Dealing with pests outdoors is expected, but it can be frustrating when gnats start buzzing around your face or end up in your drink indoors. According to entomologist Matt Bertone, “Gnat” is a general term for a type of small fly, and people often refer to many of these tiny flies as gnats. These tiny insects are everywhere and can easily find their way indoors. It is crucial to identify the specific type of gnat to effectively eliminate them if they become a recurring issue. Dr. Faith Oi emphasizes the importance of locating the breeding source of the gnats.
To address the problem, you may need to investigate where these pests might be hiding in or around your home. By removing their food source, you can disrupt their reproductive cycle and keep them at bay. Here are some common indoor gnats or gnat-like pests you may encounter, along with advice from Bertone and Oi on how to eradicate them:
Fungus Gnats:
These delicate-looking gnats, about 1/8-inch long, are often found near the soil surface of houseplants or fluttering around indoor spaces. They are attracted to light and may have been introduced to your plant indoors or flown in from outside. Although they are not harmful to humans or pets, they can be bothersome. The female lays eggs on the soil surface, which hatch into small larvae that feed on decaying matter in the potting soil. Once established, these tiny flies continue to reproduce indoors.
What To Do:
– For plants that can withstand it, allow the soil to dry completely between waterings to kill off the eggs and larvae.
– Use sticky traps to monitor gnat levels, but note that these traps do not effectively control gnats.
– Consider applying a larvicide called Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) to disrupt the reproductive cycle of the gnats.
– In most cases, fungus gnats are merely a nuisance and do not pose a threat to plants, especially in a household setting.
Drain Flies:
These small filth flies breed in sludge and decaying matter that accumulates in drain pipes, often congregating near kitchen drains and garbage disposals. They have a moth-like appearance, measuring about 1/16 inch long with hairy bodies and wings they hold over their bodies at rest.
What To Do:
– Use a stiff drain brush and enzymatic drain cleaner to remove sludge buildup.
– Flush the drain with hot water to help eliminate drain flies.
– If the issue persists, check for broken pipes or moisture problems that may be attracting drain flies.
By following these tips and recommendations from experts like Bertone and Oi, you can effectively tackle gnat infestations and keep your indoor spaces free from these pesky insects.
Scuttle flies, also known as phorid flies, are small insects about 1/8 inch in size. They are called “scuttle” flies due to their erratic movements. Often mistaken for fungus gnats, scuttle flies behave differently by running across surfaces rather than flying. These flies feed on decaying organic matter that is moist. Breeding sites for scuttle flies can include contaminated soil near leaking sewage pipes, drain pipe linings, moist foods under appliances, potted plants, compost bins, and trash cans. Locating the source of the infestation can be challenging due to the flies laying eggs in various places.
To address a scuttle fly problem, search for the source of damp, decaying matter and use sticky traps to identify breeding sites. Check drain pans under appliances and use microbial drain cleaners to dissolve organic buildup. Avoid using bleach or standard cleaners as they do not kill phorid larvae. Keep compost bins and garbage cans away from the house and clean them regularly to deter fly populations. If unable to find the source, consider hiring a pest control company or plumber to inspect for plumbing issues.
To prevent gnats from returning, maintain a routine of keeping trash cans sealed tightly, avoiding overwatering houseplants, cleaning drains and garbage disposals, fixing plumbing leaks, wiping up spills promptly, and using candles or sprays with citronella, lemon, or vanilla scents to repel them.
