Having insects around us is quite irritating. They might attack or not; their presence is surely disturbing and often leads to secondary damages. Mosquitoes and flies are common, and we have successfully come up with every suitable method to drive them off. Among the little beings, we often overlook the deadly gnats. Oh! Don’t be deceived for them being deadly; gnats are no harmful, but their damage is menacing. Proper identification and guidance for managing their swarms can help reduce their breeding. If you haven’t come across any good answer or find it difficult to distinguish a gnat, you should probably read further for a quick fix to the problem.
How To Identify Gnats?
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They are two small, winged insects that are mostly found in moist regions in a group. Gnats have more than a thousand species that are registered under the fly breeds. They are black like the house flies but quite different if pondered keenly.
- The structural difference is prominent as the flies have round bulgy heads and short feet where these have long legs and a slender body resembling a mosquito. But their dark-colored wings separate them from the mosquitoes also.
- Gnats have small pinpoint eyes in contrast to the bulgy eyes of the flies. Different species vary in size and color, but the rudimentary form is the same for all.
- The easiest factor to guess is their dwelling locations. Unlike mosquitoes incessantly chasing humans or the flies wandering around open food, they usually prefer moist areas to dwell. They mainly depend on fungal consumption, which drags their habitat apart.
- Around the houses, in the lawns and gardens where the surroundings are soggy or moist, gnats are the most possible if you mistake them for any random flies. It could be the reason why they stick to the windows exposed out more frequently.
Are Gnats Dangerous?
The term insect itself arises suspicion of bites and dangers. Gnats have a prominent share among the list of house insects encountered. Their attack on different entities differs from their species.
- Humans: The female gnats bite us just like mosquitoes to suck blood. The male ones depend on the plant nectar and fungus. The sting isn’t sharp but may cause redness with little itching.
- Plants: They don’t feed on plants, but the moist area near the roots is favorable for their dwelling. They generally build nests under leaves or at the roots of potted plants and feed on the fungus present. Though they don’t damage entirely, their flocky presence is a certain disturbance.
- Things and Furniture: Damp wood is an invitation for gnat homes. Unlike termites or ants, they don’t drill holes and damage but occupy joints and nooks. As they are in large numbers, their buzzing is an inconvenience for the things in use.
Do Gnats Bite?
Yes and no! Scientifically, the female species are the ones that bite. They suck blood which promotes better egg-laying ability in them. In turn, the male ones only depend on the botanical extracts and rotting food products and don’t harm humans. The bite is small, red, and itchy, which is a trifle to notice. But the scratching can lead to irritation and pave the way to bacterial infections.
What Attracts Gnats?
Gnats are always in search of an amicable dwelling. The moist areas are the prime selections to build a nest.
- Gardens and Plants: The wet grassy turf or the plants’ roots are excellent dwelling places. In search of nectar, a fruity sweet smell also drags them. Muddy soil with little vegetation is best for fungal growth, which is their requirement.
- Food Products: Like any fly, gnats are fond of sweet foods or rotten lying material. Swarms are found around the open fruits or sugary foods.
- In many cases, attraction to humans and biting are also common. We have seen many fly bands buzzing around lights and lamps; the gnats are surprisingly attracted to light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Way To Keep Bugs Off The Window Screens
Window screens are probably the visible victims and the hardest ones to clear off the gnats. The flying insects are naturally caught in the meshy frame and struggle to get free. There are several ways one can make sure that window screens are saved from the gnat occupancy.
- Moist Free Surroundings: Generally, the potted plants near the windows inside or the damp ground outside make the gnats approach the windows while flying. If one can implement amendments to ensure the dryness under the windows, the population is controlled.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: The best attraction for the insects, and subsequently, the fumes kill them. Placing a bowl of vinegar near windows is a priceless home remedy. In some cases, red wine scent is also found efficient.
- No Lights Near Windows: As they are light lovers, keeping the area near the windows dim might be fruitful. Instead, one can think of installing lights on the opposite walls.
- Insect Sprays: The common treatment for bug and insect control is also applicable here. Spraying the aerosol or liquid repellents on the screens or around the house helps in compete for extermination.
Also Read: How To Keep Gnats Away From Your Face?
What To Spray Around Windows To Keep Gnats Off?
While we discuss the possible varieties of keeping off gnats, we might stress the point of chemical repellents that act furiously and give instant results compared to any other method. Several products in variety are available for choice, among which some of the preferred are:
- Eucalyptus Oil: Safe for human use, the strong scent of eucalyptus isn’t gnats’ favorite. The sharp smell helps the freshness in the air and wades off the little fly insects. The oil is mixed with essential fragrant oils like rosemary for a pleasant odor and water and then sprayed.
- Cedarwood Oil: Most of the manufactured sprays also the aromatic cedarwood oil essence that irritates the insects.
- Peppermint Oil: The prominent feature is the sharp stinging smell of peppermint. These oils are common elements in commercial sprays. They are mixed with coconut oil or vinegar and then sprayed. These oils are skin-friendly and often used for human application while working in the garden.
- Tea Tree Oil: Botanically, tea tree contains inherent pesticides that the manufacturers prefer for efficient use. The oil is mixed in small quantities with soap natural soap base and sprayed around.
- Neem Oils: Neem oil is the traditional bug thrasher. Any kinds of termites or insects are always repelled to it. The most amazing fact is that Neem oil destroys the larvae development in swarms reducing their population permanently.
Gnats are the readily visible little flies that we blind away from. The most queried FAQs discussed hitherto might be sufficient to guide anyone to creep out of gnat struggles. Simply buying a branded product and spraying might not be intended directly to gnats where the effect remains partial. Thus, one must consider a step-wise recognition and apply the apt treatment designed for gnats.
