- Drain Flies (Moth Flies / Sewer Gnats) Tiny (1–5 mm), fuzzy, moth-like wings, weak fliers that hop more than fly. Live and breed in the slimy film inside drains.
- Fruit Flies Tan or dark body with bright red eyes. Show up when there’s fermenting gunk in drains or wet trash.
- Booklice (Psocids) Super tiny, soft-bodied, pale to dark. Love mold and high humidity; often appear on grout or damp cardboard.
- Carpet Beetle Larvae Small, dark, oval, sometimes hairy. Feed on hair, skin cells, and lint in corners.
They’re all attracted to the same thing: warm, damp places with organic buildup.
Why They Keep Coming Back (Even When You Clean)
You can kill the adults all you want — if the environment stays wet and gross, new ones will hatch in days. Common reasons they return:
- Sluggish or dirty drains
- Leaky pipes or faucets
- Poor ventilation (no fan or it’s never used)
- Wet towels left on the floor
- Hair + soap scum buildup