Moth Fly Larvae In Water

Moth flies or Drain fliesMoth flies or Drain flies (Psychoda sp.) In nature, moth fly larvae normally occur in aquatic habitats that experience intermittent submersion. They reproduce in polluted, shallow water or highly moist organic solids where they feed on decaying organic material in mud, moss or water. In homes, the adult flies are most likely found on the walls of the bathrooms.

The drain fly life cycle takes from about 10 to 15 days at about 70° F. Groups of eggs are laid on gelatinous films of organic matter. The larvae can develop in water or thin surface films.

Drain flies (Psychodidae family) are tiny flies that feed on sludge and stagnant water. To get rid of them, find the source and clean it up. Drain flies breed in polluted, shallow water or highly moist organic solids.

You will find the eggs, larvae and pupae in the muck, slime, or gelatinous film often accumulating on the sides of drains (Figure 3) and condensate pipes for air conditioners (Figure 4), in the sewage filtration tanks, septic tanks and moist compost. Other breeding sites include dirty garbage containers, rain barrels. Wondering about those moth-like flies hanging around your drains? Find out what attracts these pests and learn how to get rid of drain flies for good.

It is often stated that moth fly larvae develop in the slime layers above the water line in various plumbing traps, but this is not always true. Some structure infesting moth fly larvae and pupae can live freely in foul water similar to mosquito larvae and pupae. Scientific Name Psychoda sp.

Habitat Breeds in sewage filter plants and is often called a drain fly. It also breeds in moist areas in the house such as clogged overflow pipes of sinks and tubs, hence the name drain fly. Life Cycle Drain flies reproduce in polluted, shallow water or highly moist organic solids.

The eggs, larvae and pupae can be found in the slime, or gelatinous film. LIFE CYCLE Like all flies, moth flies undergo com-plete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Female moth flies lay eggs in moist to nearly satu-rated organic matter.

In an urban envi-ronment, moth fly development often occurs in the slimy organic matter coat-ing sink or shower drains, giving these flies an alternate common name "drain flies" used by many pest management. Learn about drain fly larva, including what they look like, where they develop, and how to get rid of them quickly and easily. How do I get rid of drain flies? Adults are covered with a layer of fine water-repelling hairs, making them difficult to drown.

Likewise, eggs and larvae are aquatic, but can also resist periods of dehydration. Control of an infested drain requires thorough cleaning and maintenance for at least 3 weeks or longer to break the life cycle.