Flies & Gnats
What gathers these thirteen creatures into one catalog group is a streamlined flight plan built on a single pair of membranous wings, while their hind wings have evolved into tiny balancing organs called halteres that act like biological gyroscopes. Even though common names shove delicate drain gnats and bulky horse flies under the same broad umbrella, this group actually splits down the middle into delicate, long-antennaed gnats and stout, short-antennaed true flies that share little evolutionary kinship beyond that two-winged blueprint.
Telling this group apart from its four-winged neighbors in your home or garden usually comes down to counting wings, checking antennae, and looking at where the pests are congregating. If you see a furry little insect resting with its wings held in a tent shape over its body near a damp sink, you are looking at a drain fly rather than a moth, which has dusty, overlapping wing scales and a coiled mouthtube. If a pest has a narrow waist and four distinct wings like a wasp or a bee, it does not belong here either, since every fly and gnat in this collection relies exclusively on its two front wings to navigate.
Explore flies & gnats
House flyMusca domestica
Fruit fliesFamily Drosophilidae
Drain fliesFamily Psychodidae
Phorid fliesFamily Phoridae
Cluster fliesPollenia species
Blow fliesFamily Calliphoridae
Flesh fliesFamily Sarcophagidae
Fungus gnatsFamily Sciaridae
Horse fliesFamily Tabanidae
Deer fliesChrysops species
Black fliesFamily Simuliidae
Biting midges / no-see-umsFamily Ceratopogonidae
Spotted wing drosophilaDrosophila suzukiiQuestions about flies & gnats
Flies & GnatsHow do you get rid of fruit flies in the kitchen?How to get rid of fruit flies in the kitchen: find and remove the breeding source, confirm you have fruit flies and not drain or phorid flies, scrub the drain instead of pouring blFlies & GnatsWhere do fruit flies come from?An informational guide explaining where indoor fruit flies come from, how to identify them, and how to address infestations safely.Flies & GnatsHow do you get rid of drain flies?Drain flies keep coming back because bleach and boiling water slide right over the slime they breed in. Learn the tape test to find the guilty drain, the brush-and-enzyme routine tFlies & GnatsWhy are there drain flies in the bathroom?Tiny fuzzy flies on the bathroom wall usually mean one thing: they are breeding in the slime inside your drain. Learn how to confirm it with a simple tape test, why bleach fails, wFlies & GnatsDrain flies vs fruit flies: how can you tell?Learn how to tell drain flies and fruit flies apart by examining their appearance, flight habits, and breeding sources, and discover how to clear them safely.Flies & GnatsPhorid flies vs fruit flies: what is different?A detailed comparison between fruit flies and phorid flies covering identification, behavior, breeding habits, and control methods.Flies & GnatsHow do you get rid of phorid flies in a house?A comprehensive guide on how to identify and get rid of phorid flies in a house, focusing on source reduction and drain cleaning.Flies & GnatsWhy are cluster flies in the house?Cluster flies indoors in winter are not breeding in your house, they are hibernating in your walls. Learn how to identify them, what actually works to remove them, and when to callFlies & GnatsWhy do cluster flies appear in winter?Cluster flies show up on windows in midwinter because they moved into your walls and attic in autumn to hibernate, and a warm spell woke them early. Learn how to confirm what theyFlies & GnatsHow do you get rid of gnats in the house?Getting rid of gnats means finding and removing their breeding site, not spraying the adults. Learn to tell fruit flies, drain flies, fungus gnats and phorid flies apart, and how tFlies & GnatsHow do you get rid of fungus gnats?Fungus gnats come from overwatered houseplant soil, not thin air. Learn how to confirm them, break the larval cycle by drying the top layer of potting mix, when a Bti soil drench hFlies & GnatsWhy are fungus gnats in houseplant soil?Why tiny black flies keep rising from your houseplant pots, how to confirm they're fungus gnats rather than fruit or drain flies, and why letting the soil dry beats any spray.Flies & GnatsDo fungus gnats bite people?An informational guide explaining whether fungus gnats bite humans, how to identify them versus other indoor pests, and what steps to take next.Flies & GnatsDo yellow sticky traps help with fungus gnats?Yellow sticky traps do catch fungus gnats, but they only handle the adults. Learn what the traps actually do, how to confirm you have fungus gnats, and what really ends an infestatFlies & GnatsDo horseflies bite or sting?Learn whether horseflies bite or sting, how to identify them, and how to safely manage their painful bites.Flies & GnatsCan kissing bugs fly?An informative guide explaining whether kissing bugs can fly, how to distinguish them from bed bugs and flightless nymphs, and safe handling practices.Flies & GnatsCan wood roaches fly?Yes, male wood roaches fly, and they are drawn to porch lights in early summer. Learn how to tell them from pest cockroaches, why they will not infest your home, and the simple fixFlies & GnatsWhat are little brown flying bugs in a house?An informative guide explaining how to identify and address little brown flying bugs found inside the house, following a blunt and close editorial style.Flies & GnatsWhat do fruit fly eggs look like?Learn what fruit fly eggs look like, how to identify them with basic magnification, and what steps to take when you find them on produce.Flies & GnatsHow are fruit fly eggs dealt with?Fruit fly eggs are almost never killed directly. They are dealt with by removing the rotting fruit, residue and drain film they are laid in, plus cold storage and mesh barriers forFlies & GnatsWhy are there fruit flies in the bathroom?An informational guide explaining why small flies appear in the bathroom, how to identify them, and how to address the underlying breeding sources safely.Flies & GnatsWhat are drain fly larvae in a toilet?An informative guide explaining what drain fly larvae in a toilet are, how to identify them, and how to address them safely.Flies & GnatsHow do you get rid of drain fly larvae?Learn how to get rid of drain fly larvae by breaking through protective biofilm with physical scrubbing and microbial cleaners.Flies & GnatsWhat do fungus gnat larvae in soil look like?An informational guide detailing the appearance, identification cues, and management of fungus gnat larvae in potting soil.Flies & GnatsWhat are no-see-ums?Learn what no-see-ums are, how to identify these tiny biting midges, and practical ways to keep them out of your home and yard.Flies & GnatsWhat do no-see-um bites look like?Learn what no-see-um bites look like, why they itch intensely, and how to identify biting midges from everyday skin reactions.Flies & GnatsCan no-see-ums get into a house?An informative guide explaining how biting midges enter homes through standard window screens and how to address the issue safely.Flies & GnatsHow do you reduce no-see-ums in a house?Learn practical methods to reduce no-see-ums in your house through fine-mesh screening, air currents, lighting control, and proper exclusion.Flies & GnatsNo-see-ums vs gnats: how are they different?An informational guide on the differences between no-see-ums and gnats, focusing on identification, behavior, and practical management.Flies & GnatsAre no-see-ums common in Florida?An informational guide explaining whether no-see-ums are common in Florida, how to identify them, and practical ways to manage them.Flies & GnatsWhat are biting midges?Learn what biting midges are, how to identify them, why their bites burn, and how to keep these tiny pests out of your home.Flies & GnatsHow do you tell biting midges from non-biting midges?Learn how to distinguish biting midges from non-biting midges by examining size, resting posture, mouthparts, and biology.Flies & GnatsCan biting midges enter a house?An informational guide explaining whether biting midges can enter a house, how they bypass standard window screens, and practical steps for exclusion and control.Flies & GnatsDo horse flies bite humans?Yes, horse flies bite humans, and it hurts. Learn why only females bite, how to tell a horse fly from lookalikes, what to do after a bite, and when to see a doctor.Flies & GnatsWhy do horse flies bite?An informational guide explaining why horse flies bite, how their mouthparts function, and how to manage encounters safely.Flies & GnatsHow do you reduce horse flies around a home?Learn how to reduce horse flies around your home using a layered defense of personal protection, physical exclusion, and targeted habitat management.Flies & GnatsHorse flies vs deer flies: how can you tell them apart?Learn how to distinguish between horse flies and deer flies using physical clues, size, and wing patterns.Flies & GnatsDo deer flies bite?An informative guide explaining whether deer flies bite, how their mouthparts work, and how to protect yourself.Flies & GnatsWhat do black fly bites on dogs look like?An informative guide explaining what black fly bites on dogs look like, how to identify them, and when to seek veterinary care.Flies & GnatsWhy are black fly bites noticed on a dog's belly?Discover why black flies target a dog's belly, how to identify the bites, and what steps to take next for your pet's safety.Flies & GnatsDo black fly bites itch?An informative guide explaining why black fly bites itch, how feeding mechanics cause delayed immune reactions, and practical steps for relief and safety.Flies & GnatsWhat are sand flies?An informative guide explaining what sand flies are, how to identify them, and practical ways to manage them around your home.Flies & GnatsWhat are sand fly bites like at the beach?An informational guide explaining what sand fly bites at the beach are actually like, identifying the real culprits, and offering practical prevention and medical safety advice.Flies & GnatsDo stable flies bite?An informative guide explaining whether stable flies bite, how to identify them compared to house flies, and practical steps for managing them around your property.Flies & GnatsWhy are no-see-ums found in a bed?An explanation of why no-see-ums are found in a bed, how to identify them, and what practical steps to take.Flies & GnatsWhy do no-see-ums bite?Why no-see-ums bite, how to tell them from harmless lookalikes, what actually reduces bites, and when bites or indoor activity call for a clinician, Poison Control, or a pest profeFlies & GnatsWhy are drain flies appearing when they are not coming from a drain?Drain flies showing up far from any drain usually means a hidden moisture source, a dried-out trap, or a different fly entirely. Learn how to tell them apart, find the real breedinFlies & GnatsDrain flies vs gnats: how can you tell them apart?Learn how to tell drain flies and fungus gnats apart by examining their physical appearance, flight habits, and breeding sources to choose the right control method.Flies & GnatsWill bleach kill drain flies?Bleach will not get rid of drain flies because they breed inside the slime coating your pipes, not in the water. Learn how to confirm the source with a simple tape test, scrub outFlies & GnatsDoes drain cleaner kill drain flies?An informational guide explaining why traditional chemical drain cleaners fail to kill drain flies, outlining how to identify breeding sources, and detailing safe mechanical and biFlies & GnatsAre spotted-wing drosophila larvae in fruit safe to eat?An informative guide explaining whether spotted-wing drosophila larvae in fruit are safe to consume, covering risks, identification, and safety precautions.Flies & GnatsWhat smells do cluster flies hate?An informational guide explaining why cluster flies are not repelled by essential oils or scents, how to identify them, and practical steps for management.Flies & GnatsWhy are cluster flies suddenly appearing in the house?An informational guide explaining why cluster flies suddenly appear inside homes during winter, how to identify them, and how to safely manage them.Flies & GnatsDo phorid flies bite humans?An informative post answering whether phorid flies bite humans, complete with identification tips, sanitation solutions, and safety guidance.Flies & GnatsWhat are blow flies?An informative guide explaining what blow flies are, how to identify them, and how to deal with an indoor infestation safely.Flies & GnatsWhy are blow flies in the house?Learn why blow flies appear inside your home, how to identify them, and what practical steps to take next.Flies & GnatsHow do you get rid of blow flies?An informational guide on identifying and eliminating blow flies through source removal, sanitation, and structural exclusion.Flies & GnatsWhat is the life cycle of a blow fly?An explanation of the four-stage life cycle of the blow fly, including identification tips and management steps.Flies & GnatsHow quickly can blow flies detect a dead animal?Learn how quickly blow flies detect dead animals, how to identify them, and what steps to take for safe removal.Flies & GnatsWhy are flesh flies in the house?An informative guide explaining why flesh flies appear in houses, how to identify them, practical steps for resolving the issue, and when to seek professional help.Flies & GnatsDo flesh flies bite?An informational guide explaining whether adult flesh flies bite, how to identify them, and what to do if you find them indoors.Flies & GnatsHow do you get rid of flesh flies?Learn how to get rid of flesh flies by locating breeding sources, identifying key physical traits, and managing structural infestations safely.Flies & GnatsAre flesh flies dangerous?An informational guide examining whether flesh flies are dangerous, how to identify them, and what steps to take when they appear indoors.Flies & GnatsWhat are black flies?An informational guide explaining what black flies are, how to identify them, and how to deal with their bites safely.Flies & GnatsWhy are black flies in the bathroom?Discover why black flies appear in your bathroom, how to accurately identify drain flies, phorid flies, and fungus gnats, and how to safely eliminate them.Flies & GnatsWhy are big black flies suddenly appearing in the house?Find out why large black flies appear in your house during winter and how to handle them properly.Flies & GnatsWhy are small black flies on indoor plants?An informational guide explaining why small black flies appear on indoor plants, how to identify them, and what steps to take next.Flies & GnatsWhat repels black flies?Learn what actually repels black flies, how to identify them, and the most effective ways to protect yourself from their painful bites.Flies & GnatsWhat attracts horse flies to humans?An informational guide explaining what attracts horse flies to humans, how they bite, and how to protect yourself outdoors.Flies & GnatsHow can you repel horse flies from people?Learn how to effectively repel horse flies from people using skin repellents, treated clothing, and behavioral strategies.Flies & GnatsDo horse flies lay eggs in humans?An informational guide explaining whether horse flies lay eggs in humans, covering bite mechanics, identification, first aid, and when to seek medical help.Flies & GnatsWhy are horse flies called horse flies?An informative explanation of why horse flies are named after equines, detailing their biology, feeding habits, and practical safety measures.Flies & GnatsDo dragonflies eat horse flies?An informative guide explaining whether dragonflies eat horse flies, how to identify horse flies, practical management decisions, and when to seek professional help.Flies & GnatsWhat are deer flies?An informational guide on identifying and managing deer flies, detailing their unique biting mechanics, habitat, and safety precautions.Flies & GnatsWhat repels deer flies?Learn what actually repels deer flies, how to identify them, and how to use EPA-registered repellents and permethrin-treated clothing safely.Flies & GnatsHow do you get rid of deer flies?Learn why deer flies cannot be eliminated area-wide and how to protect yourself using personal repellents, protective clothing, and physical barriers.Flies & GnatsDo fungus gnats kill plants?An informational guide explaining whether fungus gnats kill plants, including identification cues and management steps.Flies & GnatsDoes BTI work for fungus gnats?An explanation of whether BTI works for fungus gnats, covering identification, application, and safety.Flies & GnatsDo beneficial nematodes help control fungus gnats?An informational guide on whether beneficial nematodes help control fungus gnats, covering identification, practical decisions, and when to seek professional help.Flies & GnatsDo fruit flies carry disease?An informational guide examining whether fruit flies carry disease, detailing mechanical vector transmission, health risks, identification cues, and practical control methods.Flies & GnatsAre fruit flies attracted to light?An informational guide explaining whether fruit flies are attracted to light, how to identify small indoor flies, and practical steps for control.Flies & GnatsHow fast do fruit flies reproduce?An informative guide detailing how fast fruit flies reproduce, complete with identification tips, practical control measures, and safety guidelines.Flies & GnatsWhy are fruit flies attracted to me?An informational guide explaining why fruit flies are attracted to humans, how to identify them versus other small pests, and practical steps for control.Flies & GnatsWhy are there so many fruit flies in the house?An informational guide explaining why fruit fly infestations happen in the house, how to identify them, and what practical steps to take for removal.Flies & GnatsDo house flies have antennae?An informational guide explaining whether house flies have antennae, how to identify them, and what practical steps to take.Flies & GnatsDo house flies have two sets of wings?An informational guide explaining whether house flies have two sets of wings, covering their true wings, halteres, identification cues, and control methods.Flies & GnatsWhat are little white bugs in houseplant soil?Learn what those tiny white bugs crawling in your houseplant soil actually are, how to identify them, and what practical steps you should take.Flies & GnatsWhat are little bugs on strawberries?A guide to identifying and handling various pests found on strawberry plants, including aphids, mites, fruit flies, and weevils.Flies & GnatsWhat are tiny bugs in a bathroom sink?A blunt, everyday guide to identifying and managing tiny moisture-dependent pests found in bathroom sinks, focusing on physical inspection, drain hygiene, and humidity control.Flies & GnatsWhat are tiny black bugs in a bathtub?An informational guide explaining why tiny black bugs appear in bathtubs, how to identify them, and how to resolve the underlying moisture or plumbing issues safely.Flies & GnatsWhat are tiny bugs in a shower?Learn what tiny bugs in a shower are, how to identify them, and what practical steps to take for removal.Flies & GnatsWhy are water bugs in a shower?An informational guide explaining why water bugs and moisture pests appear in showers, how to identify them, and how to address the underlying causes.Flies & GnatsWhat are tiny black bugs in a sink?Learn why tiny black bugs appear in your sink, how to identify them, and what practical steps to take next.Flies & GnatsWhy are bugs coming from a sink drain?An informational guide explaining why insects appear near sink drains, how to identify them, and safe steps for resolution.Flies & GnatsWhat are very tiny bugs in a bathroom?An informational guide explaining the tiny bugs commonly found in bathrooms, how to identify them, and what practical steps to take.Flies & GnatsAre no-see-ums common in Las Vegas?An informational guide explaining whether biting midges or no-see-ums are common in Las Vegas, how to identify tiny flying insects, and when to seek professional help.Flies & GnatsWhy are tiny bugs gathering around windows?Learn why tiny bugs gather around windows, how to identify them, practical steps to deal with them, and when to call a professional.Flies & GnatsWhy are fungus gnats breeding in potting soil?Discover why fungus gnats breed in potting soil, how to identify them correctly, and practical ways to manage them at home.Flies & GnatsHow do you reduce fungus gnats without damaging a houseplant?Learn how to reduce fungus gnats safely without damaging your houseplants using moisture management and biological controls.Flies & GnatsFruit flies vs drain flies: which breeding source should you inspect?Learn how to distinguish between fruit flies and drain flies, locate their breeding sources, and take the right steps to eliminate them.Flies & GnatsFruit flies vs phorid flies: what can movement and habitat reveal?Learn how to distinguish between fruit flies and phorid flies by observing their unique movement and habitat choices.Flies & GnatsWhy are fruit flies gathering around a kitchen sink?Discover why small flies gather around your kitchen sink, how to identify the species, and practical ways to eliminate the breeding source.Flies & GnatsHow can you locate the source of fruit flies in a kitchen?Learn how to locate the source of fruit flies in your kitchen with a practical, step-by-step approach.Flies & GnatsWhy do fruit flies return after traps are emptied?Understand why fruit flies keep returning even after you empty your traps and learn how to locate the actual breeding source.Flies & GnatsWhat do drain fly larvae look like in a drain?Learn what drain fly larvae look like, where they hide in plumbing slime, and how to identify and clear them safely.Flies & GnatsDo drain flies mean a plumbing problem or ordinary buildup?Learn whether drain flies mean a plumbing problem or ordinary buildup, how to identify them, and what steps to take.Flies & GnatsWhen should persistent drain flies prompt a plumbing inspection?Learn when persistent drain flies indicate a hidden plumbing failure and require a professional inspection rather than simple cleaning.Flies & GnatsWhat do phorid flies suggest when they appear far from food?Learn what phorid flies suggest when they appear far from food, how to identify them, and what steps to take next.Flies & GnatsWhy are phorid flies appearing in a bathroom?Learn why phorid flies appear in bathrooms, how to identify them, and what steps to take to resolve the infestation.Flies & GnatsCluster flies vs house flies: why do they appear at windows?Learn why cluster flies and house flies gather at your windows, how to identify them, and what practical steps you should take.Flies & GnatsWhy are cluster flies in a house during winter?Learn why cluster flies appear inside houses during winter, how to identify them, and what practical steps you can take to manage them safely.Flies & GnatsWhat causes a sudden house fly infestation indoors?Learn what causes a sudden house fly infestation indoors, how to identify the specific pests, and practical steps to resolve the issue safely.Flies & GnatsFungus gnats vs fruit flies: how do houseplants change the answer?Learn the difference between fungus gnats and fruit flies, why houseplants change the equation, and how to manage soil pests safely.Flies & GnatsWhat outdoor conditions favor no-see-ums near a home?Discover what outdoor conditions attract biting midges to your home, how to identify them, and practical steps to keep them away.Flies & GnatsWhy are no-see-ums reported around Florida coastal properties?Discover why no-see-ums plague Florida coastal properties, how to identify them, and what practical steps you can take.Flies & GnatsBiting vs non-biting midges: which signs differ?Learn how to distinguish between biting and non-biting midges, understand their habits, and find practical ways to manage them safely.Flies & GnatsHorse flies vs deer flies: what habitat clues help?Learn to tell horse flies and deer flies apart using habitat clues, size, and wing patterns.Flies & GnatsHow can you reduce horse fly encounters around horses and people?Learn how to reduce horse fly encounters around people and horses by understanding their biology, identifying them correctly, and using practical physical and chemical barriers.Flies & GnatsWhy do black flies swarm in some outdoor settings?An informational guide explaining why black flies swarm in outdoor settings, how to identify them, and how to handle them safely.Flies & GnatsCan a bite mark alone identify a black fly?Learn why a bite mark alone cannot identify a black fly, how to properly identify the pest, and what steps to take for treatment and prevention.Flies & GnatsWhat do spotted-wing drosophila larvae look like in berries?Learn what spotted-wing drosophila larvae look like in berries, how to identify them, and what practical steps to take next.Flies & GnatsWhy are spotted-wing drosophila found in strawberries?Learn why spotted-wing drosophila attack healthy strawberries, how to identify them, and what practical steps you can take to manage an infestation.Flies & GnatsWhat does an apple maggot fly look like?Learn what an apple maggot fly looks like, how to identify it, and how to manage infestations safely.Flies & GnatsWhy does an apple maggot quarantine area matter to home growers?Understand why apple maggot quarantine rules matter to home growers, how to identify the pest, and what management choices to make.Flies & GnatsWhat are tiny silver bugs in houseplant soil?Learn what tiny silver bugs in houseplant soil are, how to identify them, and how to manage them safely without guesswork.Flies & GnatsWhen is a pest problem also a plumbing or moisture problem?Learn how to connect household pest problems to underlying plumbing and moisture issues, featuring practical identification and remediation guidance.Flies & GnatsWhy are tiny bugs gathering around plumbing leaks?Discover why tiny bugs gather around plumbing leaks, how to identify them, and what practical steps you can take to stop them.Flies & GnatsWhy do sandflies bother visitors to New Zealand coasts?Discover why New Zealand coastal sandflies bite, how to identify them, and the practical steps to protect yourself during your trip.Flies & GnatsWhat can reduce sandfly exposure during New Zealand travel?Learn what reduces sandfly exposure during New Zealand travel, how to identify them by context, and practical steps to avoid bites.Flies & GnatsHow do Canadian homeowners identify black fly season locally?Learn how Canadian homeowners can identify black fly season through observable clues, physical traits, and typical bite reactions.Flies & GnatsWhy are black flies a concern in parts of Ontario?An informative guide explaining why black flies are a concern in Ontario, how to identify them, and what practical steps to take for safety.Flies & GnatsWhat causes a sudden increase in flies indoors?Learn what causes a sudden increase in flies indoors, how to identify them by species, and how to handle the infestation properly.Flies & GnatsHow can you find the breeding source of small flies?Learn how to locate the exact breeding source of small flies in your home by identifying the species and checking common hiding spots.Flies & GnatsFungus gnats vs fruit flies: which one is near your plants?Learn the differences between fungus gnats and fruit flies, how to identify them around your plants, and what steps to take next.Flies & GnatsWhen is isolating an infested houseplant useful?Learn when isolating an infested houseplant is useful, how to identify common pests, and the safe steps for treatment and recovery.Flies & GnatsAre small flies in a bathroom fruit flies, drain flies or phorid flies?Learn how to distinguish between drain flies, phorid flies, fruit flies, and fungus gnats found in the bathroom, and find out how to treat them.Flies & GnatsAre “sand flies” the same species in New Zealand and North America?An exploration of whether sand flies in New Zealand and North America are the same species, featuring identification, practical control, and safety advice.Flies & GnatsWhy do moisture-loving pests show up after a leak?An informational guide explaining why moisture-loving pests appear after a water leak, how to identify them, and how to manage the environment safely.