Problems with Gnats are controllable under professional care. Our treatment goal is to stop a problem at its source so it doesn’t keep coming back. Using state-of-the art equipment and methods, our licensed exterminators will inspect your home’s environment and construction to identify the problem and determine the best course of action. Contact us today!
“Gnat” is a common name for several (two winged) small flies, mainly of the family Culicidae. Depending on species, the female gnats can be biting or non-biting, but as a whole, they will feed on plants, other insects and possibly animal blood. Females of some species, such as the black gnat feed on blood and they have been known to carry parasites and spread diseases to humans and livestock
Gnats reproduce quickly and swarm in infested areas. Males tend to assemble at dusk in large mating swarms known as ghosts. Gnat eggs are laid in or near water depending on the species just as in mosquitoes.
Fungus Gnats (indoor Gnats) infestation can damage both ornamental and edible plants. These gnats lay their eggs in damp soil of plants that have been over-watered. When the eggs hatch, the immature gnats feed on decomposing, organic material in the soil. The gnats are attracted to fungus that grows in very wet soil and the larvae attack the roots of the plants.
Fungus gnats can be controlled by changing their environment. This is simpler than it sounds, for example since they are attracted to and need very wet soil, simply identify any plants that have wet soil and let it completely dry before the next watering. This will kill the larval stages in the soil.
The adult gnats can be removed with a vacuum from around the plants or windows and sills. For some gnat populations, their food source must be located and removed. For example fruit should not be exposed to open air. Keeping fruit in the refrigerator protects it from insects and also extends its period of ripeness.
There are electronic devices for outdoor use that will electrocute individual gnats and may help to control their populations. Inside, electronic insect traps can be effective and they work by emitting ultraviolet light sources. Flying insects are attracted to this light and are then caught by the sticky surface of the trap when they approach.
Other than the electronic devices, there are some other simple things that you can do outside to lessen the gnats in your immediate area, although it’s extremely difficult to control a pest that will fly in and out of your property.
