Key Takeaway
Gnats are small, winged insects that can be a nuisance in your home. They are attracted to body heat, water, and sweet or fruity scents. To eliminate gnats, you have to find and remove the breeding site. Often times this alone can eliminate the flies so quickly that no insecticides are needed.
Can Pest Control Get Rid of Gnats?
Gnats are one of the most common types of pesky flies that you’ll find in your home or outside. They tend to float in front of faces and land on food, giving most folks the creeps. And while these bugs do reproduce quickly, you’re not destined for a life of fluttering suffering. These tricks and tips will help homeowners learn how to get rid of gnats the next time these pests pop up.
What Are Gnats?
Gnats are small, winged insects, often no larger than ¼-inch. They can have yellow, tan, black, or brown coloring, and they have long legs compared to their bodies, and wide, flat wings. Some gnats are simply pests, while others actually pollinate plants and play a beneficial role. Gnats do bite, and they can transfer certain diseases. However, they don’t damage homes like other insects, and they’re generally considered nothing more than nuisances.
There are several types of gnats known to become annoyances in homes. Among others, the most common include fruit flies that are attracted to rotting fruit and vegetables, fungus gnats that are attracted to overwater plant roots and drain flies that thrive on the moisture and rotting food in sink drains.
How to Identify Gnats
Knowing how to identify gnats doesn’t take a degree in biology, and it can be helpful in determining what the issue is and how to solve it.
Where gnats are found can be one of the most helpful indications of the type of infestation folks might have:
- Drain flies will typically hang out in sinks in kitchens and bathrooms. They thrive on moisture and decaying organic matter in the drain. They’ll fly up into the air around the sink when disturbed.
- Fungus gnats are commonly found around houseplants. These gnats’ larvae feed on overwatered plant roots, but the adults land on soil and leaves, as well.
- Fruit flies collect on decaying fruits and vegetables. If a cloud of gnats ever puffs up into the air when throwing out an old banana, there’s no doubt that those were fruit flies.
All of these species, along with the others that are less likely to infest indoor locations, are spread across the globe. No region in the world is immune to these annoying little bugs.
Can Pest Control Get Rid of Gnats?
One method includes setting a bowl near the infestation and pouring apple cider vinegar, a teaspoon of sugar and a teaspoon of dish soap into the bowl. The sugar will attract the gnats, the dish soap will prevent them from escaping and the vinegar will kill them.
Another effective method for controlling and getting rid of gnats is by using a bug zapper. These devices attract gnats and electrocute them, causing them to die and collect in the device’s tray.
If you have an active gnat infestation, follow these guidelines for gnat control in your house:
- Identify Gnats
- Get Rid Of Gnats
- Prevent Gnats
If you’re dealing with a gnat infestation at home or work, you’re probably wondering if pest control can help get rid of them for good.
The answer is yes! Pest control experts have the knowledge and expertise to identify the source of the infestation, apply treatment, and equip you with preventative measures so that gnats don’t come back.
Here’s what you need to know about gnat infestations:
What Attracts Gnats?
Gnats are always on the lookout for their survival needs. When gnats enter your home or office space, it’s most likely because they’ve pegged it as an ideal place to procreate or lay their eggs. Any environment rich in water and decaying organic matter is a gnat paradise and a prime invitation for breeding.
Abundance of food is a key marker for gnats to reproduce quickly; cutting back on their availability can help prevent gnats from taking over your space.
How Do Gnat Infestations Start?
Gnats can enter your home or office space through just about any opening. They tend to make homes a residence when seeking warmth, food, and shelter.
The most common entry points include:
- Windows and doors that are left open
- Cracks in walls or foundations
- Holes in screens
- Openings around pipes and vents
Once inside, gnats will seek out areas with moisture and decaying organic matter. This can include:
- Overwatered plants
- Garbage cans
- Drains
- Compost piles
How to Get Rid of Gnats
Getting rid of gnats can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Here are some tips for getting rid of gnats in your home or office space:
- Find the breeding site: Gnats breed in moist areas with decaying organic matter. Finding and removing the breeding site is the most effective way to get rid of gnats.
- Clean up: Clean up any spills or messes immediately. This will help prevent gnats from being attracted to your space.
- Use a bug zapper: Bug zappers are an effective way to get rid of gnats. They attract gnats and electrocute them, causing them to die and collect in the device’s tray.
- Use apple cider vinegar: Pour apple cider vinegar, a teaspoon of sugar, and a teaspoon of dish soap into a bowl and place it near the infestation. The sugar will attract the gnats, the dish soap will prevent them from escaping, and the vinegar will kill them.
- Use insecticides: Insecticides can be effective at getting rid of gnats, but they should be used as a last resort.
Conclusion
Gnats can be a nuisance in your home or office space, but they’re not impossible to get rid of. By following these tips for getting rid of gnats, you can eliminate these pesky flies from your space for good.
I hope this article was helpful! If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask.
