In warm, dry regions, eye gnats may be present year-round. Ideal temperatures for eye gnat activity and reproduction range from 70° to 90°F, but this insect can survive much colder temperatures. Studies have shown that temperatures below 70°F slow their activity and development.
Gnats tend to lay their eggs in moist soil or on wet fungi or plants, and their life cycles rely on temperature, Knox added. The tiny flies typically prefer temperatures ranging from 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but they're able to live in almost any temperature above freezing, according to Pestnet.
Peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, vanilla, and lavender essential oils all have scents that gnats dislike. Place a few drops of any of these essential oils on cotton balls and set around entryways to your home or areas where gnats are a problem.
Gnats don't just show up in the summer and go away when it's winter. They can reproduce inside your home, so it's best to think proactively to include indoor and outdoor pest control throughout the year. Inside, if you have house plants with moist soil, that may become a breeding ground for gnats.
When female gnats are ready to reproduce they release a hormone that attracts males. Swarming is the result. They will often do this above an object, like a fence post or even someone's head.
The only way to get rid of gnats without killing them is to repel them with scents they don't like: vinegar, vanilla, pine oil, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, and lavender. Even dryer sheets could help. Of course, the first line of duty would be to get rid of the infestation's root cause.
Large mating swarms of adults often appear about dusk and may occur for several days, especially after a prolonged wet period.
In general, gnats go through the four life stages of egg, larva, pupa and adult, similar to other flies. The fungus gnats lay their eggs in moist organic debris or soil, which hatch into larvae. The larvae feed on organic matter such as leaf mold, mulch, compost, grass clippings, root hairs and fungi.
The adult has about a 10 day lifespan but during that period may lay in excess of 250-300 eggs. The life cycle begins with the egg hatching in five to six days into a larva. Larvae feed for 10 to 14 days and then change into pupae in the soil.
Conclusions. Based on the results obtained from our study, it is evident that Bounce original brand fabric softener dryer sheets repel fungus gnats.
Parasitic wasps (Synacra flies) are a natural enemy of fungus gnats and may be seen on yellow sticky cards, especially in unsprayed greenhouses. Entomopathogenic nematodes, soil dwelling predatory mites, rove beetles are all part of a biological control program for fungus gnats.
Citronella is a natural bug repellent and will help to ward off more than just gnats. If you don't have or don't want to buy a tiki torch, try using lavender or lemon-scented candle. It could be just enough to keep gnats from interrupting your outdoor gathering. Gnats are the worst!
These flies thrive in temperatures of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They reproduce in decaying organic matter that is moist and shaded.
A diluted solution of Hydrogen Peroxide and water poured directly onto the soil will kill fungus gnat larvae on contact and help stop the gnats' life cycle.
Gnats are active mostly during the day, especially around mid-morning and dusk. Biting usually peaks during a three-week period in late spring or early summer, and is usually more severe following droughts. Evidence of a bite may include itching, discomfort, and localized swelling.
Homemade gnat repellent spray: A mixture of dish soap, water, baking soda, and vinegar can be filled into a spray bottle. The mixture should contain a few drops of dish soap, a tablespoon of vinegar, and baking soda per cup of water. A few sprays of this mixture is an effective gnat repellent.
Gnats are attracted to anything that smells fruity and sweet. Therefore, fruit-scented hygiene and beauty products tend to draw gnats into the house. Rotting food in the drain. A buildup of food in the drain would, over time, result in an infestation of house gnats.
Gnats often enter your home from outdoors through open doors and windows or small cracks and gaps. They can also originate from breeding sites like potted plants, trash cans, and clogged drains.
Gnats are seasonal pests that thrive during the spring. With proper methods of control, they may eventually go away as the year progresses. Gnats have a short life cycle and will often disappear when the cold months start.
These tiny bugs serve as an important food source for many animals, including birds, bats and large insects, the Washington Post(Opens in a new window) reports. In addition, they help pollinate plants and flowers.
Gnats are tiny flying insects attracted to moisture and sweet smells. They're also a nuisance and very unhygienic. Once you have gnats, they will increase in numbers quickly because gnats lay eggs in moist areas of your home and on overripe or rotted fruit.
Breath, Sweat & Tears
A gnat is always searching for moisture and salt, which are found in sweat and tears. Unfortunately, the pests are vectors for pink eye. They are also drawn to the smell of bad breath and to the carbon dioxide people expel when exhaling.
They also are attracted to unsealed produce, flowers, and house plants. How do I get rid of gnats quickly? The quickest solution to getting rid of gnats is to clean your space and remove any trash or unsealed food. Wipe down counters, clean drains, and make sure there is no standing water in your sink.
In various cultures and spiritual traditions, gnats are seen as messengers, bearers of lessons that we might overlook due to their size and perceived insignificance. Yet, these tiny beings remind us that even the smallest aspects of life are imbued with purpose and meaning.