Ever noticed those small buzzing bugs in your home or garden? They’re gnats! While most aren’t harmful, they are bothersome pests. If you are curious about the types of gnats, want to learn how they invade your spaces and more importantly, are looking for ways to get rid of them, this article is for you!
This guide covers each of these points. You’ll learn about different gnat types first. Next, you’ll find indoor and outdoor solutions to get rid of them. Finally, you’ll discover useful strategies to keep gnats away if you are facing this issue regularly. We will also discuss the professional pest control options if nothing else works. Sounds good?
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Fungus gnats are small black insects with long legs. They favor damp, overwatered houseplant soil, especially one with rotting plant matter. They then lay eggs, whose larvae feast on plant roots. This often turns leaves yellow, causes wilting, and could even kill the plant.
Round and brown, fruit flies love ripe or rotting fruits and veggies. They deposit their eggs on these food sources, making them spoil faster. They can also contaminate any area they land on.
Also known as sewer flies, these fuzzy, moth-like bugs prefer humid spots like drains, garbage disposals, and sink pipes. Their larvae thrive in the decaying organic matter and moisture in these environments.
The table below gives a snapshot of each type’s description.
Studies have shown that there is no permanent remedy for gnats but taking some measures for the long term eradication of gnats such as removing areas where breeding occurs, such as wet spots or stagnant water, might help in getting rid of gnats.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Each gnat type has distinct looks and behaviors. Recognizing the kind of gnat in your home will help pick effective gnat-busting methods.
The table below helps pin down their appearance specifics.
Depending on the type, gnats favor different parts of homes and gardens:
Infested by gnats? One clear sign is many flying bugs in the affected areas. While they don’t hurt wood or leave feces trails, it’s important to manage infestations quickly. This prevents plant harm and possible human health risks.
Here’s a summary of the infestation indicators to watch out for:
If you do not know, then let me shed some light upon ‘gnats’. Gnats are small, non-biting flies or insects that usually grow in polluted water, wet soil, or seepage. There is no permanent solution to get rid of them but pressurised aerosols containing pyrethrin may help to a great extent.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
There are several solutions to get rid of gnat problems, from DIY activities to professional services.
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Homemade gnat traps can help control these pests indoors. Try the two popular ones below:
Mix apple cider vinegar, sugar, and dish soap in a bowl. Place this bowl in the affected area. The smell attracts gnats, the soap catches them, and the vinegar kills them.
Put a rotting fruit piece in a big bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band. Poke some holes in the wrap with a toothpick. Gnats will fly towards the fruit, but the trap will stop them from escaping.
Hang sticky ribbons in places with a lot of gnat activity. These can help catch and kill them. Change the flypaper when it’s full of trapped bugs.
Try an indoor-safe bug zapper for a quick and effective gnat solution. These devices use electric shocks to kill gnats on contact.
If the infestation is severe, you may need to use chemical sprays. Remember to follow the instructions carefully. Also, make sure to keep these products away from kids and pets.
Pouring boiling water down your kitchen sink drain can aid in killing gnat eggs and larvae. This will also clear food and bacteria buildup that draws these insects.
Near-expired or turned wine can also help trap gnats. Pour some stale wine into a small container, add a bit of dish soap, and place it in gnat-heavy areas. Gnats will flock to the wine and get trapped.
Set a tall candle in a candlestick in a small water-filled pan. Light the candle and switch off other lights. Gnats will either fly into the flame and burn or fall into the water and drown.
Follow these steps to set up a candle trap:
Remember to stay in the room while the candle is burning and put it out when you’re done.
Clean the drains with a diluted bleach solution, that is, one part bleach to two parts water. Wearing safety gear and ventilating the room is a must when working with bleach.
Gnats love houseplants. But don’t worry, the following remedies can help:
Place sticky cards (bright cards covered with glue) near the affected plants. These will trap and kill gnats.
Dust the dry, infected plant soil with food-grade diatomaceous earth. The armed powder will catch gnats and dehydrate them to death.
Try a Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench on the infested plant soil. It’s a safe bacterium that kills gnat larvae without causing plant harm.
Give plants a break between waterings to cut off a moist breeding ground for gnats.
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If gnats keep coming back, you can move infested plants to clean pots filled with fresh potting soil.
Place yellow sticky traps around outdoor plants. The bright color will catch fungus gnats’ attention and trap them.
Use food-grade diatomaceous earth around garden plants. It will trap and kill gnats.
Use a Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench in your garden. It will kill gnat larvae without affecting garden plants or animals.
This precise table sums up the above-mentioned gnat control measures.
To lower the risk of a gnat infestation at your home, follow these quick tips:
Use room vents and dehumidifiers to cut down moisture levels at home. Remember, gnats love moist places.
Close trash bins with secure lids. And dispose of indoor waste often to keep gnats away from their food source.
Allow plants to dry in between watering to reduce moisture that gnats are drawn to.
Always clean drains and garbage disposals. Use a drain cover overnight to keep moist areas gnat-free.
Keep gardens clean and free of rotten plants to deprive gnats of breeding spots.
Clean outdoor trash bins and minimize water collection spots. This will cut down gnat breeding near your home.
Here’s a quick guide to what to do to prevent gnats:
If all the above-mentioned attempts to get rid of gnats are unsuccessful, then it’s time to call a professional pest control service. They can tailor solutions to your needs. They’ll also ensure that the gnats are fully gone and won’t come back.
This quick table helps identify when it’s time to call in the pros:
While battling with gnats might seem endless, it doesn’t have to be. By recognizing gnat types and applying the right indoor and outdoor solutions, you can tackle your gnat problems.
Maintaining cleanliness, proper plant care and lower humidity can aid in staying clear of gnats. If all else fails, consider reaching out to a professional pest control team. They can provide tailored solutions to not only get the gnats out but also keep them away from your home.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
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