Fruit Flies vs. Gnats What’s the Difference

What’s the Difference?

Both gnats and fruit flies are common household pests that cause similar frustrations for homeowners. With their comparable features and habits, it’s easy to misidentify them. Although these small flying insects share many traits, they are quite different and should be addressed uniquely. This guide will help you discover the main differences between fruit flies and gnats so you can tackle your pest problem effectively.

What’s the Difference Between Fruit Flies and Gnats?

When comparing fruit flies and gnats, observe their behavior and habitats. Gnats nest in the soil of gardens or indoor potted plants and feed on organic matter, while fruit flies are attracted to overripe fruits or rotting foods in trash cans. If the infestation source is difficult to locate, you can use their distinct features to differentiate between them.

What Does a Fruit Fly Look Like?

Fruit flies are tiny flying insects measuring about ⅛ of an inch long. They are brown in color, ranging from tan to almost black, and have rounded silhouettes, resembling mini houseflies. Fruit flies have big, red eyes and transparent wings that extend past their backside, overlapping and laying directly across their back when they land.

What Does a Gnat Look Like?

Fungus gnats are similar in size to fruit flies but have a dark gray-to-black tone. They have dangling legs and long bodies that make them look like miniature mosquitoes. Fungus gnats have small heads and eyes that are too small to see easily. Their wings range from see-through to translucent gray. The larvae have small black heads and thin white or translucent bodies.

Where Do Fruit Flies and Gnats Come From?

Fruit Flies: These pests are most often found in homes with overripe fruits or vegetables. Adults can fly in from outside through open windows or screens with large gaps, or they can enter your home on infested produce from the store. Fruit flies are attracted to anything sticky and sweet. Even if you eliminate ripe produce, they may stick around if they find another source like an open trash can, a spill under your fridge, or the underside of a high chair.

Fungus Gnats: These gnats lay their eggs in organic material like compost, mulch, and potting soil. After feeding on the organic matter for about two weeks, the larvae emerge as mature flying gnats and repeat the process. Gnats are attracted to moisture, so if they locate a steady source such as a kitchen drain, soil, or an unsealed garbage can, an infestation can rapidly develop.

Can You Get Rid of Fruit Flies and Gnats the Same Way?

Since both fungus gnats and fruit flies reproduce rapidly, it’s important to address the problem quickly. Besides being annoying, fruit flies can spread diseases through contaminated food, and gnats can damage houseplants at their roots. Because these pests pose their own issues, control methods differ.

For Fruit Flies:

Wash your produce when you get home and store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator.
Empty your kitchen trash can as needed and immediately clean up any spills.
Thoroughly clean splatters, especially sticky, sweet foods and drinks like soda, alcohol, or fruit juices.
Eliminating their sources of food and water will usually cause them to move on.

For Gnats:

Check your houseplants, particularly the soil and roots.
Switch out your potting soil to remove any possibility of eggs hatching.
Avoid overwatering your plants and ensure the planters can drain excess moisture.
Mix cinnamon into your soil to act as a natural fungicide, making your houseplants less appealing.

Pest Control Services

If you’re struggling with gnats, fruit flies, or other flying pests, call Hawx Pest Control. With proven methods, qualified technicians, and the best products and services available, Hawx is the undisputed leader in pest control solutions. We use a three-fold process to address infestations thoroughly and create a custom treatment plan to suit your needs. Call us today for a free estimate to get your pest problem under control.