Another difference between fruit fly and gnat infestations is where the pests gather. When their morphology and behaviours are considered, it would be easy to distinguish one from the other, and most of the important distinguishing characteristics of both fruit flies and gnats are discussed in this article. Fruit flyadults eat overripe fruits or rotting food in trashcans and fruit fly larvae feed on the slime found in dirty drains. Female fruit flies lay eggs on those rotting surfaces and maximize their population sizes. • Although they both are in the same taxonomic order, fruit flies and gnats belong in different families. • Fruit flies are commonly found around ripening fruits and vegetables, whereas gnats are common in warm places and mostly around water. Additionally, some of the tephritidae fruit flies are pests of agriculture. Although the flying pests have similar habits and look somewhat similar, fruit flies and gnats are quite different. Fruit flies are the tiny flying insects that gather around ripening fruits. You need to take a slightly different approach with fruit flies. They gravitate to warm … Gnats: Gnats can be plant pollinators, feed on crop pests such as scales and aphids, or be crop pests themselves. Gnats are usually plant sap feeders, but some species are carnivorous. Before they progress to adult form, they can severely damage the root system of your potted plants. Drain Flies. Adults grow to approximately one eighth of an inch, but these flies have long legs and an antenna. Their body is … The Best Fruit Fly and Gnat Trap. If you're dealing with pesky gnats or fruit flies in and around your home, try these expert tips for getting rid of them. @media (max-width: 1171px) { .sidead300 { margin-left: -20px; } } However, fruit flies, on the other hand, will only gather together in places where there are many food sources. Because each insect poses its own issues, control of these pests requires different methods. They are harmless and are more of a nuisance than anything else. However, a few features make them easier to distinguish: Another difference between fruit fly and gnat infestations is where the pests gather. He has more than ten years of diverse experience as a Zoologist and Environmental Biologist. If you have a swarm of fruit flies that have already taken root in your home, find the rotting, sugary items they are breeding in and remove them. Using chemicals around our kitchen and homes to get rid of gnats and fruit flies is not a safe method. There is a difference in that gnats can bite humans and fruit flies cannot. Naveen is a Doctoral Student in Agroforestry, former Research Scientist and an Environmental Officer. Filed Under: Insects Tagged With: Fruit Flies, Gnat Fruit Fly, Gnats. A mother has discovered a very simple solution for getting rid of the pesky fruit flies and gnats lurking in her home. A+ BBB Rating. Small bristles are present on their head and thorax. A Better Business Bureau Accredited Business. Fungus Gnat vs. Fungus gnat larva and pupa prefer moist soil to protect them as they develop. Drosophila fruit flies are well known for their great significance in studying the basics and some complex theories of genetics. They belong to the Order: Diptera and there are two main taxonomic families of fruit flies known as Family: Tephritidae and Family: Drosophilidae. A popular and effective home remedy to get rid of fruit flies as well as gnats is … › Fruit Fly Or Fungus Gnat. fungus gnats and fly a smoother path to their destination. They have large wings compared to the body size. Size: Adults are less than ⅛-inch long. Unlike fruit flies, these tiny black flies are generally found flying solo, rather than in a group. Are Gnats Baby Fruit Flies? You can … They have long and gangly legs and those are visible during flight. Fruit flies also have a distinct black color pattern on their wings and a dark tail and abdomen. Besides annoying homeowners with their large numbers, fungus gnats also damage plant roots, while fruit flies may spread diseases through contaminated food. Their eyes are usually red, and their antennae are shorter than gnat antennae. But even with their ability to bite, gnats, like fruit flies, are of no harm to humans. Tags: Gnat Lifespan, Do Fruit Flies Bite, What Are Fruit Flies, Get Rid of Fruit Flies, Fruit Flies House Plant, Drain Flies vs Gnats, DIY Fruit Fly Trap, Fungus Gnats Houseplants, Fruit Fly Control, Fruit Flies Home Remedies, What Kills Fruit Flies, Black Gnat Fly, Baby Fruit Fly, Fruit Flies in My House, Small Flies Indoors, Different Types of Gnats, Kill Fruit Flies, Types of Fruit Flies, Bugs That Look Like Gnats, Can't … The small and dark flies have a short life span and look mosquito like. Have a fruit fly problem in your kitchen? This is why natural home remedies to get rid of gnats and fruit flies has been embraced all over the world. Both fruit flies and fungus gnats are common nuisance insects. The usual size of fruit flies varies around 2 – 4 millimetres from head to tip of the abdomen. The species of gnats belong to the families of Mycetophilidae, Anisopodidae and Sciaridae. In North America the name is often applied to the black fly, midge, fungus gnat, biting midge, fruit fly, and other small flies that hover about the eyes of humans and other animals. It is a very commonly prompted question that fruit flies and gnats are or aren’t the same. Despite their significance in scientific studies, economic significance is important to consider; small fruit flies cause more nuisance than direct economic loss to people while larger species (tephritidae) being agricultural pests. Have a gnat or fruit fly problem that won’t go away? Flies They're both tiny. Fruit flies tend to be bigger/fatter and easier to see than tiny fungus gnats. I have a quick way to rid your home of fruit flies and gnats quickly and it WORKS! Finding Fruit Flies. Fruit fly adults are around ⅛ inch in length and are tan, brown-yellow or brown-black in color. • Gnats lay eggs on soil while fruit flies lay eggs on rotting vegetables and fruits. 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