Insect identifier · Often confused insects
How to identify a Drain fly
Psychodidae
· Also called moth fly, sewer fly, filter fly
People search “drain fly” because it looks like something that bites. Drain fly (Psychodidae) does not bite or sting people. Also called moth fly, sewer fly, filter fly.
Moth specks in the shower are drain flies.
What does a drain fly look like?
Drain fly is About 2–5 mm, fuzzy. Colors: gray, tan. Marks: Fuzzy wings held roof-like; On bathroom walls; Weak flight; From the drain biofilm.
Drain fly is About 2–5 mm, fuzzy. Colors: gray, tan. Marks: Fuzzy wings held roof-like; On bathroom walls; Weak flight; From the drain biofilm.
Identification marks
- Fuzzy wings held roof-like
- On bathroom walls
- Weak flight
- From the drain biofilm
Size: About 2–5 mm, fuzzy
Colors: gray, tan
Where: indoor
Drain fly vs Sand fly
Fuzzy fly on the shower wall = drain fly, no bite. Tiny outdoor dusk bite = midge or sand fly.
- Sand fly identification (Lutzomyia spp.)
- Clothes moth identification (Tineola bisselliella)
- No-see-um identification (Culicoides spp.)
Range and season
Active year-round. Places: bathroom, drain. Fuzzy moth-like flies from drains. They do not bite. Not sand flies.
Sinks, showers, and floor drains.
Fuzzy moth-like flies from drains. They do not bite. Not sand flies.
Year-round
Common questions
Do drain flies bite?
No.
Drain fly vs sand fly?
Drain flies are in the bathroom. Biting sand flies are outdoors.