How Big Are Drain Flies?
WouterDrain flies are tiny insects with fuzzy wings, measuring about an eighth of an inch in length. Their body is gray or tan with dark bands along the edges. Their wings fold over their body when they are resting. When swatted or mashed, their wings disintegrate into fine dust. They live for three weeks and lay eggs every 48 hours.
The larvae of drain flies feed on the organic matter found in drains and compost piles. They lay about 30 to 100 eggs in a week and are very small. They are very common in areas that collect water, such as flooded basements. They also lay their eggs in poorly maintained drains.
Drain flies lay their eggs in irregular masses. After they hatch, they develop into white, translucent larvae. The larvae can survive in a variety of environments, including low oxygen and dramatic temperature swings. Depending on their location, they may lay their eggs on a sludge layer in the drain.
Fortunately, drain flies are not harmful to humans. They do not bite like mosquitoes and do not cause structural damage like carpenter ants or termites. However, some home remedies recommend that you kill the larvae with bleach. However, bleach is an extremely strong chemical, and it can also create toxic fumes if mixed with other household cleaners. You should always be careful when mixing the two chemicals, and make sure to get plenty of fresh air while applying the product.
