Owl midges, Bathroom flies, Moth flies
Family Psychodidae
Key Features:
The adults are 3-4 mm in length of 10-12 mm.
They are greyish/brown in colour covered in scales, as indeed is the giving the fly the appearance of a The venation of the wings has around 8 veins (two of which are forked in almost parallel to the front edge.
The antennae of the moth flies are han in appearance with large hairs emanating from the intersegmental junctions.
The adult flies are frequently abundant in sewage works
Biology:
The females find a suitable medium in which to lay their eggs, typically the wet organic matter found in drains etc.
The larvae hatch from the eggs, normally within 48 hours, and feed in the rotting organic matter for around 14-15 days.
Pupation is short, a matter of a few days and then the adults emerge.
The adults only live for 2-5 days.
Distribution:
Nearly worldwide.
Significance:
Since moth flies are found breeding in areas of rotting organic matter there is always the chance * They are carrying bacterial particles.
Control:
Treatment consists of finding the source of the infestation and removing it if possible
The application of a residual synthetic pyrethroid would be effective in controlling the site as would the application of ULV insecticide.
However, if the source of the infestation is not identified and dealt with, the problem is most likely to occur.