Drain Flies
Common in older Maine homes with aging plumbing — these fuzzy, moth-like flies breed in slow or standing drains.
About Drain Flies in Central Maine
Drain flies (also called moth flies or sewer gnats) are small, fuzzy, moth-like flies that breed in the organic film that builds up inside drains, pipes, and sewage systems. They're extremely common in older Central Maine homes with aging plumbing, slow drains, or infrequently used fixtures. The slimy biofilm that coats the inside of drain pipes provides both food and a breeding site for drain fly larvae. A single drain can produce dozens of flies per day once an infestation is established. While drain flies don't bite or transmit diseases to humans, they can appear in large numbers very quickly and are a sign of plumbing issues that need attention. Simply killing the adult flies won't solve the problem — the breeding source in the drain must be physically cleaned to eliminate the infestation.
Signs of Drain Flies
- Small, fuzzy, moth-like flies resting on bathroom or kitchen walls near drains
- Flies appearing consistently near sinks, showers, or floor drains
- Increased activity in the evening when flies are most active
- Flies in rooms with infrequently used sinks, tubs, or floor drains
- Larvae (tiny worm-like organisms) visible in drain gunk when pipes are inspected
Prevention Tips
- Clean drains regularly with a stiff brush to remove biofilm buildup
- Run water in all drains at least once a week, including rarely used fixtures
- Fix slow drains and plumbing leaks promptly
- Pour boiling water or enzyme drain cleaner down drains monthly
- Ensure floor drains have properly functioning traps with water in them
- Address any sewage line issues or broken pipes that create standing water
Did You Know?
- 1.Drain fly larvae can survive in near-boiling water and many household cleaning chemicals
- 2.A single drain can produce 100+ adult drain flies per day if the biofilm is thick enough
- 3.Drain flies are weak fliers — they tend to make short hopping flights rather than sustained flying
Need Help With Drain Flies?
Our general pest control service targets drain flies at the source. Contact us for a free inspection and quote.
