Flies

Drain flies, also known as moth flies, are small flies with a furry appearance due to the hairs on their bodies and wings. These flies often breed in the biofilm coating that builds up on the interior walls of drain pipes or other unclean surfaces. Drain flies can also enter a structure if the water in P-traps evaporates allowing passage from the sewer system. This is the most common cause in residential dwellings and can be remedied by simply running water down the drain to refill the P-trap. As with all small flies, finding and eliminating the source is key for control.

Fruit flies are small with red, and sometimes black, eyes.  They breed in damp and fermenting organic matter.  Fruits and vegetables are particular favorites since they can provide all of these conditions.  Keeping your produce rotated (first in first out) and in the refrigerator can help manage these pests in peak season, which here in Kentucky is July through September.  As with all small flies, finding and eliminating the source is key for control.

Cluster flies are larger slow moving flies often seen inside structures in the fall, winter and spring. They enter the structure as adults to overwinter in voids or attic spaces until spring. They do not reproduce in or cause damage to the structure, but are mostly a nuisance by their presence. Management is accomplished by sealing entry points and applying a treatment to the exterior in the fall when these pests start to congregate on structures.