Fungus Gnat Control Services

Small (or large) swarms of gnats are a common sight during the warmer seasons. Usually, these tiny bugs are content to keep to themselves and won’t bother people at all, but if their numbers get high enough, they can be a nuisance. Fungus gnats, the most common type of gnat in New York, are the biggest offenders. Due to their feeding habits, you’re most likely to find them in your landscaping.

For professional fungus gnat control services, count on the Assured Environments team. We’re ready to put our 91 years of experience to work for your business!

Fungus Gnat Behavior and Diet

Fungus gnats are attracted to fungi such as mold, decaying matter, and mushrooms, as well as sources of moisture. Female gnats lay their eggs in moist soil and the larvae feed on the root systems of plants, interfering with the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. Gnats are particularly notorious among orchid growers who keep their prized blossoms well-watered.

Adult fungus gnats are attracted to light and often swarm around indoor light sources. They’re especially active during warm, moist autumn weather when they can infest wet leaf piles during the day.

Reproduction and Gnat Life Cycle

Fungus gnats have short life spans and grow quickly. Their entire life cycle process can be completed in 20 to 28 days depending on the temperature of the growth environment. The fungus gnat’s life cycle is broken up into four distinct stages: egg, larvae, pupa, and adult.

A single female fungus gnat can lay up to 300 eggs at once and can lay up to 1000 eggs in her lifetime. Eggs hatch quickly. Larvae feed continuously and require considerable moisture and energy to pupate. After around 10 days, larvae pupate. After about 7 days of pupating, they emerge fully grown.

Signs of a Gnat Infestation

Adult gnats are attracted to light sources, especially at night. The best way to spot a gnat infestation is to look for swarms of black gnats around indoor and outdoor lights at night, especially in warm or humid areas.

Indoors, gnats are attracted to fruit, garbage, moisture, and houseplants. Fungus gnat larvae burrow into the soil to hide and feed more effectively. Gnats will lay eggs in potted plant soil and then rest on plants nearby. You may find larvae in the soil around areas where you see adult gnats.

Gnat Control and Prevention

Preventing fungal growth is the most important way to prevent a fungus gnat infestation. Take these steps to keep gnats out of your home or business:

• Control humidity in your home or building.

• Fix plumbing leaks.

• Dispose of decaying organic matter.

• Store fruit in your refrigerator.

• Take out your garbage regularly.

• Maintain your indoor plants carefully.

Of course, just like any pest infestation, getting professional help for your gnat problem is the best way to make sure fungus gnats don’t return.

Gnat vs Fruit Fly: What’s the Difference?

Many people confuse fungus gnats and fruit flies. They’re hard to tell apart due to their size. However, each has a distinctive look if you can get close enough to identify them. You can also often tell by their behaviors.

Are There Biting Gnats in New York?

Fungus gnats – the most common gnat variety in New York – are pesky for sure, but they don’t bite. When you walk or bike through a swarm of them, they might end up in your mouth or nose, though. This isn’t harmful; just annoying.

Other types of gnats, like midges and sandflies, do bite. The females need the protein found in blood to produce their eggs. These gnats are likely to bite during the early morning or evening and will be found in wet, swampy, or wooded areas, but not so much in the city.

Gnat bites appear as small red bumps that may itch like a mosquito bite. They are not dangerous but can become infected. People with allergies may need an anti-itch cream or antihistamine. The best treatment is to keep the bites clean and avoid scratching them.

Count on Assured Pest Solutions for Fungus Gnat Control Services

With decades of experience taking care of all sorts of commercial pest problems, the Assured Environments team is ready to bring you the best fungus gnat control you’ll find in New York. With a comprehensive (and free!) inspection, our team will look into your business’s unique needs and build you a personalized pest control plan.

Give us a call to get started!