If you’ve noticed these creatures around your home, then you may be wondering what exactly drain worms are. In fact, if you’ve seen them in your home, then chances are you’ve probably seen drain flies about too!
In this article, not only are you going to find out what drain worms are, but you’ll also learn how to identify them successfully and, most importantly, what to do about them!
So keep reading to find out everything you need to know!
What Are Drain Worms?
Drain worms are the larval version of drain flies. If you begin to notice them in your home, then it means you have a drain fly infestation that you need to deal with. In some cases, this just means that your drains have been neglected, and they just need a good clean. However, it could also be indicative of a plumbing problem.
What Do Drain Worms Look Like?
Drain fly larvae are the early stages of the adult drain fly. But they don’t resemble flies in the slightest, unlike drain flies. Drain worms or drain fly larvae typically range in size from 4 to 10 mm. They also develop a dark stripe on their dorsal region and become more slender as they age.
They don’t have eyes and legs, and they breathe through a dark tube that protrudes from them and pierces the film they’re living in.
What Causes Drain Worms?
Drain worms are the result of drain flies breeding. And drain flies love to breed in areas that are damp, dark, moist, humid, and with an abundance of food. This is one of the reasons that they infest pipes so often. They provide everything they need to grow and breed!
Where Are Drain Worms Commonly Found
While drain worms are most commonly found in pipes, they can be found all over your home, from your garbage disposal to your sump pump. Drain worms and drain flies aren’t picky. As long as their needs are being provided for, they’ll thrive anywhere.
Can Drain Worms Make You Sick?
Fortunately, drain worms themselves can’t make you sick. In fact, both drain flies and drain worms are completely harmless to people. However, you should be aware that they could transfer bacteria from one area of your home to another.
If drain worms grow into drain flies and then come into contact with food in your home, then they could end up transferring bacteria as well!
Recap
Now you know that drain worms are just the larval form of drain flies. They normally stay in this phase of life between 8-24 days before becoming drain flies themselves. And while they are generally harmless to humans, it’s still best to remove them from your home as soon as possible!
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