Small (or large) swarms of gnats are a common sight during the warmer seasons. Usually, these tiny bugs are content to keep to themselves and won’t bother people at all, but if their numbers get high enough, they can be a nuisance. Fungus gnats, the most common type of gnat in New York, are the biggest offenders. Due to their feeding habits, you’re most likely to find them in your landscaping.
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Fungus gnats are attracted to fungi such as mold, decaying matter, and mushrooms, as well as sources of moisture. Female gnats lay their eggs in moist soil and the larvae feed on the root systems of plants, interfering with the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. Gnats are particularly notorious among orchid growers who keep their prized blossoms well-watered.
Adult fungus gnats are attracted to light and often swarm around indoor light sources. They’re especially active during warm, moist autumn weather when they can infest wet leaf piles during the day.
Scientific Order: Diptera
Common Family: Six of the seven families within the superfamily Sciaroidea, particularly the family Sciaridae
Size: Adults of different species may be as small as 2 millimeters, or as large as half an inch (12.7 millimeters).
Color: Black, grey, or even dark orange-yellow with translucent grey or clear wings. The identifiable mark on most species is the Y-shaped, vein-like pattern in their wings.
Fungus gnats have short life spans and grow quickly. Their entire life cycle process can be completed in 20 to 28 days depending on the temperature of the growth environment. The fungus gnat’s life cycle is broken up into four distinct stages: egg, larvae, pupa, and adult.
A single female fungus gnat can lay up to 300 eggs at once and can lay up to 1000 eggs in her lifetime. Eggs hatch quickly. Larvae feed continuously and require considerable moisture and energy to pupate. After around 10 days, larvae pupate. After about 7 days of pupating, they emerge fully grown.
Adult gnats are attracted to light sources, especially at night. The best way to spot a gnat infestation is to look for swarms of black gnats around indoor and outdoor lights at night, especially in warm or humid areas.
Indoors, gnats are attracted to fruit, garbage, moisture, and houseplants. Fungus gnat larvae burrow into the soil to hide and feed more effectively. Gnats will lay eggs in potted plant soil and then rest on plants nearby. You may find larvae in the soil around areas where you see adult gnats.
Preventing fungal growth is the most important way to prevent a fungus gnat infestation. Take these steps to keep gnats out of your home or business:
Of course, just like any pest infestation, getting professional help for your gnat problem is the best way to make sure fungus gnats don’t return.
Many people confuse fungus gnats and fruit flies. They’re hard to tell apart due to their size. However, each has a distinctive look if you can get close enough to identify them. You can also often tell by their behaviors.
Fruit flies, as their name implies, look like small flies. They have a round body and big eyes that are either red or dark colored. You’ll find fruit flies hovering over fruit bowls and other sweet foods or circling your garbage can. They tend to fly solo or in small groups.
Fungus gnats look more like mini-mosquitoes. They have long dangling legs and slimmer bodies. They are darker in color and their eyes are usually too small to notice. Gnats tend to favor hovering over potted plants and will gather in swarms. Gnats are not strong fliers and won’t be in the air for an extended time.
Fungus gnats – the most common gnat variety in New York – are pesky for sure, but they don’t bite. When you walk or bike through a swarm of them, they might end up in your mouth or nose, though. This isn’t harmful; just annoying.
Other types of gnats, like midges and sandflies, do bite. The females need the protein found in blood to produce their eggs. These gnats are likely to bite during the early morning or evening and will be found in wet, swampy, or wooded areas, but not so much in the city.
Gnat bites appear as small red bumps that may itch like a mosquito bite. They are not dangerous but can become infected. People with allergies may need an anti-itch cream or antihistamine. The best treatment is to keep the bites clean and avoid scratching them.
With decades of experience taking care of all sorts of commercial pest problems, the Assured Environments team is ready to bring you the best fungus gnat control you’ll find in New York. With a comprehensive (and free!) inspection, our team will look into your business’s unique needs and build you a personalized pest control plan.
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