I live in southern AZ and I have recently started using my evaporative/swamp coolers....I have noticed my house in innundated with these small black bugs- they are about 1/4" long or smaller....and they are JET black- their wings look like tissue paper and they like to hang out on walls and other surfaces as opposed to constantly flying and they do not bite- I know they are coming from either the cooler or ductwork because they appeared as soon as I started using the coolers...and I keep the guest bathroom closed off from the rest of the house, nobody uses it- I went in there and there were lots of these bugs dead in the tub and on the window sill, so I am SURE they are coming from the cooler or ducts- I checked the cooler cabinets and I couldn't see any evidence of any bugs in the cabinet or the water but put a little dish soap in the water anyway and put a small bowl of orange oil in cabinet hoping the smell would drive the bugs out of the system- not sure if it is working....I still find these bugs on the walls in every room- my question is what are they?? What attracted them to my ductwork and coolers? What is the best natural way to rid myself of these bugs and what can I do beforehand next spring to be sure that they don't set up house in my ductwork again?
CLOSED: Southern AZ- What is This Flying Insect?
This is a moth fly in the family Psychodidae. Also called drain flies or sewer flies, their larvae feed on decomposing organic matter and often are found in clogged drains, leaks around commodes, and similar situations. They are completely harmless, but can become nuisances if too numerous. See https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/moth-flies-or-drain-flies for detailed information, including control recommendations.
Quote from Flapdoodle :
This is a moth fly in the family Psychodidae. Also called drain flies or sewer flies, their larvae feed on decomposing organic matter and often are found in clogged drains, leaks around commodes, and similar situations. They are completely harmless, but can become nuisances if too numerous. See https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/moth-flies-or-drain-flies for detailed information, including control recommendations.
Well YUK.....I sure don't like the name of them....I am phobic about filth and moisture....can't Imagine what these buggers are feeding on...the coolers are on the roof...they are new and excellently maintained....Mastercool 12" pads are brand new and coolers are directly down vented into the roof as opposed to sitting on the ground....so the ceiling venting is tight, clean and dry....well anyway, thanks so much for your reply and the link....I will for sure research this some more now that I know what the hec they are- thanks again for your reply!!
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