Gnat are tiny flies that infest homes during summer. Gnat infestation is very irritating and it seems like your home and sanity is being taken over by insects, that are multiplying every second. This article will help you get rid of gnat infestation in homes and gardens and win back your property and peace of mind from these tiny insects.
Gnat are commonly known as ‘fruit flies’ or ‘no-seeums’. These are pestiferous organisms that invade your homes during summer. There are many types of gnats and are basically harmless. The most irritating thing about this pestering creatures is that constant buzzing and hovering over your head that drives you insane. They are also known as vinegar flies, as they are attracted to everything that smells rotten.
Identifying Gnat Infestation
If your house is teaming with small, black insects that fly and are a bit smaller than mosquitoes, that don’t buzz, proves you are having gnat infestation in home. Gnats are the biggest fans of fungus and love moisture, thus, are found hovering over overripe peaches, bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, over-watered potted plants and trash bins.
If you want to get rid of infestation of gnats in your home, then make sure you keep all your fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator. Do not over-water your indoor plants and drain excess water from the pots and trays, over which the pots are kept. Cover your trash bins with lids and get rid of all the decaying and rotten food over and under the kitchen counter. The other easy way to get rid of them is by arming yourself with insect sprays and fly swatters. If you are carrying out composting in your home, keep the composting bin outside the house. This will keep the gnat infestation outside your doors to some extent. You may like to refer to my article how to get rid of fruit flies for some more information on gnat infestation in home.
Fungus Gnat Infestation
Fungus gnat infestation is a very serious insect infestation, that causes a lot of damage to plants. Fungus gnat infestation results in hundreds of eggs begin laid in the soil, that result in larvae eating up the roots. Thus, damaging the plant growth. Fungal gnat love moisture too, and are common invaders of green houses and indoor houseplants. The fungal gnat larvae leaves a trail of slimy goo, that attracts snails and slugs. If you observe a sudden spurt of snail or slug population, it proves you have a fungal gnat infection.
In order to get rid of the fungal gnat infection, use yellow sticky traps that are placed horizontally on the soil surface. The females are captured in this trap before they are able to lay eggs. You may even try incorporating Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) liquid drench in the soil to kill the larvae. This is very useful as it kills the larvae without damaging the plants.
You may even try using liquid fly traps, available at many garden supply stores. It consists of a fly attractant powder in a container, to be filled with water, so that the flies are attracted into the container. They fly into the container towards sure death.
These are a few remedies for getting rid of infestation of gnats. The main thing to be remembered is that these gnats love moisture and the smell of rotten organic matter. Thus, keep your surroundings clean by getting rid of dead decaying plant matter, food in kitchen, overripe fruits and vegetables, etc. Your surroundings should be kept dry and do not over water your plants. Follow these preventive measures and free yourself from the nettlesome and pesky gnat infestation.
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