When tiny flying insects take over your kitchen or hover around your houseplants, you’re probably facing one of the most common flying insects. So, how can you tell if they’re fruit flies or gnats? These pests are about the same size and are equally as annoying, but they come from different places and require different methods to get rid of. Understanding the differences can help you identify what you’re dealing with and — most importantly — eliminate the problem quickly.
FRUIT FLIES
Fruit flies are attracted to sugary juices and decomposing fruit. You’ll find them near your fruit bowl, sink drain, garbage disposal, or any spot with fresh or decomposing fruit. They flit around your kitchen, usually laying eggs on overripe fruit or other decaying organic matter. Infestation can explode fast if not addressed. To prevent fruit flies, seal garbage cans, keep the fruit bowl clean, rinse recyclables, and regularly clean your sink drain. The best way to do that is to use a combination of baking soda, vinegar and boiling water. Bring a pot of water to boil, then pour about one cup of baking soda into the drain. Slowly pour one cup of white vinegar into the drain and cover it to keep the bubbling reaction directed into the pipes. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes longer. Finally, flush the drain with boiling water to wash away the mixture and loosened debris.
GNATS
Gnats are small flying insects that are common in indoor potted plants where moist soil and peat moss provide the perfect environment for fungus gnat larvae to thrive. These tiny flies lay eggs in damp soil, and the larvae feed on plant roots and decaying matter. If you notice gnats flying low near your houseplants, especially those with moist soil, you’re likely dealing with fungus gnats. To control gnat infestations, let soil dry out between waterings, avoid overwatering, use sticky traps near plants, and check for larvae in the soil.
