Small flies in the home: fruit flies or drain flies?
Find the source before choosing measures. Fruit flies are often seen near fermenting fruit and drink residues; drain flies have a hairy, moth-like appearance and can occur near drains. Not every small fly belongs to these two groups.
Look at shape and activity
Take a clear photo and note where the flies rest and fly. Hairy wings and a moth-like resting posture are consistent with drain flies; fruit flies look different.
The location is a clue, not proof. Small flies near plants, for example, may belong to a different group.
Check fruit, waste and drink residues
Remove overripe or affected fruit, rinse used glasses and bottles and clean waste bins. Check underneath and behind equipment for residues left behind.
A simple trap can reveal activity. If the source remains, the problem can continue.
Flies around a drain
Investigate accessible deposits and have persistent drainage problems appropriately cleaned or repaired. Drain flies can develop in organic build-up.
Never mix cleaning products or pour insecticides indiscriminately down a drain. Follow cleaning product instructions and have inaccessible problems assessed.
If you cannot find the source
Record sightings and have the insect identified. Only then carry out targeted checks of other sources rather than treating everywhere.
In hospitality businesses, waste management, cleaning, deliveries and drains all need attention. A persistent problem requires more than a few individual traps.
Frequently asked questions
Sources and further information
General information, not a diagnosis for your location. Have the species identified if in doubt. Consult a healthcare professional about health symptoms and do not use pesticides without appropriate instructions.
Further reading
Help for your business
RBL Services helps business clients in Noord-Holland, Utrecht, Zuid-Holland and Flevoland. Discuss an inspection for your business premises, kitchen, production site or homeowners’ association.
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