Fungus Gnats

What Do Fungus Gnats Look Like?

Fungus gnats are a very small, frail species of fly. They have a very mosquito-like appearance with a small body and long legs. Adults grow to be about 1/8th of an inch in length. Their bodies are black or grayish in color and they have a unique Y-shaped pattern on their wings; their wings are smoky in color. The fungus gnat’s larvae are worm-like in appearance, the body of the larvae is translucent and they have a black head capsule. 

What Do Fungus Gnats Look Like?

Fungus gnats are a very small, frail species of fly. They have a very mosquito-like appearance with a small body and long legs. Adults grow to be about 1/8th of an inch in length. Their bodies are black or grayish in color and they have a unique Y-shaped pattern on their wings; their wings are smoky in color. The fungus gnat’s larvae are worm-like in appearance, the body of the larvae is translucent and they have a black head capsule.

Are Fungus Gnats Dangerous?

Fungus gnats are not dangerous to people, they do not transmit disease nor do they bite or sting. When living inside a home, fungus gnats can cause damage to houseplants and young seedlings by feeding on their roots. Outside, if plants are planted in soil that is infested with fungus gnats the plants may experience root rot, turn brown, and wilt.

Where Am I Likely To Find Fungus Gnats?

Fungus gnats are attracted to properties that have very moist or overwatered soil, they can also be introduced into homes through outdoor potted plants that have been brought inside. The female fungus gnat will lay their eggs in moist soil and once their larvae hatch they feed on any fungus found in the soil, in addition to the roots of plants. Fungus gnats are attracted to light and can be found gathering around the doors and windows of homes. Also, these moisture seeking pests can be found invading homes where there is damp wood or drywall present.