Hobbies And Interests
Description
Sewer flies have a thick layer of gray hair over their bodies and wings, giving them a moth-like appearance. Sewer flies are one-third the size of the average housefly. They have two wings they hold over their bodies in a "V" shape. Sewer flies get their name because of their attraction to decaying organic matter in sewers and drain pipes.
Life Cycle
Sewer flies begin life as small bunches of cream-colored eggs. Thirty to 200 are lain in decomposing organic matter. Organic debris lining drain pipes make ideal breeding grounds for sewer flies. When eggs hatch 32 to 48 hours later, headless maggots that are white with a dark stripe emerge to feed on organic matter surrounding their nesting site. Two weeks later, the maggots develop a hardened pupa to complete their metamorphosis into adult sewer flies that can live up to a month.
Feeding Habits and Disease Transmission
Sewer fly larvae nourish their bodies with decaying food and organic matter, but adult sewer flies fuel up on nectars, sugars and fruit juices. They don't bite or draw blood like mosquitoes. They do, however, collect bacteria from rotting debris in drain pipes and even garbage cans. They expose humans to diseases by carrying this bacteria and contaminating counter surfaces, dishes, cookware and any exposed foods.
Locating Breeding Sites
Aerosol fly control will kill adult sewer flies, but the larvae and breeding sites must be eliminated to end infestation. Locate breeding sites by covering all drain openings with clear plastic cups. Adults will come out of the affected drain pipes and collect in the cups. Also check around garbage cans and chronically wet areas.
Controlling Sewer Flies
Kitchen drain pipes as well as bathtub, shower, toilet and laundry room drains should be cleaned weekly. The safest, cheapest method of ridding pipes of breeding sewer flies is to remove organic debris. Open pipes and traps and scour them with a stiff brush followed by the use of a plumber's "snake." Another method requires using products that contain bacteria or enzymes intended to digest the organic matter quicker. These products are available from professional pest control services. If problems persist, ask a pest control professional for help.