These two small flying insects are often confused for each other, or thought to be the same. They both have you waving your arms in the air to keep them away from your food and yourself. They’re both are so tiny that it is hard to tell them apart. You may have tried to get rid of them with a fly-swatter or – we’ve all done it – your hand!

Fruit flies are often found indoors. As their name conveniently reminds us, they are generally attracted to fruits and veggies that you have on your counter or that are left in your trash can too long. They like to lay their eggs in overripe or fermenting fruits. Then the larvae eats the fruit when it hatches.

Easiest way to control them: Prevent them by not leaving over-ripe fruit or vegetables on your counter their food supply will be cut off and they’ll go ‘bug’ somebody else’s kitchen.

What to do when you get them: If you’re noticing the occasional fruit fly hovering over those bananas that have started turning brown, you don’t have to call an exterminator. Just throw away those bananas and take your trash out. But, if you’ve been out of town for two weeks and you forgot to take the trash out before you left, , you may have a new family of gnats that have been hatching and growing while you were away. If you don’t want to have to deal with hand-swatting or sticky traps for the next few weeks, give Southern Maryland Boys Pest Control a call.

Gnats. Some species of gnats are found outside. But the fungus gnat can be found inside, usually hovering around your house plants. They’re attracted to the damp soil of over-watered potted plants. They will leave their eggs in soil in the over watered soil and when hatched, the immature gnats will begin to feed on the decomposing soil.

Easiest way to control them: Consider inspecting the soil of any new plants you bring into your home. Don’t over water your plants. Let the soil dry in between watering.

What to do when you get them: Find their source. Inspect your potted plants and make sure it has proper drainage. Consider re-potting your plant so you can inspect the soil and roots for any larvae. A glue or stick trap nearby the plants work well.

Simple steps you can take if you are having a problem getting rid of fruit flies or gnats:

• Identify which pest you’re dealing with
• Know what the food source is and remove it quickly
• Contact us if there’s more of an infestation than you can handle