Those Damn Nebraska Gnats
Gnats are in Omaha since the beginning of time. Exterminators at Omaha Pest Control, Inc. have over 25 years experience with pest inspection, pest treatment and pest control of gnats and other pests.
There are two types of gnat – fungus gnats and biting gnats. Gnats are tiny, winged insects that belong to the same insect order as mosquitoes, flies, and maggots. They are found throughout the United States and other continents and are a nuisance. While “gnats” are not an official group or species, this term is commonly used to describe a subgroup of small-sized flies that are often seen in large groups. There are many species of flies that might be referred to as gnats in North America.
Fungus gnats are a common indoor pest that feed on houseplants. They do not bite humans. Biting gnats, sometimes called biting midges, no-see-ums, or sand fleas, have blade-like mouthparts that cut the skin when they bite. While their bites aren’t harmful, they can cause itching and welts at the site.
Gnats Identification & Control
Gnats is the common name for many small, winged insects in the fly grouping. Contrary to popular belief, these tiny flying insects are not “babies,” they are adults. These tiny insects could really be fruit flies or fungus gnats. Gnats can be biting or nonbiting and will feed on plants, other insects or blood. controlling these fruit flies and gnats is a never ending problem.
Gnat Appearance
Gnats are small and long legged insects. They are often struggling and weak fliers. These flies are very small, typically measuring 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch long. Gnats have slender black bodies, translucent wings with veining, six legs and moderate-length antennae.
Gnat Behavior, Diet & Habits
Biting ones are attracted to the carbon dioxide people emit. Non-biting gnats are attracted to moist soil commonly found in over-watered houseplants. Although they typically come out in the
summer, most gnats can be a nuisance year-round, especially in warmer climates. For some species, males assemble in large swarms known as ghosts. These swarms occur mostly at night in large fields and above streets. Gnat eggs are laid on land or water. Larvae may be mobile by way of rocks and water plants. Some species are excellent plant pollinators and feed on crop pests such as aphids and scales. Other gnats are crop pests themselves.
Females of some species, such as a black gnat or black fly, feed on blood. These gnats can carry parasites and spread diseases to humans and livestock. Numerous programs have been established throughout the world to control gnat populations.
Other Control Methods
Traditionally, people use fly swatters to kill these pests. However, the most effective methods require positive identification of the insects, which is best conducted with the assistance of Omaha Pest Control, a pest control professional. Pesticides require careful applications, as they can be harmful to humans and pets if incorrectly applied.
Most of these methods address only adult specimens. In order to properly treat an entire gnat infestation, including larvae, it is best to consult a professional at Omaha Pest Control at: (402) 969-7378.