Gnats are in the house primarily due to a few common causes:

• Overripe or rotting fruits and vegetables attract fruit flies, a type of gnat that lays eggs in decomposing organic matter like fruit left exposed in bowls or on countertops.
• Overwatered houseplants provide a moist environment where fungus gnats lay their eggs in the soil. Decaying leaves in the soil also encourage their breeding.
• Moist areas like drains, trash cans, and bathrooms may attract drain gnats, which breed in wet and decomposing organic matter in sinks and pipes.
• Fruit-scented hygiene or beauty products can also attract gnats because they are drawn to fruity and sweet smells.

Essentially, gnats come indoors attracted by decomposing organic matter, moisture, and sweet smells, all of which provide breeding sites or food for them.

Types of Gnats Found in Houses

• Fungus gnats: Small, black, attracted to moist soil of houseplants.
• Fruit flies: Small, brown with red eyes, attracted to overripe fruits and sugary substances.
• Drain flies: Found near drains and pipes, thrive in moist and dirty areas.

Main Reasons for Gnats Indoors

• Leaving fruits out and unattended.
• Overwatering indoor plants.
• Trash cans not emptied promptly.
• Moisture buildup in sinks, drains, and bathrooms.
• Presence of fruity-scented products.

Addressing these sources by removing or managing overripe fruits, watering plants properly, keeping drains clean, and reducing moisture will help reduce gnats indoors.