Like most insects, gnats come in many species. Not all of them are harmful to humans, although several species spread disease and endanger the well-being of pets and livestock. It is important to know what kind of gnats you’re dealing with to ensure proper eradication.
Most gnats live in moist areas with organic material. Some enjoy the dirt in houseplants, while others dig right into decomposing food. Damp conditions and unsanitary kitchen conditions often cause gnat infestations.
The most common types of gnats found in or around the home include:
- Fungus or Houseplant Gnats: The Fungus or Houseplant gnat is one of 1,000 species of black gnats. It is grayish-black in color and has long legs. This gnat eats the roots of plants. Their eggs are oval and shiny white, nearly invisible to the eye. They enjoy life inside warm homes, and females reproduce around 300 eggs in a single month.
- Midges: Midges live in swampy areas, and they bite! Not only can they bite you, but your pets, too. They resemble mosquitoes and are about the size of a dime. Adult midges feed on nectar and sugary substances with a lifespan averaging five days.
- Drain Flies: Drain flies are the little guys you notice hanging around the kitchen sink or around the pipes if there is an issue with the plumbing or sewer. They measure about 5mm long. This gnat is dangerous to pets because it spreads bacteria but usually does not harm humans.
- Sand Flies: The Sand Fly is named for its color. It measures about 1/10 of an inch long and has thick hair on its body. Females feed on blood before they lay eggs. Both female and male sand slides eat sugary nutrients from plant nectar. Sand slides have a life cycle averaging about 20 to 40 days and live in humid environments. The Sand Fly can carry disease.
- Buffalo Gnats: Emerging during early summer, the buffalo gnat feeds only on nectar. Females swarm around animals, including livestock, as well as humans, and enjoy sucking on their blood. You’ll see buffalo gnats in groups near moving rivers and streams.
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