When you’re constantly shooing tiny flying insects around your kitchen, you’re probably not looking too closely at them. You may automatically think that you have a fruit fly infestation, however, you may be dealing with gnats.
These small flying insects could be gnats. You may be thinking, aren’t fruit flies and gnats the same thing? The quick answer to that is no. Fruit flies and gnats aren’t the same.
Whichever type of insects they may be, it’s likely that you want these pests out of your home.
Knowing the difference between Gnats and Fruit Flies can help you understand what’s causing them to flock to your house and how you can prevent them from doing so.
What are the Main Differences Between Fruit Flies and Gnats?
While both belong to the Dipterans order of insects, fruit flies belong to the Tephritidae and Drosophilidae family of the order, while fungus gnats belong to the suborder, Nematocera and include the Mycetophilidae, Anisopodidae, and Sciaridae families.
Now, how can you tell if you’re dealing with gnats or fruit flies? Understanding some distinct physical differences between gnats and fruit flies can help you determine which of the pests you are dealing with.
Gnats are black with black eyes. Compared to their small bodies, a black gnat’s wings are disproportionately large. Fungus gnats also have large, gangly legs, that resemble those of mosquitoes, giving them the ability to jump and fly quickly.
Fruit flies, on the other hand, typically have a brownish head and thorax, and large red eyes, which really sets them apart from a fungus gnat. They also have a black color pattern on their wings and a dark tail and abdomen.
Where Do Gnats and Fruit Flies Thrive?
Gnats are usually found outside. For example, fungus gnats typically hover over moist soil outdoors. Gnats also spend a lot of time in rotting organic matter, so if you compost, you might see them near it.
They can be found indoors as well. Gnats are drawn to moist soil in potted plants, poorly sealed contained food containers, trash cans, and dirty dishes.
Fruit flies are the ones you usually find in the kitchen. They are attracted to warm and wet areas without much airflow. As the name suggests, they invade vegetables and fruits in kitchens. Fruit flies are drawn to mature produce and they can appear at any time of the year.
How Can I Quickly Get Rid of Gnats and Fruit Flies?
If you’re already taking steps to prevent mosquitoes from swarming near your yard, you’re probably keeping your gnat problem at bay.
Gnats are repelled by the same scents that mosquitoes hate, like vanilla, citronella or lemon oil.
How to Get Rid of Gnats
To keep fungus gnats under control, you should:
- Avoid overwatering house plants.
- Remove dead plant leaves from the area near your plants.
- Place a layer of gravel or rock on top of the soil in your potted plants to reduce moisture buildup.
How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies
To get rid of fruit flies, it is recommended to get rid of sources that attract them in and around your kitchen as well as your bathroom and drains.
- Avoid leaving used scouring pads or washcloths in the sink.
- Run the garbage disposal daily or refrain from putting any food down the disposal.
- Dispose of cans, bottles and food boxes that may be left out
- Clean dirty dishes.
- Replace kitchen garbage bags as often as possible.
How to Prevent Gnats
Preventing gnats in and around your home starts with eliminating the conditions that attract them. These pesky insects thrive in moist environments and areas with decaying organic matter, making kitchens, bathrooms, and even your potted plants prime real estate for an infestation. Here are practical tips to keep gnats at bay:
Manage Moisture in Your Home
Gnats are strongly attracted to moisture, so keeping your home dry and well-ventilated can help prevent them from settling in. Here’s how to do it:
- Inspect for leaks: Regularly check for and repair any leaks in your plumbing, including under sinks, around faucets, and in bathrooms.
- Avoid overwatering plants: Allow the top layer of soil in your houseplants to dry out before watering again, and consider using pots with proper drainage.
- Use a dehumidifier: In areas of your home prone to excess humidity, like basements or bathrooms, a dehumidifier can help reduce moisture levels.
Keep Your Kitchen Clean and Dry
The kitchen is a hotspot for gnats due to leftover food, spills, and moisture. Here’s how to make it less appealing to these pests:
- Clean countertops and sinks daily: Wipe down surfaces to remove crumbs and residue, and dry the sink after use.
- Store food properly: Keep fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator or in sealed containers to prevent gnats from accessing them.
- Empty trash regularly: Avoid letting garbage sit for too long, especially if it contains food waste.
Address Outdoor Areas
Gnats can also come from outdoor sources, so maintaining your yard is essential:
- Avoid overwatering your lawn: Let the soil dry out between waterings to reduce the damp conditions that gnats love.
- Compost smartly: If you compost, ensure your bin is sealed tightly, and avoid leaving rotting food scraps uncovered.
- Fix drainage issues: Make sure there’s no standing water around your property, such as in clogged gutters or plant saucers.
Use Natural Repellents
Gnats are sensitive to certain smells, making natural repellents an excellent preventive measure:
- Vanilla, citronella, and lemon oil: Use these essential oils in diffusers or spray bottles to repel gnats naturally.
- DIY vinegar traps: Place bowls filled with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap around your home to trap any gnats that may find their way inside.
How to Prevent Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are notorious for appearing seemingly out of nowhere, especially in kitchens. However, by taking a few proactive measures, you can keep these pests from invading your home.
Store Fruits and Vegetables Properly
Fruit flies are drawn to ripe and fermenting produce. To stop them from feasting on your food:
- Refrigerate produce: Store ripe fruits and vegetables in the fridge rather than leaving them out on counters.
- Use airtight containers: For fruits and veggies that need to stay at room temperature, like bananas or avocados, consider storing them in a fruit storage container with a lid.
Dispose of Food Waste Promptly
Fruit flies love decaying food, so it’s crucial to manage food waste effectively:
- Empty garbage bins daily: Kitchen trash bins should be emptied often, especially when they contain food scraps.
- Rinse recyclables: Wash bottles, cans, and containers before placing them in the recycling bin.
- Clean drains regularly: Fruit flies can breed in organic debris inside drains, so clean them with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or a commercial drain cleaner.
Maintain a Clean Kitchen
A tidy kitchen is less inviting to fruit flies. Here are some cleaning habits to adopt:
- Wash dishes immediately: Don’t let dirty dishes or utensils sit in the sink, as they can attract fruit flies.
- Clean up spills: Wipe up any food or drink spills as soon as they happen.
- Sanitize surfaces: Regularly disinfect countertops, cutting boards, and kitchen appliances to remove food residue.
Create a Less Hospitable Environment
Even if you’re meticulous about cleaning, fruit flies may still try to make their way inside. Here’s how to make your home less appealing:
- Install window screens: Prevent fruit flies from entering your home by keeping windows and doors screened and sealed.
- Use fruit fly traps: Set up traps with apple cider vinegar and dish soap in problem areas like your kitchen and dining room.
Why Prevention Matters
Preventing gnats and fruit flies is much easier than dealing with a full-blown infestation. Not only are these pests annoying, but they can also contaminate your food and disrupt your daily life. By following these preventive measures, you’ll create an environment that’s uninviting for both gnats and fruit flies, ensuring your home stays clean, pest-free, and comfortable.
Hire a Gnat and Fruit Fly Exterminator
There are plenty of different flying insects that can become annoyances. Understanding the difference between the two can help you manage them. However, there are times when their populations get out of control, particularly if you live in an apartment block, at which point you should consider getting expert advice and contact a reliable pest control contractor.
Official Pest Prevention is equipped to handle any infestations you may have. Whether you live in a commercial area or a residential one, if you say hello to us, you’ll be saying goodbye to those pesky bugs.
If you have any questions at all about our highly-rated services, then please feel free to contact us. We’re always eager to help out.
Official Pest Prevention is a family-owned, licensed pest control company celebrating 20 years serving over 100,000 satisfied customers in five area codes throughout Northern and Central California. Starting with a few contacts, and only four full-time employees, our small company has grown into an organization that today employs over 100 people, maintains a fleet of 75 vehicles, and has serviced over 100,000 Northern California households. This tremendous growth has come from loyal customers, who have recommended our work to their friends, family, and neighbors.
We are a full-service pest control company. Whatever your pest problem, we have a solution. Our goal is to make your property pest-free. Guaranteed. Contact us online or by phone (877) 711 2847 – for immediate assistance. Same-day bookings and flexible payment plans available – because pest invasions wait for no one.
