A to Z of Pests

Moth Fly (also called drain fly)

Psychoda spp

Appearance

• Adult – 5mm. Grey coloured fly with hairy wings – which make it look like a moth.

Lifecycle

• Moth flies lay eggs in a mass of 30 to 100 which hatch in less than 48 hours.
• The larval stage lasts from 9 to 15 days and the pupal stage lasts from 20 to 40 hours.
• Adult flies may live about 3 weeks.

Habits

• In homes, moth flies usually originate in sink, bathtub, shower, or floor drains, especially drains that are seldom-used or slow-running. The larvae feed on sediment, decaying vegetation and microscopic plants and animals.