Gnats in the house are typically caused by a combination of food sources and breeding sites that provide ideal conditions for them to reproduce. The main causes of indoor gnats include:
- Overripe or rotting fruit and vegetables, which attract fruit flies (a common type of gnat) due to their sugars and fermentation.
- Dirty or clogged drains where organic matter like hair, toothpaste, and soap residues accumulate, creating breeding grounds.
- Houseplants with overly wet soil, which encourage fungus gnats that feed on fungi and decaying roots in the soil.
- Indoor garbage, recycling bins, and compost that contain decomposing organic waste.
- Other damp environments like wet rags, mop heads, leaks, and moisture buildup encourage gnats that thrive in moist conditions.
Preventing gnat infestations typically involves removing these attractants and breeding sites by cleaning drains, disposing of overripe fruit, reducing overwatering of plants, sealing trash bins, drying wet cloths, and fixing leaks. Traps may help reduce adult gnats while addressing the root causes. In summary, gnats are drawn to organic materials and moisture. Eliminating these conditions inside a home will stop infestations from starting and spreading.
