Are Fungus Gnats the Same as Fruit Flies?
Posted by Mosquito SquadAugust 20, 2024
Fungus gnats and fruit flies are not the same, but they can be behaviorally similar.
The physical appearance of fungus gnats is very similar to that of a tiny mosquito. Fruit flies, on the other hand, look more like a small housefly. Fruit flies are found on – you guessed it – fruit. Rotting fruit, specifically, but they are also attracted to vegetables and foods disposed of in garbage bins. They typically lay their eggs on the fruits or vegetables they are found on and near, but fruit flies can also deposit eggs in dirty sink drains.
Where Are Fungus Gnats Found?
Like their fruit fly counterparts, fungus gnats could also be found on bruised or rotting fruits and veggies. However, they might more often be found around your houseplants, as their larvae feed on decaying organic matter and fungi that can be found in soil. Fungus gnats reproduce in a short amount of time and can infest your indoor plants in short order. No matter how annoying they are (and they can be), fungus gnats are not harmful to humans or the plants they call home – unlike fruit flies, which can contaminate the food they touch, thereby potentially making humans sick after they eat it.
How to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats and Fruit Flies
If you have a fungus gnat infestation around your houseplants, there are ways to treat the gnats without harming your plants. The best way to get rid of them indoors is to add a product with naturally occurring Bti, a bacterium often found in soil, which kills fungus gnat larvae. It is also advisable not to overwater your houseplants. You can also stake an adhesive fly trap in your plant.
Getting rid of fruit flies indoors, like fungus gnats, entails interrupting their sustenance and habitat. Keep fruits stored inside your refrigerator, keep surfaces in your home free of food and drink spills, and be sure to regularly clean your kitchen drain or garbage disposal. Additionally, do not allow food waste to remain in your indoor garbage bins.
Gnat Control, The Best Solution for Allaying Indoor Infestations
At Mosquito Squad of Las Cruces, we know that halting infestations is better than treating them. Our outdoor pest control services, including gnat control and fly control, can help defend your indoor spaces against the threat of fly and gnat infestations. Our goal is to treat gnats, flies, fleas, no-see-ums, and more on the outside of your home, so they do not have a chance to come inside.
Search for Las Cruces pest control and choose Mosquito Squad.
Mosquito Squad is a Las Cruces pest control you can trust! We also treat scorpions, mosquitoes, fire ants, and more. We are eager to help defend your property against the myriad Las Cruces pests. Get in touch with Mosquito Squad of Las Cruces by filling out our form online or calling us at (575) 221-1787 for a free quote.