Gnats are one of the most common household pests – not to mention one of the most annoying. Even though they’re harmless, they breed incredibly quickly (one gnat can lay up to 300 eggs in its four-month lifespan) and are extremely hard to get rid of.
So what’s a homeowner to do? The best way to fight a gnat infestation is to understand gnat behavior and implement preventive pest control solutions.
What are gnats?
Gnats are a species of small flying insects. They are often seen swarming in great numbers, especially during dusk near fields and areas of great vegetation. When mating season for gnats comes, they often swarm again. They come in a wide variety of species of gnat, including fungus gnats and other species. Some species of gnats bite, but others do not. Despite some gnats biting, they are generally classified as non-biting flies.
Are gnats and fruit flies the same thing?
Gnats and fruit flies are often confused, but they are not the same species. Fruit flies are destructive pests to fruit crops across California and Western states. Gnats are nearly universal and they are found almost everywhere. They are both tiny flies, but fruit flies are seeking different types of food, require different methods of treatment and are not the same as gnats.
Why do I have gnats?
Gnats are attracted to decomposing materials. In the home, this most commonly takes the form of fruit, compost piles, garbage and even dying house plants. They also are attracted to sources of water and can be found in bathrooms and near kitchen sinks. Most homeowners will face a gnat problem at some point. Unprepared homeowners, however, will face a much larger one.
Do gnats bite?
Yes, gnats do bite, but gnat bites do not break the skin the same way mosquitoes do. Gnats have slicing or cutting mouth-parts which slice and dice their way through the skin and then suck your blood. Sometimes this means a gnat bite can hurt more than a mosquito bite.
If you notice red bumps and they get itchy or appear infected, you may have bites from gnats. Was them with soap or water and if you think you are having an allergic reaction, contact a doctor or seek medical attention. Usually only those who are sensitive to insect bites have a problem with gnats.
Are there different types of gnats?
Yes. There are two main species of gnats; fruit flies and fungus gnats. As you can guess, fruit flies are attracted to rotting food sources, while fungus gnats love stagnant water.
How to get rid of gnats?
The best way to avoid a gnat infestation is to regularly empty your trash, keep a clean kitchen and bathroom, and avoid over-watering plants. Gnats are nearly impossible to avoid entirely, but cutting back the places and amount of time they have to breed will significantly lessen the infestation. If you have a serious problem that you can’t get rid of on your own, contact a professional pest control company.
Western Exterminator are experts in gnats and other flying insects
If you are experiencing an infestation of gnats inside your home, Western Exterminator gnat control specialists can provide treatments which will get rid of gnats. Western Exterminator specialists are also experts in preventing gnats from getting into your home. It is difficult to get rid of gnats outdoors, but inside your home, getting rid of gnats is like trying to get rid of flies.
Contact your local Western Exterminator office and discuss the problems you are having with gnats and we can discuss solutions with you from there.
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