by Carolyn Noblett

Created on: January 08, 2011   Last Updated: May 01, 2012

What is a gnat~

A gnat is a tiny fly that can make itself at home right under your nose. Many of them actually do seem to like it there, and around your eyes, and those of your pets. There are several types of gnats and they need slightly different conditions. Some, but not all bite. Most of them are happy with fungus and vegetable matter. Some types of female gnats do need blood to reproduce.

Where they live~

It feels like most of them want to live with us, but they need certain conditions to thrive. Outdoors there are  many places to breed, and some of them are very close to your home. Any place with water can breed gnats, and mosquitoes.

Downspouts, ditches, creeks, and ponds are common culprits. Even lakes, rivers and streams can provide the right conditions. Old tires and buckets can catch and hold water, but most of us know not to leave those items lying around. Low damp areas in your yard can provide the right conditions for gnats to multiply. Some areas you may be able to fill in with soil to help with drainage.

Indoors they seem to like potted plants, garbage, compost, and almost any area that provides food and moisture. Sinks and drains are quite popular with gnats.

Getting rid of gnats~

There are several ways to get rid of gnats. You can purchase organic and non-organic sprays for your houseplant soil or use a whole house fogger kit. Fly strips are relatively safe and somewhat effective. Many people have tried many things, one of which is the hand held bug zapper. These can be quite satisfying.

One thing that might help would be to change out the potting soil in any plants that has gnats flying around it. Soil that contains very much peat moss will attract them if it stays damp. You might be able to let the soil dry out, if you can do so confidently without killing the plant. Keeping the leaf litter picked up from around the base of the plant will also discourage them.

Make sure to remove the household garbage daily, and keep your kitchen sink area clean and dry. If you are saving compost indoors keep an airtight lid on your container. Compost has near perfect conditions for a gnat population to grow. Don’t leave any kind of fruit laying in the open. Refrigerate the fruit if you must to get the gnats under control.

A line of defense~

Gnats may be coming in through your window screens, or open doors. If you have kids running in and out they could be accidentally allowing these pests to zoom in with them. Check screens for any tears or holes and check the sides making sure the screen hasn’t pulled away from the frame. If it has, you may need to replace the entire screen. Check your fruits and vegetables before you even carry them into the house.

Controlling gnats can seem impossible because they multiply so quickly, but don’t give up. With a little planning and work, you can have a home free of gnats.

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