Gnats Taking Over Your Home? Here’s How to Get Rid of Them

Introduction - What Are Gnats?

Gnats are small insects that resemble fruit flies but have slender bodies, long and narrow wings, and eyes. They are attracted to decayed plants and moisture. Gnats are not very predatory and aggressive. They don’t bite or suck blood like mosquitoes but can become a nuisance. The presence of a single gnat may not be bothersome, but large numbers can damage plants, roots and they are also attracted to lights. These pests are commonly known as fungus gnats and are sometimes confused with mosquitoes and fruit flies. However, they differ slightly in appearance, measuring about 1/8 to 3/16 inches long stripped at the abdomens. They are mostly found around kitchen drains since they are drawn to decayed matter and moisture.

Why do gnats invade your Home?

Common cause:

At home, these tiny creatures are attracted to overripe fruits or vegetables, food waste, moisture, and stagnant water. Poorly sealed trash and indoor plants with damp, moist soil are the primary reasons gnats stick around and invade houses.

This moisture-loving pest is sometimes drawn to tears from the eyes and perspiration from the nose, which can also contribute to insect infestations.

Common factors:

Gnats breed and thrive in humid weather conditions which is more prevalent and favourable in Dubai climate conditions.

Common signs:

The moist areas in a home are typically the kitchen and the bathroom, which is why gnats often gather in groups which is referred to as “clouds” and also spaces around plants.

Gnats have a four-stage life cycle: they are egg, larva, pupa, and adult similar to the life cycle of other flies. The larva of gnats is commonly found near the bathroom and drainage areas. The increased number of trash around the kitchen is a strong indicator of gnat cloud formation at home.

DIY methods and preventive measures

• • Many natural DIY tips can help eradicate gnat infestations. They include vinegar traps, Candle traps, and Wine traps. There are many trap-based solutions for gnat eradication.
• • Sticky traps, available in the market, are made with the intention to trap gnats without causing much mess which is an easy and affordable choice.
• • Burning incentive sticks and applying essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and coconut butter can give a pleasant smell while repelling gnats.

Preventive Measures

• • Always tidy up the kitchen sink and keep it dry.
• • Promptly cover any leakages and drainage disruptions.
• • Keep the countertops clean and tidy.
• • Take out the trash daily and clean the dustbin.
• • Avoid overwater indoor plants as the soil will turn breeding center.
• • If you have a compost pit, it should be approximately 15 feet away from the house.
• • Using sodium bulbs near the backyard area, and kitchen outskirts can limit gnat attraction.

When to call a professional

If gnat infestation in your home has become uncontrollable and DIY remedies are no longer effective, it's highly recommended to seek professional help. A pest control team can properly analyze the root cause and implement effective, long-term solutions. Keep in mind that there are many species of gnats, some of which can carry infections that may worsen health conditions in very rare cases. Therefore, professional intervention is crucial before taking into severe conditions.

Conclusion

Are you tired of the gnat infestation at your home? These pests easily thrive in moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms, multiplying rapidly due to favourable conditions. While DIY traps help, severe infestations require professional pest control companies in Dubai for effective results. Pest control Sharjah experts also offered tailored solutions, using safe, effective methods to eliminate gnats as these pests thrive in humid conditions which is relevant to Sharjah's climate. When the team from Ensure serves the best way to get rid of any pests in Dubai and Sharjah, please feel free to approach us. Visit Ensure’s website or contact us for more details.