Why are Gnats in My Basement?

Of all the insects and pests that can infest your home, gnats are probably some of the most annoying, although less harmful than mosquitoes and less gross than roaches. These gnats are a big headache for homeowners because they’re quite difficult to identify. Thus, very difficult to control.  Here are some things to consider about gnat infestation. 

Should you wonder why gnats seem to live in your basement, it’s time you read these information and tips that we’re going to share.

How Would I Know They are Gnats?
This is probably the first question you have in mind, and this is the make-or-break query that will determine your success in preventing them. Unlike most pests, a gnat can either be carnivorous or a plant-eater, biting or non-biting. And you cannot eradicate them by ordinary pesticides. There are specific treatments and products that are effective against them.

Of all their species, the most common that you can find inside your house are the fungus gnats and fruit flies. They are dark or tan, short-lived, and very small winged insects that are 2 millimeters to 1/8 inch long at their adulthood. What’s annoying about them is that unlike mosquitoes and other winged insects, they do not fly alone. In fact, they fly as a brigade of a hundred or more, which is called a ‘cloud.’

If you have seen this annoying group of insects, you’re up for a big challenge.

What’s In My Basement?
What probably took you to this page is a gruesome scenario of over a thousand black gnats roaming around your basement when you last visited it. You probably tried spraying some products on them, but there seems to be too many that you keep seeing the same number of dead gnats after every spray.

Don’t panic! A solution is surely on its way, but you have to take some steps to address the problem. First, you need to identify their food source. After all, they wouldn’t be there if they don’t feed on something.

Fruit flies feed on fruits that are exposed to air. They love ripening and rotting fruits as well as perishable items brought inside from a garden, including melons and tomatoes.

They also devour sweet liquids, so don’t be surprised to have them if you keep empty and uncleaned bottles of energy drinks and other sweet beverages inside your basement.

Fungus gnats, on the other hand, feed on microbes that are associated with wet environments. Plants with wet soil are the main reasons why gnats live so comfortably in your basement. This is a favorable breeding ground for them so expect them to multiply in this condition.

The real challenge about irritating gnats is their identification. A person without any expertise cannot say for sure if the legion of black tiny insects inside his or her basement are actually gnats. It’s always best to consult pest control pros from Jersey City Exterminators to identify and address your gnat infestation problems.