size
- 2 to 5 mm (1/16 to 3/16 inches)
Natural Habitat
Damp environments rich in organic matter such as bathroom drains, kitchen sinks, sewers, and septic tanks.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on the nutrient-rich slime (biofilm) that forms in drains; adults primarily consume liquids like nectar or polluted water.
Behavior Patterns
Poor fliers that often crawl on walls near drains. They are most active at night and have a life cycle of about 2 to 3 weeks.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless as they do not bite or transmit diseases, but large infestations act as a nuisance and can indicate plumbing issues or poor hygiene.