Diet of Gnats
The word "gnat" is applied to many different insects. Midges and several species of flies are often called gnats because they are all tiny flying insects that feed on organic materials. For the most part, gnats survive on a diet of plant matter, but other gnats may crave blood. All gnats tend to be annoying pests that gardeners long to banish. To get rid of gnats, study the diet of gnats and eliminate their food source. Does this Spark an idea?
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Fungus Gnats
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Gnats enjoy fungus found both inside and outside the home. Frequently watered or overwatered houseplants become highly attractive to gnats when fungus starts to develop. Fungus gnats look like tiny mosquitoes, growing to approximately 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch in length. Frogs, toads, birds, bats and spiders are natural predators to fungus gnats. Fungus gnats feed on almost all types of mushrooms, wet plant matter and decaying wood. Gnats only appear in warm weather, so you may notice their presence more in summer months.
Roots
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Many types of gnats feed on roots, particularly indoor houseplants that also offer warm, wet soil. Gnats may completely demolish a plant by feeding on the root system, affecting the plant's ability to draw in moisture and nutrients. Change the soil in houseplants and avoid overwatering to avoid and prevent root-feeding gnats.
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Indoor Gnats
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Unlike many other types of insects, gnats have the ability to thrive indoors. All kinds of houseplants may potentially be attractive to gnats who feed on the fungus and materials found in wet, warm soil. To get rid of indoor gnats, it's not necessary to throw out all houseplants. Use foggers and other insecticides to kill gnats, or turn to natural methods to dispose of gnats organically. Fill a bowl with cider vinegar to naturally draw them out and drown.
Biting Gnats
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Some gnats do not feed on plant matter, but find themselves drawn to blood instead. Biting gnats will literally bite human being and animals in order to draw blood, which they will suck out. Often, biting gnats are found close to standing water. Garden ponds, swimming pools and other standing water will draw these types of gnats to your home.
Prevention/Solution
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Gnats and gnat larvae often feed underground on roots and fungus. Because gnats exist so often underground, you may not realize you have a problem until it's too late. Look for warning signs of gnat infestation. Slow growth, yellowed or brown leaves and an overall unhealthy plant appearance may be signs that you have a gnat problem. Properly water and feed your plants, avoiding overwatering in order to prevent gnats. Sticky strips can be instrumental in killing gnats once they have taken hold of your plants. If gnats become a problem, allow the roots of plants to dry out for two to three days to kill almost all gnats.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit paarungszeit image by Nick Freund from Fotolia.com
