Why Are Gnats So Bad in the Summertime?

Gnats are tiny flying insects that are notorious for their tendency to swarm anywhere they can get easy access to food. They don’t bite, but they’re still quite irritating to have around. You’re likely to notice them even more in the summer, often congregating near garbage cans, sinks, and houseplants.

Where do gnats come from in the summertime?

In many parts of the United States, and certainly in the Lake Country region of Virginia, summertime is a particularly warm and humid time of year. These are the conditions in which gnats thrive best. In summer, they have an easier time finding places to breed successfully, such as in overripe fruit, damp soil, and stagnant water. The warmer temperatures accelerate their life cycle, leading to a rapid increase in their population. This effect is even more evident during rainier summers.

Why do gnats come inside your home?

Gnats are often drawn to homes due to their attraction to light, which can lure them through open doors and windows or other poorly sealed openings. Inside, they seek out moist areas like damp sinks, leaky pipes, and overwatered houseplants for breeding and survival. The kitchen is a particularly attractive spot for gnats due to the presence of sweet-smelling fruits and vegetables, as well as food remnants left on dirty dishes or in trash bins. Overripe produce can even become a breeding ground for gnats, exacerbating the problem.

Additionally, houseplants can harbor gnats, particularly fungus gnats, which lay their eggs in moist soil. The larvae then feed on organic matter in the soil, potentially harming plants and causing an infestation. Overwatering plants only makes this situation worse.

How to Reduce Gnats in the Summer

Reduce Moisture:

• Avoid overwatering houseplants and ensure their soil dries out between waterings.
• Fix any leaks in plumbing and promptly clean up spills to reduce damp areas.

Minimize Breeding Sites:

• Dispose of overripe or rotting fruits and vegetables immediately.
• Regularly take out the trash and keep trash cans sealed tightly.
• Clean drains and garbage disposals to remove organic buildup where gnats can breed.

Use Traps:

• Setting up sticky traps near windows, doors, and areas where you see gnats can help capture adult gnats. 
• Creating DIY traps using a bowl filled with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap will attract and drown gnats. 

Maintain Cleanliness:

• Keep kitchen counters, sinks, and floors clean and free of food residues.
• Store food in airtight containers to prevent attracting gnats.

Improve Ventilation:

• Use fans and dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels in your home, making it less hospitable for gnats.
• Get the air moving with a fan around houseplants and other potential gnat habitats; this will discourage them from swarming in these areas.

Inspect and Treat Houseplants:

• Check the soil of houseplants for signs of fungus gnat larvae.
• Allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again, or replace the top layer with fresh, dry soil.
• Consider using a natural or chemical insecticide specifically designed for fungus gnats if the infestation persists.

Seal Entry Points:

• Installing screens on windows and doors will help keep gnats from entering. 
• Repairing any gaps or cracks in window and door frames will prevent gnats from coming inside. 

If the gnat problem persists despite taking these measures, it’s time to turn to professional pest control. Mosquito Squad has the solution you need to tackle your gnat problem head-on!

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Gnat control in Lake Country is at your fingertips! With only one phone call or online contact form, you will be able to partner with Mosquito Squad of Lake Country for all your gnat control requirements. Our team of highly trained technicians can help you identify and defend against various Lake Country pests. See our Lake Country pest control services for more information! Call Mosquito Squad at (434) 226-5530 today or contact us online for tried and trusted gnat control in Lake Country.