Flies And Gnats Identification & Prevention

House flies and gnats are types of flies that we often find in and around homes in our area. They are similar in that both species are double-winged, and neither bites. Some differences, though, help to tell them apart easily.

House flies are the larger of the two insects, usually measuring between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch. House flies will feed on various substances, including human food, animal carcasses, garbage, and our pet’s feces.

Gnats are small flies that are sometimes confused with fruit flies. Adults measure only 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch in length. At the larval stage, they feed on organic mulch, leaf mold, fungi, and root hairs. They spend most of their life as larvae and pupae in organic matter and soil.

Both house flies and gnats are nuisances that are difficult to live with and are incredibly frustrating pests. In addition to annoying the people around them, a house fly or gnat problem in your home can be very difficult to eradicate.

Flies pick up pathogens on their legs and mouths when feeding on feces, trash, and decaying substances. These pathogens can spread to us when food and prep areas are contaminated. They also constantly defecate, further spreading bacteria around our homes.

Gnats are not dangerous to us, but they can harm our plants. If there is a large number of larvae, they can damage roots and stunt plant growth. Getting rid of house flies and gnats quickly is important for protecting your health and your plant’s vitality.

Flies and gnats can and will invade any home they can access. House flies typically gain access to our homes through small openings they find on screens or around areas with damaged weatherstripping. Our garbage and pet waste attract them most frequently.

Gnats can enter our homes through damaged screens and around weatherstripping, too. You may also inadvertently bring them into your home on house plants you purchase from a greenhouse or retailer. If you see gnats in plants you have recently acquired, the larvae were likely already in the soil when you bought them.

The house fly is the most common fly found in and around homes in the United States. You will likely find them buzzing throughout your house as they are adept at flying. Unlike house flies, gnats are not very good at flying, and you will usually find these tiny flies on houseplants or very close to them.

To eradicate flies and gnats, we must first properly identify them. These pests can sometimes be confused with other flying insects. After inspectors properly identify the pests and determine the problem areas, it is time for technicians to eradicate the fly or gnat infestation.

It is imperative to eliminate every life stage of the insect, or the problem will soon return. Working directly with a local pest control company like The Termite Guy is the safest and easiest method for getting rid of house flies and gnats. 

A fly or gnat problem in your home can be incredibly frustrating. Prevention is the best method of fly and gnat control available. Here are some tips to keep these pests away in the future:

• Ensure all of the windows and doors in your home close properly.
• Install screens on all of your doors and windows.
• Check all existing screens for damage and repair them as needed.
• Inspect your weatherstripping around doors and windows for damage and repair or replace it if needed.
• Frequently dispose of garbage in your home and place it in well-sealed receptacles.
• To keep flies away, promptly clean up all pet waste and dispose of it in sealed containers.
• Remove grass clippings, mulch, and compost piles from your yard.
• Avoid overwatering plants and be sure they have sufficient drainage.

Working directly with a home pest control company like The Termite Guy can help prevent all types of pests from invading your home. We have been in business for over 25 years and bring that experience to each home and pest we treat.