About the fungus gnat
Although fungus gnats are very similar to fruit flies, there are several differences that set them apart. Unlike the fruit fly, the fungus gnat is skinny and black, asserted the Massachusetts Government Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. In size, they are about 1 millimeter and in habits, they are very similar to the classic gnat. Also known as manure flies or mushroom flies, fungus gnats are found near compost bins, greenhouses and the soil of household plants due to their attraction to moisture and fungus. Although they are not dangerous or harmful, they can be a nuisance.
Life cycle of a fungus gnat
Like other tiny pests, the fungus gnat has a very short life span. According to the University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science the adult flies lay single eggs that are scattered in strings of groups of three to 10. These oval-shaped eggs are shiny, white and almost transparent, making them difficult to see with the naked eye. Each egg takes between four and six days to hatch. From eggs, they turn to larvae and eventually wrap themselves in a silk cocoon. After this stage, they emerge as a pupa and fast for several days. Finally, the adult emerges and is able to mate soon after it flies. This overlap is often the cause for the abundance of flying fungus gnats at once.
Prevention
It is difficult to prevent fungus gnats if you have compost piles near your home because it is the two very aspects that make up compost that these flies are attracted to. Eliminating the fungus and moisture would also eliminate your compost. Planet Natural advised thoroughly sifting through the soil of your household plants to check for the clear, transparent larvae. If you find signs of this, or of flying fungus gnats themselves, it's best to dispose of the plant completely. If you pot your own plants, avoid soft material that is likely to hold moisture such as moss. These are hot spots for egg-laying and keeping it out of your home will help to keep fungus gnats at bay. If you start to experience serious problems or cannot control an infestation of fungus gnats on your own, it is best to call your local pest management professional.
You probably already know that most people are repulsed by the simple sight of cockroaches. If you are personally dealing with a cockroach infestation, the feelings of disgust are probably even more intense. Unfortunately, the cold winter weather tends to be one of the reasons this pest ends up in your home in the first place, according to Any Pest. While you may know that you don't want to share your home with cockroaches this winter, there are a number of interesting facts about this pest that you've probably never heard.
Because of the high amount of traffic and the versatility of the facilities, pests are naturally attracted to long-term care institutions. Many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities include on-site kitchens and cafeterias as well as private rooms and common spaces. All of these places are susceptible to attracting pests because of the presence of food, water and viable habitats.
During the summer months, some people love to go camping with family and friends. Yet this fun trip can be ruined with a few unwanted visitors, most notably different types of bugs. Crawling spiders, hungry mosquitoes and buzzing flies can become annoying quickly. How can you avoid these pests when you're outdoors? Consider these tips to keep bugs out of your campsite.
Carpenter ants can chew through the strongest studs and stringers in a house as they hollow the wooden beams out for nesting. The resulting damage can weaken the home's structural support and require expensive repairs. Professional pest control workers can remove a colony of ants, but the best practice for homeowners is to learn the best ways to keep out an ant colony and prevent the problem before it begins.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
