Where Do Gnats Come From?

How to Evict House Gnats

Gnats are a very small, very common household fly. But just because they’re common doesn’t mean you should let them become your next houseguest! Gnats can seem to appear out of nowhere, quickly multiply, and become very tricky to get rid of.

Understand where house gnats may be coming from and ways to deter them from infesting your space.

Where Do Gnats Come from?

Gnats are commonly found around decaying organic matter. They enter through open doors and windows or even hitch a ride on your fresh produce or new potted plant.

Once inside, gnats gather near garbage bins, compost piles, overripe fruits or vegetables, decaying matter, and areas with standing water like a sink drain or wet sponge. They lay their eggs in these areas so the larvae can survive on any moisture and decaying matter.

This creates a cycle of infestation and quickly enhances their presence. Female gnats can lay up to 500 eggs in their lifetime and eggs hatch within 4 to 6 days!

To stop a gnat infestation and prevent gnats from making a home in your space, it’s important to understand where breeding grounds might be in your house.

Related Blog: Help! I Have a Ladybug Infestation

Are Gnats Harmful?

Gnats inside your house can be a nuisance and potentially a health problem. Not only are they bothersome, but gnats that prefer to live on houseplants, like fungus gnats, can damage the roots of your houseplants as their larvae feed on the plant. Gnats, like many flies, can also pick up bacteria as they travel from decaying organic matter and potentially spread it to food and other surfaces.

It’s important to begin tackling a gnat problem as soon as you notice it to keep the gnats under control and prevent a health hazard or harm to your houseplants.

How to Stop Gnats from Being a Problem Inside

Check out these 5 tips to get rid of a gnat infestation in your house and prevent them from coming back:

1. Keep your home clean and dry.

Gnats thrive in moist environments, so keeping your home clean and dry can help prevent infestations. Make sure to wipe down kitchen and bathroom surfaces regularly, and promptly fix any leaks or standing water issues. Doing so will both reduce areas that might attract gnats and clean away gnat eggs.

2. Dispose of garbage properly.

Remove garbage regularly and keep trash bins relatively clean. Use airtight containers for leftover food to prevent gnats from being attracted to the decaying matter. Additionally, be sure to throw out unused produce that’s becoming overripe as it could attract gnats.

3. Use essential oils.

Natural repellents such as essential oils like citronella, lemon, peppermint, or eucalyptus can deter gnats from entering your home, as they dislike the scents. Try diluting the oil and spraying it in the kitchen or near houseplants to prevent gnats from entering the areas.

4. Set gnat traps.

Traps, such as sticky flypaper or vinegar traps, can catch gnats and reduce their numbers. Make an apple cider vinegar gnat trap by combining apple cider vinegar with a small amount of dish soap in a glass and setting it in areas where gnats are congregating. You can mix one part vinegar with one part water to increase the amount of liquid if you have a limited amount of apple cider vinegar. However, more vinegar will increase the scent and be more attractive to gnats.

5. Consult a professional.

If you're unable to manage the gnat problem on your property, professional control can help! Mosquito Squad offers gnat control services to reduce gnat populations outside your home and help prevent them from making their way inside.

Enjoy a Space with Fewer Bothersome Pests

To get rid of gnats inside, consistency is key! Pair our gnat deterrent tips with professional outdoor pest control from your local Mosquito Squad. Our outdoor pest control solutions manage pests outside so you have less to worry about making their way inside.

Contact the Squad today at (877) 332-2239 or request a quote online.