All across Indiana, in both older neighborhoods and newly built suburbs, small moth-like flies can suddenly start appearing around drains, sinks, and basement floor openings. At first, they seem harmless. A few tiny insects resting on bathroom tiles. One or two fluttering near the kitchen sink at night. Then, without warning, their numbers increase.
Most homeowners assume they are fruit flies or gnats. Many spray an aerosol, wipe down counters, and move on. But what most Indiana homeowners don’t notice about drain flies is that their presence is rarely random and almost never superficial. They are not just flying around your sink. They are developing inside your plumbing system.
Understanding why drain flies appear, what they actually indicate, and how Indiana’s climate influences their activity can prevent weeks of frustration and recurring infestations.
What Drain Flies Actually Are
Drain flies are commonly known as moth flies because of their fuzzy, triangular wings and weak, fluttering flight pattern. The species most often found inside homes belongs to the genus Psychoda, which thrives in moist organic environments…