Small flies in the house can be a major source of annoyance, especially when you wish to relax or work. Not only are these tiny flies a nuisance, but they may also carry several harmful bacteria, contaminate different areas of your home, and potentially infect you. In this article, we shall help you identify the various types of small flies and how you can get rid of them at home or get rid of pests in your apartment so that you know what you’re dealing with and can prevent a serious infestation. So let us delve into this detailed guide about the 4 most common types of flies, and how to get rid of them.
4 Types of Small Flying Insects You Can Find in Your Home
1. Fruit Flies
Fruit flies come from the genus Drosophila. They are commonly found in kitchens and near garbage disposal bins, as they are attracted to decaying or rotten food, or food that has been fermented. The most common type of fruit flies found in homes, kitchens and restaurants worldwide are vinegar flies. Furthermore, fruit flies are about ⅛ of an inch in size, and have a tan body and a brown or black lower abdomen. They can be characteristically identified by their bright red or dark eyes, and have a lifespan of about 7-15 days. They lay their eggs underneath the skin of rotten or overripe food items as they need a moist and organic environment for the eggs to develop.
2. Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats belong to the Sciaridae family. They are most commonly found in moist, damp soil and near plants. They have a low flying ability and are often mistaken as fruit flies. But if you compare gnats vs. fruit flies, you will find there is a considerable difference between the two types, including their breeding grounds and environmental preferences. Fungus gnats are roughly 1/16 to ⅛ of an inch long and can be characterized by their greyish-black body, long legs, and antennae, giving them an almost mosquito-like appearance. They lay their eggs in damp soil, roots of plants, or near moist soil, and their larvae feed on organic matter in soil, along with some fungi.
3. Drain Flies
Drain flies are scientifically referred to as part of the Psychodidae family of true flies. These flies are usually harmless, but they may be carriers of harmful and infectious bacteria. They are usually found near sewers, drainage systems, and pipes, and they feed on filth and scum that accumulates in these damp areas. Also referred to as sewer flies, these tiny flies are characterized by their brown/grey appearance, with hair all over their body, making them appear like moths. But they are smaller, as they can range from 1/16 to ¼ an inch in size. They are attracted to stagnant water and lay their eggs in films of filth that are found in drains and sewers.
4. Phorid Flies
Phorid flies belong to the Phoridae family of flies, which is a family of humpbacked flies that are very similar to fruit flies in appearance. These flies are They are also tan or dark brown and are characterized by their arched thorax, which gives a humpback-like effect. Also known as scuttle flies, they have a low flying ability and usually run across surfaces. They usually inhabit areas with high moisture buildup and around decaying plant and animal matter. They can be found anywhere from mortuaries to trash bins to basements! They lay their eggs in plant/animal matter that is decaying but still moist.
How To Get Rid of Small Flying Insects at Home
Now that we have learned about these flies, their breeding habits, and their various types, let us take a look at some helpful tips you can utilize to get rid of these flies at home or to prevent an infestation.
- Keep Kitchen Clean: Remove any spoilt or overripe food items, clean and sweep your floors regularly, and wipe down your kitchen counters with a disinfectant. You should also ensure that you regularly dispose of your garbage and avoid leaving any used dishes in the sink.
- Seal Entry Points: If there are any leaks or gaps in your drains or any damage to your screens, windows, and doors, then you should repair them so that you can prevent such pests from entering your home.
- Minimize Excess Moisture: Repair any leaky faucets and ensure that your drains are leakproof, to avoid any buildup of excessive moisture in your home.
- Clean Your Drains: Use microbial cleaners to sanitize your drains and remove any filth or scum buildup to prevent any flies from breeding there.
- Use Fly Traps: You can even use fly traps to attract and kill flies by keeping them in areas where you have noticed pests before.
- Use a Plant-Based Insecticide Spray: Such sprays are better than chemically potent ones while being just as effective in killing flies, and less harmful for you.
- Keep Fruits and Vegetables Covered and Washed: If you are storing your fruits and vegetables on your countertops, ensure that you cover them properly and wash them.
Small flies in homes and other areas are very common, but if you know which type of flies are in your home, you can effectively use the right preventive measures and avoid a serious infestation.
