Hobbies And Interests
Gnat Problems
Gnats are common during the warmer months, so having some around is not usually a problem. If you have many gnats in your home or surrounding your house however, you probably will want to find the reason that they are being attracted to your property and eliminate the cause. A few gnats do not constitute an emergency, so do not worry.
Things That Attract Gnats
Gnats are attracted to warm, damp areas both inside and outside of buildings. They look for areas where they can breed, eat and grow, and moisture provides this type of environment. They will swarm around standing water, rotten mulch and shrubbery, and moist waste -- such as fruits, vegetables and other foods. Other wet areas such as drain pipes, ponds or seepage areas are also a big hit with the tiny insects.
Prevention
Try to eliminate any standing water around your home as soon as possible, to prevent creating a breeding location. Buckets or pails filled with water, small ponds and swimming pools should be cleaned and treated regularly. Some outdoor pesticides work for gnats, such as those containing pyrethrins, but it is difficult to spray a large enough area to completely keep the gnats away. Keep food waste in a container with a closed lid.
Elimination
Once you have a gnat problem, they can be difficult to eliminate. Fortunately, they tend to leave or die out when the weather gets too hot, so the problem is temporary. Cleaning up mulch or shrubbery, keeping lids closed on trashcans, and spraying pesticides on grass can help to get rid of some of the gnats. Throw away rotten fruits and vegetables that are attracting the tiny bugs in your home -- and clean your drains.