Question
QUESTION: Hi there,
We  just moved into a basement apartment, and we have had many problems so far, mice, spiders etc.. My question for you is that I have found these fruit fly like bugs. I have been reading some of the posts on this website in hopes to finding an answer to my question as to what the bugs that I am finding are, but nothing yet. I have googled many of the names you have mentioned when talking about "fruit fly like bugs" and nothing seems similar to what I'm seeing.

What I'm seeing is bugs that are so similar to fruit flies that I really do think that is all they are, but I found them when I had no fruit or veggies on the counter or anything.  I had two plants on the window sil and I could see there were some of the bugs in there so I put the plants outside thinking that would fix the problem. Since then I have found them in my bathroom (which to me makes no sense if they were fruit flies). I have been taking the garbage out more often to avoid them going in there and have been keeping the counters and sinks really clean but they're still coming around.

To best describe them I would say they are black with NO wings, no antennae, just a black fruit fly like bug. NO red head or stripes or nothing. They fly around the sink, windows, bathroom, counter, everywhere.

Can you PLEASE help me because I am so very frustrated!
Thank you!


ANSWER: Courtney,

I'm a little confused. You say this critter looks like a fruit fly but what you describe does not at all match a fruit fly. What is it that reminds you of a fruit fly? Tell me roughly how big they are, do they land on anything? Do you find dead ones? Post a follow up, and include a picture if you can, and I'll help you figure this out.

Jack DeAngelis
http://www.livingwithbugs.com



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Jack,
Thanks for the quick reply. I refer to them as fruit flies because of their size.  Fruit flies are tiny and that's what this bug is like. It's very small, about the size of a fruit fly, that's why I thought that that's what it was. They do land yes, I haven't found them in any of my food yet. I have found dead ones yes on the window sil and on my counter. I don't have a picture right now but I will try to get one ASAP.

They are wingless, I can't really see any legs, or antennae they are just like black all over and very small.  They don't make any noise (buzzing etc..)

I hope this helps you help me more!

Thanks!
Courtney

ANSWER: Coutney,

I think you may be describing fungus gnats. These small flies are common in homes and sometimes swarm in large numbers. You said this was a basement apartment so I'm guessing it can be damp. Fungus gnats are often associated with damp soil, usually potted houseplants but in this case it could also be dampness and fungus because of the basement. Does this sound possible? Here's an article about fungus gnat http://www.livingwithbugs.com/fungus_gnat.html that has a drawing. Take a look and tell me what you think.

Jack DeAngelis



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Jack,
I looked at the picture on that link and that's definitely not what I'm finding. The reason I can't get a picture is that they are so small and they fly around quickly.  I have noticed though, they do have little translucent wings.  Very very tiny ones.

I really hope you can help!
Thanks

Answer
Cortney,

I'm sorry but I can't id these from your description. The other possibility would be drain flies (see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/drain_fly.html for a picture) but your best bet may be to collect a few and get them identified through your local county Extension office. Google your county name + state name + "cooperative extension" to find the office near you. If you get an id post a follow up.

Jack DeAngelis