Fact Sheet
      Back to home
      1. ORIGIN Help Center
      2. Other
      3. Fact Sheet

      Fungus Gnats- Pest Fact


      Common name

      Darkwinged fungus and fungus gnats

      Scientific name

      various

      Identification

      Characteristics

      Specifications

      Size (Adults)

      1 – 13.3mm (whole body length)

      Body shape

      Slender

      General body colour

      Usually black or brown/yelowish


      Habits 

      • Adults typically found on or near larval food  materials = fungi on soil/ moist decaying matter
      • Other food source: animal excrement, decaying plant material, rotting wood
      • Adults of most species are attracted to lights

      Control

       

      1. Inspection
      • Carefully examine all susceptible foods to determine all sources of infestation
      • Overwatered potted plants and atriums is a source of gnat infestations.
      • Inspect areas with water leaks,  peeling paint (where fungi may grow)

      2. Source removal and mechanical control
      • Remove live plants and replaced with artificial plants (in offices and internal areas)
      • Add fans over moist surfaces
      • Removal of overwatered plants

      3. Biological/ chemical control
      • Misting of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) at external areas infested with fungus gnats
      • BTI targets various of species of fungus gnats as well as larvae of mosquitoes
      • Use of ILTs (Insect Light Traps) for internal control

      ORIGIN Exterminators is the first pest management company in the world to be awarded ISO 14001 EMS certification