Bug Identifier
Drain Fly
Community identification

Drain Fly

Psychodidae

Order & Family
Order: Diptera; Family: Psychodidae
Size
2 to 5 mm (1/16 to 3/16 inches)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.