Fruit Flies & Fungus Gnat Control

Fruit fly and fungus gnat infestations are more than just annoying—they can quickly spiral out of control if not handled properly. These tiny flying pests thrive in North Georgia homes, especially in kitchens, sink drains, and overwatered houseplants. At Southern Pest Management, we provide expert Fruit Fly & Fungus Gnat Control services that eliminate breeding sources and restore your indoor comfort. Whether you’re battling swarms in your sink or spotting gnats hovering around your houseplants, our targeted approach delivers real results that DIY methods often can’t match.

Fruit flies are drawn to fermenting fruits, sugary liquids, and organic matter in garbage disposals, while fungus gnats prefer damp potting soil rich with decaying plant material. These pests reproduce quickly, which makes early intervention essential. Whether you’re seeing fruit flies in your kitchen in Alpharetta, fungus gnats clouding your living room in Cumming, or persistent drain gnats in Dawsonville, our local team has a proven system to eliminate the problem at the source. We proudly serve homeowners across Johns Creek, Suwanee, and beyond with tailored treatments that work.

Targeted Fungus Gnat Control Solutions

Often nicknamed “sink gnats,” fungus gnats are the second most common type of household gnat and are typically found breeding in damp houseplant soil. Infestations tend to increase in homes with potted plants that have been kept outdoors during the warmer months. Their small size allows them to go unnoticed until a full-blown swarm appears. Although fungus gnats do not bite humans, their larvae feed on mold, fungi, and plant roots—causing stunted growth, wilting, and overall decline in plant health.

A single female fungus gnat can lay over 200 eggs during her short 17-day life cycle, making it easy for a small problem to become a major invasion in no time. Through our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, we not only treat existing infestations but also recommend practical habitat adjustments—such as reducing excess moisture in potting soil, which is often the root cause. Overwatering is the number one issue we see. Our experts tailor each treatment plan to your unique environment, ensuring fast and effective control.

HOME REMEDIES

Most of the time this situation can be controlled without you having to have us, alter your pest control routine.  Some organic measures that we have found to have worked for several clients are:

1) Hydrogen peroxide: Mix 1 part peroxide with 4 parts water, and pour it through the soil at the root zone until it begins to come out of the base of the pot. The peroxide kills fungus gnat larvae on contact.

2) Neem oil is also an effective soil drench to combat fungus gnat larvae. Dilute the oil with water per manufacturer’s directions and directly drench the soil at the roots of the plant. You can also spray the upper portion of the plant to keep adult gnats at bay.

3) AzaMax is a higher-strength concentration of the active ingredient which naturally occurs in neem oil. It’s safe in hydroponics use as well as in greenhouses, gardens, and indoors. Use it per manufacturer’s directions in the same way you would use neem oil.

4) Pyrethrin sprays are also effective against fungus gnats and their larvae. To use pyrethrins, lightly mist all plant surfaces and the top of the soil. You don’t want the plants dripping wet, a thin mist will be enough.

5) Summit Chemical – Mosquito Bits effectively reduce fungus gnats by targeting larvae in soil, disrupting their life cycle. Simply sprinkle them on the surface or soak them in water to create a convenient solution for indoor plants, greenhouses, and gardens.

If there are fungus gnat larvae in the soil, spray the soil directly to thoroughly moisten the top, then avoid watering until the soil has dried to at least a 2″ depth.

If these organic control measures fail, we can intervene during your routine pest control visit to eliminate the problem.

Q) What are fungus gnats and where do they come from?

A) Fungus gnats are small, dark flying insects that resemble mosquitoes. They often originate from overwatered soil in houseplants, garden beds, or areas with decaying organic matter. The larvae thrive in moist soil rich in fungus and organic debris.

Q) How can I tell if I have a fungus gnat infestation?

A) Common signs include tiny flies hovering around houseplants or soil, especially after watering. You might also notice larvae in the top layer of potting mix or yellowing leaves due to root damage.

Q) Are fungus gnats harmful to people or pets?

A) Fungus gnats do not bite or sting and are not dangerous to humans or pets. However, their larvae can damage plant roots, especially in seedlings or delicate houseplants, leading to poor plant health.

Q) What causes fungus gnats to appear indoors?

A) Overwatering houseplants and poor drainage are the leading causes. Fungus gnats are attracted to moist potting soil, fungus, and decaying organic matter, making overwatered indoor plants a prime breeding ground.

Q) How do pest control companies eliminate fungus gnats?

A) Professionals target both adult gnats and larvae. This includes soil treatments, biological controls (like BTi), sticky traps, and moisture management. A pest control plan also addresses long-term prevention through education and monitoring.

Q) Can fungus gnats spread to other plants?

A) Yes, fungus gnats can move from plant to plant, especially in greenhouses or homes with multiple indoor plants. They lay eggs in moist soil, so any plant with damp conditions can be at risk.

Q) How can I prevent fungus gnats in houseplants?

A) Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings, improve drainage, use sterile potting mix, and avoid letting water sit in plant saucers. Yellow sticky traps can also help monitor adult gnat activity.

Q) Are fungus gnats the same as fruit flies?

A) No, they are different species. Fruit flies are drawn to rotting fruit or sugary residues, while fungus gnats are soil-dwelling pests that breed in moist, organic-rich environments like plant pots.

Q) What is the best treatment for fungus gnat larvae in soil?

A) Treatments may include applying a biological control such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTi), allowing soil to dry, using hydrogen peroxide dilutions, or applying insect growth regulators under professional guidance.

Q) Can fungus gnats indicate a bigger moisture or mold problem?

A) Yes, frequent fungus gnat activity in areas without plants may signal underlying issues like poor ventilation, water damage, or hidden mold. Pest control technicians often check these conditions during inspections.