Do you see tiny, flying pests invading your kitchen and the rest of your home? There is a chance that they could be either fruit flies, drain flies, or even gnats. It can be difficult to identify between the three of these, but there are unique characteristics to tell them apart. Identifying them can also be beneficial when trying to prevent them. Let’s break them down.
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are the most common flying insects that will pester you in the kitchen. They are attracted to fresh and decomposing fruit, sugary juices, and alcohol. The two most common fruit flies, the red eyed fruit fly and the dark-eyed fruit fly, have striped abdomens. Their eye colors are what give them away.
Some ways to keep fruit flies away are to keep your kitchen and garbage cans clean of any accumulated debris that may attract them. Thoroughly rinse beverage containers, use produce quickly or keep it in the refrigerator, seal garbage cans, and remove trash regularly from the area.
Drain Flies
These moth-like, fuzzy pests are commonly found in the kitchen. They thrive in dark, damp conditions and often find an ideal home inside a drain, which can include a floor or sink drain. They don’t bite, but their presence can aggravate asthma in some people. Drain flies appear light gray or tan with a dark border around their wings.
Eliminating drain flies requires a few steps. Once you recognize that you have a drain fly problem, look to tape over the drains and where you suspect they are emerging from and leave it overnight. The next day, check to see if any flies have been collected. If this is the case, your next step is to clean the drain and flush the system.
Fungus Gnats
If you spot a swarm of bugs flitting above a houseplant, you probably have fungus gnats instead of fruit flies. Fungus gnat larva and pupa prefer moist soil to protect them as they develop. Before they progress to adult form, they can severely damage the root system of your potted plants. They have a mosquito-like appearance and are brown or black with light-colored legs.
Preventing fungus gnats should begin with the first houseplant purchase. Look for signs of these pests after purchasing potted plants, and any plant that has gnats already flying around it should be left at the store. It’s also good to be sure your plants aren’t overwatered.
If you have tried all these prevention tips and still think you suspect fruit flies, drain flies, or gnats, then reach out to your local pest control company for more assistance. The professional pest technicians will be able to find the prevention methods that work best for you.