Tiny flies, two different sources
Knowing which small fly you have tells you exactly where to look, and the source is what has to go.
Fruit flies.
Tan bodies, often red eyes, buzzing around ripe produce, trash and recycling.
Drain flies.
Fuzzy, gray and moth shaped, resting on walls near sinks, tubs and floor drains.
The fix.
Both flies need a moist breeding source, so removing it is the step that works.
Fruit flies and drain flies are both tiny household flies, but they breed in different places. Fruit flies lay eggs in ripe or rotting food. Drain flies breed in the slimy film inside drains, disposals and anywhere moisture and gunk build up.
Drain flies are covered on our home pest control plans, but success depends on removing that buildup. Here’s how to tell the two apart and stop them.
How do you tell fruit flies and drain flies apart?
Look at the shape and where they sit. Fruit flies are tan with rounded bodies and often red eyes, and they hover around food. Drain flies are gray, fuzzy and look like tiny moths, and they rest flat on walls near drains.
Fruit flies fly well and circle the fruit bowl. Drain flies flutter weakly and hop short distances when disturbed.
Where do fruit flies come from?
Fruit flies come from ripe produce, spilled juice, recycling and trash. Eggs often ride home on fruit from the store, then hatch on your counter.
- Store ripe fruit in the fridge.
- Rinse cans and bottles before recycling.
- Take out trash often and keep lids tight.
- Wipe up spills, including under appliances.
Our post on keeping pests out of your Kansas kitchen has more habits that help.
Where do drain flies come from?
Drain flies come from organic buildup that stays wet. Sink and tub drains, garbage disposals, floor drains, overflow holes and unused toilets are the usual spots.
To find the source, tape plastic over a drain overnight. Flies stuck to the tape show which drain to clean. Scrub drains with a brush, clear disposals and fix leaks. Our post on bugs in the bathroom covers other moisture pests too.
Does pest control get rid of fruit flies and drain flies?
Drain flies are covered on our plans, and treatment works when the homeowner removes the buildup in drains, disposals, food and damp areas. Without that cleanup, flies keep breeding no matter what we apply.
Coverage for fruit flies depends on the situation, so call 913-735-5451 and we’ll tell you what fits your home.
If drain flies come back between visits after cleanup, our free re-service guarantee covers a return trip. Allow 10 to 14 days for products to work.
Tiny flies around houseplants instead? Read about fungus gnats. Bugs in the cupboard? See pantry pests.
Still swatting tiny flies around the sink? Call 913-735-5451, answered 24/7, or schedule online. Most services can be scheduled same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, drain flies are fuzzy, gray and moth shaped, while fruit flies are tan with rounded bodies and often red eyes. Drain flies breed in drain buildup, and fruit flies breed in ripe food.
Drain flies breed in the wet, slimy film inside sink, tub and floor drains. Scrubbing drains, fixing leaks and running water in unused drains removes their breeding spots.
Bleach usually rinses past the buildup without removing it, so flies keep breeding. Scrubbing the drain with a brush to remove the film works better.
Yes, drain flies are covered on Rock Pest home pest control plans. Success depends on the homeowner removing the organic buildup in drains, disposals and damp spots.
Fruit flies drop off quickly once ripe food, spills and trash are gone, because they have nowhere left to lay eggs. A small cup of cider vinegar with a drop of dish soap catches the adults that remain.
