Have you ever noticed small insects in your garden or home? Well, they’re gnats! These small insects tend to perch on food and houseplants, and they become a nuisance when they get right in front of your face. Although these pests are a nuisance, they are not harmful. Common causes of gnat infestations include spilled sugary juices, overwatering, and overflowing trash cans. With all these mistakes, you will see your house covered with these tiny pests. If you are suffering from this situation, you need to know how to get rid of gnats correctly. Don’t worry; this article details everything from the types of gnats to how to get rid of them and how to keep them out. read!
Also read: How to get rid of bed bugs?
What are the types of gnats?
There are the following types of gnats:
1. Mushroom gnat
These are small insects that usually infest overwatered houseplants inside and outside your home. Also, these pests prefer moist soil with rotting plant residue. They lay eggs and the baby larvae feed on the roots of plants. As a result, the leaves turn yellow, wilt, and even the plant dies.
2. Eject the flies
These flies, also known as sewage flies, prefer damp areas. These locations include sink pipes, drain pipes, and garbage dumps. Their larvae feed on moisture and rotting organic matter. When a failure occurs, these bugs become airborne when using the sink.
3. Drosophila
These pests usually feed on rotten or ripe vegetables and fruits. They lay eggs on these foods, causing them to spoil more quickly. Additionally, they can infect any space they stay in.
Also read: How to deal with insect bites?
How to identify the type of gnat?
Each gnat has a unique appearance. Recognizing these bugs everywhere in your home will help you get rid of them quickly using effective strategies. The specific appearance of each type of gnat is as follows:
1. Mushroom gnat – dark body and long legs
2. Drain flies – Blurred appearance and more massive wings
3. Drosophila – brown body and round appearance
How can I get rid of gnats?
Gnats can quickly become abundant in and around your home and plants. Therefore, you should eradicate them using proper methods. Rather than opting for insecticides or insecticides, it may be better to try natural approaches first.
Also read: 4 bug bites you can get this summer and how to treat them
How can I get rid of gnats in my house?
These are the effective methods you need to know to get rid of gnats in your home. please look!
- Build a gnat trap: Try this home remedy! In a small bowl, combine dish soap, apple cider vinegar, and a few drops of sugar. Place the bowl near the area affected by gnats. This sweet solution attracts and traps these tiny insects. Change the solution frequently until it is halfway done.
- Use flypaper:: Hang sticky flypaper where you need it to catch the gnats. This device helps attract, find, and kill these bugs. Don’t forget to replace the flypaper when it becomes full of trapped insects.
- Set up fruit traps. Place rotten bananas or apples in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Next, drill some holes there. This will trap the gnats in the plastic wrap and you can throw them away.
- Clean the drain: Pour boiled or bleached water down your kitchen drain to help get rid of gnats. You can also use drain cleaning products formulated to control pests. Follow the instructions on the package. These approaches will help remove built-up food and bacteria that attract gnats.
- Try Bug Zapper: Bug zappers are the most helpful way to get rid of gnats quickly and conveniently. These aggregation devices attract and kill small insects that are electrocuted. Dead insects are collected at the bottom of the device. Therefore, try placing an indoor bug zapper near your kitchen counter or houseplants to attract gnats.
- Use leftover wine: Pour the leftover wine into a container, mix it with dish detergent and place it near the badly affected area. The gnats will crawl towards the solution and will not try to escape.
- Use chemical spray: If the gnat infestation is excessive, chemical sprays are your best option. In areas with a lot of gnats, use carefully and according to instructions. If you have pets or children in your home, please keep these products out of reach.
Read also: Chigger bite: photos, treatment, prevention
How to get rid of gnats on plants?
Here are the best ways to get rid of gnats outside your home.
- Place yellow sticky note cards. Now, the easiest way to get rid of plant gnats is to use yellow adhesive cards. These small insects are easily attracted to bright colors. So, place a stack of sticky cards on the affected area. It can be attached to plant twigs or placed on top of the soil. The bright yellow color makes them easy to catch and trap. Once it is completely trapped, throw it outside the trash can.
- Avoid overwatering your plants. Some high-maintenance houseplants require a lot of water. Overwatering creates a moisture-rich area for gnats to grow efficiently and quickly. Therefore, having low-maintenance plants that require water may be a better option. This will prevent the growth of small insects and protect your favorite plants.
- We use Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis). Cleaning products containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) can be used to kill fungus gnat larvae. Bti is a bacterium that occurs naturally in the soil and controls the larval stage of gnats. Therefore, use Bti-containing products as directed. This will help target these pests without harming your plants.
- Sprinkle with food grade products: Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a food-grade product that can be spread over dry potting soil. This effective powder instantly traps and kills gnat larvae. Do not sprinkle on wet soil. The desired effect will not be achieved. To keep the DE dry, place a small amount of sand on the top layer of soil before use.
- Let the soil dry. Although it may be difficult, skipping watering your plants can also help get rid of gnats. Therefore, allow the soil to dry naturally to avoid creating a moist breeding ground for insects. As a result, the growth of fungus gnats on the roots of the plants is reduced.
- Dispose of spoiled residue: Remove all decayed residue from the plant and soil, such as rotting leaves and dead flowers. These main elements encourage the breeding of gnats and damage the plants.
How can I get rid of a gnat infestation?
In some cases, gnats may continue to return even after using these effective methods. You can reduce the risk of a gnat infestation by taking precautions. Follow these simple and easy tips.
- Wipe up all spilled drinks and food. Never open drinks or food. Clean it straight. Wipe up any spills immediately.
- Please place your trash in a sealed trash can every night. Gnats are usually attracted to rotting food and trash in trash cans. Therefore, use a tightly sealed trash can and empty it regularly. These small insects are less likely to create a breeding site in your trash.
- Keep your kitchen drains clean. Regularly maintain your kitchen drain pipes using a special detergent or diluted bleach. This will protect it from fungi and slime. You can also choose eco-friendly drain cleaning products that target drain flies, fruit flies, and mushroom gnats.
- Store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator. Gnats are easily tempted by the smell of vegetables and fruits, so leaving them open on your kitchen counters can increase exposure. Therefore, store it well in the refrigerator to prevent rapid ripening.
- Keep humidity low inside and outside your home. If your sink drain is clogged or your plumbing leaks, get it repaired right away. Also, to get rid of outdoor gnats, clean all moist areas around birdbaths and gutters.
- Don’t overwater your houseplants. Indoor plants are susceptible to gnat infestation, and overwatering will leave the soil soggy. It becomes a considerable breeding ground for them to grow in large numbers. Therefore, if you notice gnats near your plants, reduce watering time and make sure the pot has drainage holes.
- Do proper garden maintenance. Regular garden maintenance is a must. A clean, odor-free, and litter-free area will keep gnats out.
- Keep outdoor drains, trash cans, and water collection areas clean and dry. Use drain covers to keep outdoor drains and trash cans dry and clean. This will prevent moisture from accumulating during the winter and prevent gnats from entering. Also, regularly clean the areas in your home where water collects. This will reduce breeding grounds for small insects.
When should you seek help from a professional pest control company?
If all the natural methods and commercial products listed are ineffective and the gnat infestation is severe, it’s time to seek professional help. Call a licensed pest control company and let our team help you customize an efficient solution to fit your needs. If you use the right strategy, all gnats will disappear completely and will not be able to reproduce again.
summary
The fight against gnat infestations may seem endless, but that’s not the case. You can tackle this problem by identifying the types of gnats and understanding how to get rid of them in your home and plants. Keeping humidity low, avoiding overwatering houseplants, cleaning drains, cleaning up food spills, and storing trash in closed bins can help. Remove gnats. If all these practices fail, it is better to consult a well-known pest control team. Our experts can provide customized solutions to help you get rid of gnats and prevent the small insects from coming back.
FAQ
What causes gnats in the house?
Damp soil, rotting vegetables and fruits, and spilled food all attract gnats. It also tends to occur in houseplants that receive too much water.
How to get rid of gnats quickly?
The easiest way to prevent gnats in your home is to use a bug zapper. This device attracts these small insects, kills them, and collects them in a removable part of the device.
Will the gnats go away on their own?
In rare cases, gnats may leave their breeding grounds on their own. However, their numbers can be reduced by reducing their food and breeding sites. After a while, these small bugs may disappear completely.
How long do gnats in my house live?
Gnats typically live in your home for 18 to 30 days. However, gnats reproduce very quickly, and if a gnat infestation is not treated immediately, it can lead to a long-term overgrowth.
Do gnats give eggs?
Yes, gnats lay eggs. These small insects feed on damp flower pots, drains, and rotting residue.
How can you tell if you have fruit flies invading your home?
Drosophila usually have a brown round body and red eyes. If you notice these little bugs around your garbage cans, rotten fruits, and vegetables, your home may be a breeding ground for them.
Do fruit flies harm or annoy you?
Mainly fruit flies will bother you. However, these pests can also be harmful, as they can spread bacteria and contaminate opened fruits and vegetables. Therefore, it is essential to prevent their spread and reduce potential damage immediately.
Is bleach safe to kill fruit flies?
Bleach may kill fruit flies, but it won’t last long enough to completely prevent an infestation. Therefore, use homemade traps and other natural methods to deal with fruit fly problems.
Is it dangerous to use vinegar to catch gnats around pets and children?
Generally, it is safe to use vinegar to catch gnats around pets and children. However, be sure to place the vinegar trapper in a safe location to prevent it from spilling or being swallowed.
written by
