How Did I Get Gnats In My House?

Need to get rid of gnats? Read on to learn the answers to all of your important questions. Need help? Call our professionals today to get started.

What Are Gnats?

The term “gnat” encompasses several different types of small, flying insects, and is a descriptive, rather than categorical, term. What that means is that there is no scientific consensus as to what a gnat is, or is not, scientifically. Most people, however, understand gnats as tiny, winged insects with long, thin bodies. Gnats are typically dark brown to black in color and are around 1/4 of an inch in length. 

Gnats like to live in moist soil and other damp places. They are considered a pest insect as they are a nuisance and hard to eradicate. Some species of gnat bite, while others do not bite and aren’t considered dangerous, though some species are known to spread disease.

What Causes Gnats?

Fungus gnats and fruit flies are the two most common gnats you might find in the home. Fungus gnats are typically black with a single pair of wings and long legs which makes them look similar to mosquitoes. Fungus gnats aren’t great at flying, so you will typically find them resting or crawling near indoor potted plants or outside in your landscaping. Fungus gnats will infest damp soil and can be brought into your home on newly purchased house plants. They feed on damaged or dying plant roots and any fungi they might find within the soil. 

Fruit flies often enter your home by hitching a ride on produce or food you’ve brought home from the grocery store, often as eggs or larvae. They can also come into your home through open doors or screens. Once in your home, fruit flies will feed on over-ripened fruits and vegetables and may reproduce in drains that aren’t cleaned and maintained properly, trash cans with no lids, and any damp area that has decomposing organic matter. 

Are Gnats Dangerous?

Fruit flies and fungus gnats do not bite, but an infestation of either kind can become a serious nuisance as they swarm together quite often in the middle of any room. If you are having issues with fruit flies or fungus gnats, call a pest professional to create a plan for safe and effective control of your gnat issue. 

Find A Pest Specialist For Fungus Gnat or Fruit Fly Control

If you are concerned about fungus gnat or fruit fly control for your home, please give us a call or fill out the form on this page. PestControlExperts.com is a team of experts who are highly qualified to provide the best recommendations for you and your home, no matter which part of the United States you live in.