Those tiny fuzzy insects resting on bathroom walls are usually drain flies, sometimes called moth flies. They’re small, slow-moving flies with hairy wings that make them look a little like miniature moths. Seeing one or two isn’t unusual, but if they keep appearing around a sink, shower, bathtub, or floor drain, they’re often breeding somewhere nearby.
Drain flies lay their eggs in the slimy organic buildup that can collect inside drains and pipes. Hair, soap residue, skin oils, and other debris create the damp material their larvae feed on. That means repeatedly spraying the adult flies usually won’t solve the problem—the breeding source inside the drain has to be removed.
Start by thoroughly cleaning the inside walls of the suspected drain with a long drain brush, paying particular attention to the slimy film just below the opening. Flush away loosened debris and continue cleaning for several days if necessary. Enzyme-based drain cleaners can sometimes help break down organic buildup, but avoid randomly mixing bleach, vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaners because dangerous fumes can result.
If the flies keep returning after the drains are cleaned, check for less obvious moisture sources such as leaking pipes, rarely used drains, wet mop buckets, or standing water. A persistent infestation can sometimes point to a plumbing problem that needs professional attention.
So those tiny bathroom flies aren’t usually dangerous—but they are a useful warning sign.
If they keep appearing, don’t just swat them. Check what may be growing inside your drains.
Those viral tricks claiming toothpaste, baking soda, or household polish can magically remove scratches from eyeglasses sound convenient, but they can actually make the problem worse. Most…
Finding something unfamiliar in cooked ground beef can be disturbing, especially when it looks completely different from the surrounding meat. In this photo, the object appears more…
Behind her dresser, I found an old cardboard box filled with letters, medical papers, and one tiny photograph of a baby I didn’t recognize. On top was…
Those little metal “buttons” on your jeans aren’t there just for decoration. They’re actually called rivets, and they were added to solve a very practical problem: early…
