Pest Library
Drain Moth:
What They Are & How A1 Can Help
PEST STATS
Color:
Brown, Gray, Tan
LEGS:
6 Legs
WINGS:
Yes
CAN IT FLY:
Yes
Season:
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Identifying Drain Moth
The drain moth, or moth fly (Psychodidae), is a tiny, fuzzy fly measuring 1.5–5 mm with gray-brown wings covered in fine hairs. Despite its name, it is not a moth but a weak-flying insect that breeds in the organic film found inside drains, sewage systems, and other moist, decaying areas. Adults rest on walls near sinks, showers, and floor drains, moving only when disturbed. The life cycle—egg, larva, pupa, adult—can be completed in under three weeks in warm, moist conditions, allowing populations to build quickly. While they do not bite or transmit diseases directly, their presence often signals sanitation problems. Control involves thoroughly cleaning drains to remove organic buildup and reducing moisture sources. In heavy infestations, targeted insecticides may be used after sanitation steps are completed.



More Pests to Learn About
Get
$25
OFF
Your First service*
*Any new one-time service with a value of $250 or more.
New Customer Deal: Say goodbye to pests before they settle in. Get $25 off your first one-time pest control service!

