What Is the Natural Habitat of a Gnat?
Gnats are tiny insects usually less than 1/8 inch in length. There are many species of gnats, and most are classified as a nuisance. Most also share the same life cycle and habitat. Does this Spark an idea?
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Habitat of Adult Gnats
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The flying gnats people notice can be found in most areas. They feed on decaying plant material, which is usually found in moist areas.
Habitat of Gnat Larvae
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Gnats hatch from eggs and then spend up to two weeks as larvae. The larvae feed on decaying plant matter, such as leaf mulch.
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Gnat Life Cycle
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Gnats lay eggs in decaying plant matter. Between two and 30 days later, the eggs hatch into gnat larvae. Roughly two weeks after that, the larvae the transform into adult gnats. Adult gnats live about a week and a half; during that time they lay up to 300 eggs in decaying plant material, starting the gnat life cycle over.
Indoor Gnats
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Gnat infestations inside a home can become a problem in some climates. Look for and eliminate any decaying plant material in the home to remove the habitat necessary for the gnat life cycle.
Gnats as Pests
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According to Texas A&M University, eye gnats are attracted to moisture on the human body, such as that found in the eye. They can spread eye infections, including conjunctivitis. The eye gnat also lays eggs and goes through its larvae stage in decaying plant material.
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