Small Black Flying Bugs In Your House That are Not Fruit Flies: What You Need to Know

Do you have small black flying bugs in your house, but they’re not fruit flies? You’re not alone. Many people have this problem and don’t know what to do about it. This guide will discuss the most common types of small black flying bugs, as well as how to get rid of them.

 

We will also provide some helpful tips on prevention, so that you can keep these pests from invading your home again. So, if you’re ready to learn more about small black flying bugs, keep reading.

What are the Differences Between Fruit Flies and Small Black Flying Bugs?

Sometimes people mistake small black flying bugs for fruit flies. While they may look similar, there are some key differences between the two. For one, fruit flies tend to be attracted to sweet fruits and vegetables, whereas small black flying bugs are not as particular about what they eat. They will often feed on anything from moldy bread, to rotting meat.

 

Another difference is in their life cycles. Fruit flies only live for about 30 days, whereas small black flying bugs can live for up to a year. Finally, fruit flies typically only reproduce in areas where there is a lot of decaying organic matter. On the other hand, small black flying bugs will lay their eggs in any type of food, including dry goods like flour and cereal.




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Cause of Small Black Flying Bugs

Now that we’ve established the differences between small black flying bugs and fruit flies, let’s discuss the most common causes of these pests. Here are some of the most common reasons you may have small black flying bugs in your home:

Dirty gutters and drainage areas

 Small black flying bugs are attracted to standing water and debris. If you have a lot of leaves or other organic matter in your gutters, this can be a breeding ground for these pests.

Trash cans and recycling bins

A full trash can is like an all-you-can-eat buffet for small black flying bugs. This is especially true if you don’t have a lid on your trash can.

Leaky pipes or fixtures

A small drip from a faucet or pipe can attract hundreds of small black flying bugs. They’re attracted to the moisture, and it provides them with a water source to breed.

Houseplants

Small black flying bugs can sometimes hitch a ride on a new houseplant. While you may not see them when you first bring the plant home, they can quickly emerge once they’re in your home.

These are just a few of the most common causes of small black flying bugs. If you have these pests in your home, it’s important to take action to get rid of them as soon as possible. Otherwise, they will continue to breed and multiply, leading to an infestation.

Different Types of Small Black Flying Bugs in Houses

There are many types of small black flying bugs, but the most common ones in houses are listed below.

Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats are small, dark-colored mosquitoes that are commonly found near areas with high moisture levels. These pests are attracted to damp soil, which is why they are often seen near potted plants or in greenhouses. Although fungus gnats bite, they are not known to transmit any diseases.

 

In addition, the fungus gnat larvae can damage plant roots, which can lead to a decrease in plant growth. Adult fungus gnats can also spread plant diseases. To kill fungus gnats, start by removing any damp or standing water from your home. You can also use traps or insecticides to get rid of these pests.

Flesh flies

Flesh flies are tiny flies that are often found near decomposing animals or garbage. As their name suggests, these pests feed on decaying flesh, which can transmit diseases to humans.

 

These tiny bugs are also attracted to open wounds, and can lay their eggs in them. These tiny black flying bugs can cause infections, which may require medical treatment. To get rid of flesh flies, removing their food source and keeping your home clean is important.

Cluster fly

Cluster flies are larger than common house flies, and are dark gray or black in color. They often enter homes in the fall to hibernate over winter. In spring, they mate and then leave home to lay their eggs on fresh manure.

 

Cluster fly infestations are more common in rural areas where there are livestock farms nearby. These flies have small blackish checkerboard-like patterns on their thorax. Getting rid of cluster flies can be tricky, but it is possible.

 

If you have cluster flies in your home, the best thing to do is to vacuum them up. You can also try using a fly swatter, or an aerosable mosquito trap. If you have a lot of cluster flies, you may need to contact a professional pest control company.

Drain fly

Drain flies are small flies, about ⅛-inch long, with a fuzzy body. Their name suggests that they’re often found near drains, sewage systems, and damp areas. Unlike fruit flies, drain flies do not breed in overripe fruit.

 

Instead, their larvae develop in the organic sludge that can build up in drains, sewage systems, and damp areas. You can use a stiff brush to remove the sludge and larvae from the drains. Doing this will help get rid of drain flies.

Phorid flies

Phorid flies are small black bugs that fly and are often mistaken for fruit flies. Many people identify them by their escape habit of running rapidly for cover when disturbed. Phorid flies are about the size of a grain of rice, and their wingspan is about half the width of their body.

 

Phorid flies fly erratically, and their wings make a loud buzzing noise. Phorid flies are found in all kinds of moisture-rich environments near bathrooms, kitchens, drains, leaky sinks, trash cans, and other places where there is standing water or decaying organic matter. 

 

You need to find and eliminate their breeding sources to get rid of phorid flies. Phorid flies can lay up to 150 eggs at a time, and their larvae are very small and hard to see. The larvae develop in damp, decaying organic matter, such as rotting food, garbage, or sewage. Once the larvae mature into adults, they emerge from their breeding sources, and begin to fly around in search of food.

Pantry moths

Pantry Moths are identified and recognizable by their reddish-brown or copper-colored wings. They are capable of flying, and are often attracted to light. The female moths lay their eggs on food sources, which hatch into larvae that feed on the food.

 

Pantry moths infest dried food items such as cereal, pasta, rice, flour, spices, and pet food. They are especially fond of grains. The moths and their larvae contaminate more food as they feed, which is why an infestation can spread quickly. To kill pantry moths, remove all infested food from your pantry and deep clean the shelves.

 

As you can see, a variety of small black flying bugs can be found in your home. Each type of bug has its own unique set of characteristics and behaviors. If you think you have an infestation of any of these bugs, it’s best to contact a pest control professional to get rid of them. Trying to control the infestation yourself can be difficult and extremely time-consuming. A professional, however, will have the knowledge and experience to quickly and efficiently eliminate the bugs.

Tips on How to Prevent Small Black Flying Bugs in Your Home

Now that you know more about the different types of small black flying bugs that can invade your home, here are some tips on how to prevent them:




  • Seal any cracks or openings around your home.
  • Be sure to sweep and vacuum regularly and wash dishes promptly.
  • Store food in airtight containers.
  • Use screens on doors and windows to keep bugs out.
  • Remove any standing water from your property.
  • Keep trash cans clean and sealed.

Following these tips can help prevent small black flying bugs from taking over your home.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes, apple cider vinegar can be used to get rid of small black flying bugs in your house. Simply fill a bowl with equal parts water and apple cider vinegar, and place it near where you’ve seen the bugs. The tiny flying bugs will attract the vinegar and drown in the water.

Yes, small black flying bugs can be harmful to have in your house. These tiny pests can bite people and animals, and they can also contaminate food with their feces.

Having small black flying bugs in your house can be annoying, and it’s important to identify what kind of bug it is so you can get rid of them. If you think you have flying bugs that are not fruit flies, contact a pest control specialist to help you identify and eliminate the problem. Don’t let these pests take over your home – get rid of them as soon as possible.