Tiny little flying black bugs

[CoolioTiffany]

This same thing happened to me just a few weeks ago. These bugs are attracted to the moisture in the enclosure, so you may find some every now and then. They cannot harm your snake either. If you can, catch or kill them with your hands and I think that pretty much gets rid of the problem, since that is what I did.

[I<3Dreamsicles]

Rinsing it won't get rid of the eggs. They are attached to the bark with organic glue that the female flies secrete. Water alone won't touch it. And as I said (if you read my post) it shouldn't be boiled cause that will cause more harm than good.

Look. If you want to wipe out the flies quickly and completely, then change the substrate. You want to take the chance that they haven't used it as a breeding ground then don't change it. But the issue may linger, and delay your purchase of your new baby. -shrug- Your decision.

... Theyre not flies...
2nd, As I said (if you read my post) I said "wash with water" not boil.

She said theyre smaller then gnats. = not flies.
and even changing the substrate isn't guaranteeing that the bugs will be gone if they came from elsewhere.

[CopperNightShade]

I am tired of arguing with you, dreamsicles. It is quite remarkable that people who are trying to give good advice are shot down so rudely.

They are drain flies. I have quite a bit of experience trying to get rid of them. They can linger for months if you aren't aggressive in treating them. Water won't get rid of them. Boiling them is pointless and dangerous. These things I have said earlier.

I have offered my advice, and I would thank you to be polite if you wish to give a contradicting perspective..

[I<3Dreamsicles]

I am tired of arguing with you, dreamsicles. It is quite remarkable that people who are trying to give good advice are shot down so rudely.

They are drain flies. I have quite a bit of experience trying to get rid of them. They can linger for months if you aren't aggressive in treating them. Water won't get rid of them. Boiling them is pointless and dangerous. These things I have said earlier.

I have offered my advice, and I would thank you to be polite if you wish to give a contradicting perspective..

Yeah, i deffinatley shot you down oh so rudley.

I really dont see how you can tell if theyre drain flys if you havent even seen a pic, and also i would like to help this person from wasting the $25 they spent for the substrate by tossing it when they dont even have to.

I really dont appreciate you calling ME rude when you are here telling me to be polite to you, after you have been rude anyway. "if you even read my post" then calling me rude.

[Elise.m]

Ok, time out from the arguing!

From what tiffany said, that leads me to believe that they're not harmful. If they're not harmful, then I would perfer to not chuck the entire bag. I don't have a job, so I'd like to not spend another $25.

Is there any long term effect by these guys? Are they just something that stays and flies around to get killed?

ps: I've put out the vinegar and soap water, thanks.

[CopperNightShade]

No real long term affect for the snake, nope! Luckily, they pose no threat as far as that is concerned. If you were breeding, I would worry-they can destroy eggs.

Other than that, the only worry is them spreading to the kitchen and getting into any food they can. It doesn't really matter if they are fruit flies, drain flies or sphaerocerid flies... they will all get into food.

[Elise.m]

Well luckily I don't keep much food in the house! lol. So if they're "drain flies" can I do something to my drains that will kill them? I've recently poured bleach down my drain, but that was about a month ago... Should I do it again?

Edit: And no I'm not breeding. We're in a small little apartment, I'd want an actual house to do that. And a TON more knowledge!

[CopperNightShade]

Yes, if they are drain flies you can do something about them. Unfortunately, bleach is not it. You will need to find something that breaks down organic matter, like drain cleaner. Follow the directions on the back of the bottle, nothing special. Now, that will only work if they are drain flies. Also, make sure they aren't coming from the laundry room.

[Elise.m]

Ha! No Laundry room here!! Rolls out one room... I'll go pick up some drain cleaner tomorrow then. Do they come from any drain in particular? Kitchen cuz of the food? Bathroom sink? Shower drain? Actually I wouldn't be surprised if we got them from outside... I bought the bag opened. He said it ripped when they were unloading it into the store or something... Last time I do that.

[CopperNightShade]

-laughs- It is crazy when you are trying to figure out where these little pests come from, a million possibilities turn up! It being outside could be the cause, but there is no real way of being sure.

And they can come from any drain, really. Any drain can collect organic material enough to host them. The kitchen is more likely, but I would just hit all the drains in the apartment to be sure.