Drain Fly (Moth Fly)
Fuzzy moth-like flies that emerge from drains and indicate organic buildup inside pipes.
Drain Fly (Moth Fly) (Clogmia albipunctata) is a Florida pest we rate as a low concern. Rhino Pest Management, licensed (#JB242881) and insured, covers general pest control throughout Florida's Treasure & Space Coast and holds a 5.0★ rating over 16 Google reviews. Free, no-obligation estimate: (772) 589-6842.
Photo: abumadsen (CC0) · Wikimedia Commons
Small (2–5 mm), densely hairy and moth-like with rounded wings held flat over the body at rest. Light gray to tan with a spotted pattern. They hop or make short weak flights near drains.
The gelatinous organic biofilm coating the inside of slow or infrequently used drains, floor drains, condensate pans and sewage treatment areas.
- Small fuzzy moth-like flies resting on bathroom or kitchen walls near drains
- Flies appearing after returning from a trip (water dries in traps, organic film builds)
- Persistent flies despite killing adults — new ones keep emerging from the drain
Drain flies don't bite or spread disease but indicate a sanitation problem inside the drain. In rare cases they've been associated with respiratory issues in people with severe asthma in very infested spaces.
Is this urgent?
No. Drain Fly (Moth Fly) is a nuisance, not a threat to your health or your house. Most people fold it into a regular service visit rather than booking a special trip. If the numbers keep climbing after you've dealt with the moisture and food sources, that's when it's worth a call.
Rhino uses drain treatment foam to break down the organic film that larvae feed on, combined with an appropriate product for adults. Keeping drains flowing and clean prevents return.
Our General Pest Control serviceMore mosquitoes & flies
Scientific source
For the biology behind this page, the University of Florida's IFAS Extension publishes a detailed Featured Creatures profile of this species — free to read, and written by entomologists in this state:
Drain Fly Psychoda spp. — UF/IFAS Extension