The Gnat
Gnats are tiny flies that belong to the order Diptera. Many species of flies come under the category of a gnat – however, it is not a strictly scientific category. However, across the world, the term ‘gnat’ is used to denote tiny, pesky insects that often fly around the face and bother humans. Gnats usually tend to fly in groups known as a ‘cloud’ and are attracted to places having high moisture levels. Gnats are a nuisance worldwide, and pretty much every household has encountered gnats.
HOW TO IDENTIFY GNATS
Gnats are usually slender, long-legged insects with transparent wings. Since there are many species in this category, many have differences in appearances. The black fungus gnat is completely black in color. Biting gnats are more rounded and brownish in color with black spots. There are several other gnats as well can invade your household. All of them are six-legged insects.
Appearance, Behavior, and Signs
Gnat. By EBKauai – , CC BY 2.0,
These thin, dark insects are attracted to moisture and decay. Most species of gnat do not bite. They can seek out moisture decayed areas (such as wet walls and floors), decomposing garbage, rotting or overripe fruits and drainage lines. Some gnats even settle themselves in the soil of potted plants. Fungus gnats can cause damage to indoor plants. A few gnat species prefer to feed on blood as well. Gnats and fruit flies are not strictly the same, even though the latter is often associated to the former. They fly very slowly and are often weak in this area of locomotion.
Gnats are seldom alone in their venture for food – they move together in a group called a ‘cloud’. They do not directly harm humans in any way but can contaminate food items if they settle on food after coming from an unsanitary location. Some gnats, however, have been known to transmit dangerous diseases.