Gnats always have a way of showing up uninvited, especially when the weather starts to warm up in Evansville, Indiana. At T&G Pest Control, we understand the frustration of dealing with these persistent pests.
It often seems like one or two gnats can quickly multiply into a few dozen overnight. And try as you might, they are challenging pests to eliminate.
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s take a closer look at what these pests are and why they can become such a nuisance. Understanding gnats is one of the best ways to help you learn how to get rid of them.
What Are Gnats?
Gnats, also called midges, are tiny insects that can quickly become bothersome in your home. They have some interesting characteristics.
Their lifespan is relatively short, typically lasting around ten days. However, in that short time, adult female gnats have the ability to lay up to 300 eggs.
This rapid reproduction cycle explains why midges multiply quickly within your living spaces.
Due to their limited flying capabilities, gnats remain within their vicinity and do not venture far from their eggs. This behavior, coupled with their short lifespan, makes it essential to address a gnat infestation promptly.
Despite their resemblance to baby flies due to their small size, gnats are fully grown insects belonging to the suborder Nematocera.
Typically measuring around 1/16 inch in length, they have long legs and slim bodies.
While gnats do not cause significant damage inside homes, they are considered a nuisance, buzzing around and disrupting our daily lives.
Different Types of Gnats
When it comes to the types of gnats you might encounter around your Southern Indiana home, several common species can cause annoyance.
Black Fly
One such species is the black fly. Ranging in size from 5 mm to 15 mm, black flies are small flies that bite humans, wildlife, livestock, and poultry. Similar to mosquitoes, they feed on blood for survival.
While their bites can be painful and cause reactions such as small puncture wounds or swelling, there is no evidence to suggest that they transmit diseases to humans. However, they are capable of transmitting diseases to livestock.
Fungus Gnat
Another type of midge commonly encountered is the fungus gnat. These black, delicate-looking insects resemble mosquitoes and have thin, long legs and long antennas.
They grow to be about 1/16 to 1/8 inch in length and have light gray wings.
Fungus gnats infest soil, potting mix, and other organic decomposition sources. While the adults may fly near windows and be attracted to light, they are generally weak fliers and tend to stay close to potted plants.
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are another familiar midge found in kitchens. These tiny flies have a preference for fruits, both fresh and decomposing, as well as sugary juices.
They resemble typical house flies but are smaller in size. There are two main types of fruit flies: the Red-Eyed fruit flies, measuring 1/8 inch in length, and the Dark-Eyed fruit flies, which are slightly larger at 3/16 inch.
Drain Flies
Drain flies, as their name suggests, are commonly found in drains inside houses. These hairy, light gray, or tan-colored flies have dark borders around their wings and measure about 1/8 inch in length.
They tend to inhabit dark and damp areas, making drains an ideal environment for them.
While drain flies do not bite, they can aggravate asthma symptoms in susceptible people.
What Are Gnats Attracted To?
Midges are primarily attracted to sweet and fruity foods. However, they can also be drawn to other sources, such as standing water or moisture, including open drinks, spills, and sink drains.
Midges are enticed by body heat, making them a common annoyance during warmer seasons. Additionally, they can be found buzzing around flowers, house plants, overripe or rotting produce, and even garbage cans.
How To Control Gnats
Now that we’ve discussed what a gnat is and what they are attracted it, we will shift the focus to how to control gnats in your home.
1. Remove the source:
- Store fruits and vegetables in sealed containers or cover them up to deter fruit flies.
- Dispose of overripe or rotting fruits to eliminate a potential attraction for gnats.
- Regularly clean up dead leaves on the soil of houseplants to prevent fungus gnat infestations.
- Fix any leaky pipes or faucets to reduce excess moisture that attracts midges.
- Clean your floor and sink drains regularly to eliminate potential breeding grounds.
2. Kill adult gnats and their offspring:
- Utilize sticky fly traps, which are highly effective in capturing and killing gnats.
- Place the traps where midges are frequently seen or suspected breeding grounds.
3. Seal any openings around windows and exterior doors to prevent gnats from entering your home.
4. If you have pets, avoid leaving their food and water out overnight, which can also attract gnats.
In some cases, gnat infestations can become overwhelming and challenging to manage on your own. Despite your best efforts, these persistent pests may continue to multiply and cause frustration.
At T&G Pest Control, we understand the challenges posed by midge infestations. Our experienced team has the knowledge and expertise to eliminate gnats and restore peace to your living spaces effectively. Contact us today to schedule a service!