Gnat Fly

Category:

Actual Size: 2.5mm – 5.1mm

Characteristics: Yellowish black bodies, with red eyes.

Habits: 

  • These flies prefer to lay their eggs on rotting organic matter, and thus they commonly contaminate food.

Gnat Fly Identification

Gnats are tiny flying pests, with the most common species being fruit flies. These flies are approximately 2.5 millimeters long, though some species can be as much as 5.1 millimeters in length. Their color may range from yellowish to black, and almost all species have red eyes.

Gnat Fly Lifecycles

Gnats are a common annoyance wherever food is found. These flies prefer to lay their eggs on rotting organic matter, and thus they commonly contaminate food. While they may be a menace in the agricultural industry, they are also a pest in the home. Large swarms of fruit flies can appear quickly due to their high reproductive rate. A single female can lay up to 500 eggs at a time, and if the temperature is right the adult stage may be reached in as few as 8 days.

Gnat Control & Prevention

Prevention of fruit flies begins with ensuring that they have a difficult time entering a dwelling. Cracks in windows and foundations should be sealed, and screens over doors and windows should be checked. The next, and perhaps most important step is to ensure that they do not have access to food. Garbage should be secured and removed as soon as possible, and food should not be left out longer than necessary. If an infestation is noticed, the item or items that have become a breeding area should be removed and adults should be eliminated with sprays, fly paper, or a fly swatter.