Since we tend to have high humidity here in Wichita, Kansas we are known to have Fungus Gnats. These gnats tend to have their larvae consume plant roots as a source of nutrients. This leads to diminished health in affected plants. Fungus gnats (families Mycetophilidae and Sciaridae) are a common pest of plants grown indoors, especially where humidity and moisture are high. They’re usually first noticed when the harmless adults are seen flying around house plants or gathered at a nearby window. These non-biting adult gnats can become a flying nuisance. But it’s the larval stage, feeding in the soil, that can damage tender plant roots.
Gnats are a nuisance since they do not cause major damage to homes. However, gnats may threaten human health should they transport pathogens from their unsanitary development sites. Since fruit flies might contaminate food, and fungus gnats can harm potted plants, residents must eliminate potential breeding and developmental sites, since gnats will multiply and create an unclean environment.
Unlike some other flying insects, fully mature Fungus Gnats often remain low to the ground, close to plants and soil. Adults are seen on leaf litter and foliage, while their larvae remain in the soil until they pupate.
When it comes to infestation it may be hard to tell you have one. This is because how low to the ground these gnats are. However, if you start noticing issues with them your friends at All Star Pest Control can take care of them.
