Where do gnats come from? Here's how to kill the pests, rid them from your house.
When you hear the word "gnat," images of tiny bugs may buzz around your brain. While you might have a certain flying foe in mind, "gnat" refers to more than one species.
In fact, there are many different small insects with wings that are considered "gnats," according to Orkin. From fruit flies and drain flies to fungus gnats and buffalo gnats, these tiny pests have been known to infiltrate homes and become nuisances.
But where do they come from? Here's a primer on gnats and what to know about their breeding habits.
Where do gnats come from?
Gnats undergo four life stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Once they become adults, gnats do not live that long. With that being said, gnats can still pose a problem in your home.
It doesn't take much for a gnat to get into a home, especially since they are so small. According to Teminix's website, gaps near windows and doors, holes in screens or any opening can be an entry point for a gnat to fly in.
A gnat's habitat depends on its species. However, a rule of thumb the insects often follow is access to food, moisture and protection, states Orkin's website. This usually comes by way of decaying organic material, such as trash or soil.
For instance, fungus gnats tend to breed in plants. Particularly if the plants are overwatered, gnats thrive off of the soil's moisture, helping them live longer and reproduce frequently.
Other species of gnats are attracted to overripe fruit and vegetables, according to Terminix's website. This explains why you often see fruit flies buzzing around the brown banana or mushy apple in your kitchen. Some gnats may even find their way into your trash can or garbage disposal in search of food and moisture.
Do gnats bite?
Some gnats do bite, according to Healthline. Similar to other bugs, gnat bites can cause tiny, itchy red bumps.
Gnat bites resemble mosquito bites, states Healthline.
How long do gnats live?
The lifespan of a gnat varies depending on its species. But in general, they don't live long.
An adult fruit fly usually lives around 40 to 50 days, according to Orkin. Phorid flies live for approximately eight to 14 days, with some completing their entire life cycle in just eight days.
Adult fungus gnats live between one to two weeks, completing their life cycle in about 18 to 30 days, states Orkin.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Where do gnats come from? Here's how to get rid of them in your house