Many bugs, including small flies, can’t handle the cold temperatures of winter. To escape these conditions, some pests will head indoors. If small flies can find a way into your home, they won’t be quick to leave. We’ve gathered information about small flies in winter to help you prevent and control an infestation.
Fruit Flies in Winter
Though fruit flies aren’t likely to survive outdoors in winter, they can live in your warm home. In winter, these flies won’t be flying in through open doors. Fruit flies lay eggs under the skin of fruit, so they’re often brought inside on produce from the store. The eggs can hatch in your home, causing an infestation. Fruit flies are commonly seen near trash bins, fruit bowls, and open bottles or cans.
Drain Flies in Winter
Drain flies can also spend the winter months in homes. While cold temperatures can slow their development, they can still cause problems in your house. The biofilm found in drains and pipes can protect drain fly larvae from the cold. Because these pests are attracted to stagnant water and decaying matter, you’re likely to spot them near sinks, buckets with water, and shower or bath tub drains.
Phorid Flies in Winter
Like other small flies, phorid flies can be found in homes in winter. These flies are known to bury themselves under organic matter to keep warm. They will feed on the organic matter too. In your home, phorid flies will gravitate to decaying matter and areas with moisture build-up. They’re typically seen near rotting food, drains, garbage disposals, trash bins, and recycling bins.
Fungus Gnats in Winter
Fungus gnats can also be active in winter. These small flies are attracted to damp soil and are often spotted in gardens and potted plants. When you bring your plants in for the winter months, these pests can easily hitch a ride inside. They can also be brought home on plants from the store. As long as they have access to damp soil and your house is kept warm, they will be more than happy to stick around for a while.
How to Get Rid of Small Flies in Winter
If small flies have snuck into your home this winter, there are things you can to do to get them to leave. Minimizing conducive conditions and using pest control products can help to keep your home free of these pests. Check out a few tips to help get rid of small flies.
- Remove trash from your home regularly.
- Clean up crumbs and spills.
- Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink, especially dishes with food residue.
- Avoid leaving fruit and vegetables on the counter.
- Check your produce for fruit flies before purchasing it.
- Make sure your drains are clean and aren’t clogged.
- Reduce moisture build-up in your home.
- Don’t overwater your plants.
- Check your plants for signs of pests before bringing them indoors.
- Treat your plants with a plant-based insecticide spray like our 3-in-1 Garden Spray. It kills and repels common garden pests.
- Spot treat flies with a plant-based Flying Insect Killer.
- Place Fruit Fly Traps in areas where you have seen these pests.
- For drain flies, you can treat your drain with our Drain & Fruit Fly Killer. It will help to kill adult flies, larvae, and eggs.
Though it would be nice for small flies to disappear in winter, these pests don’t always get the memo. Being prepared and pest-proofing your home can help to keep these pests away. If you’re dealing with a small fly problem, we’re here to help! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.