Understanding what attracts Small Flies & Gnats is key to preventing an infestation. Small Flies are drawn to a few specific conditions that are surprisingly common in many homes. There are many small flies in this pest category such as gnats, drain flies, fungus gnats, fruit flies & phorid flies to name the most common.
Things in Your Home That Attract Small Flies
Overripe or Exposed Food
Fruit Flies are strongly attracted to sweet, fermenting smells. Overripe fruit, juice spills, open trash bags, and food residue on counters can all invite fruit flies indoors.
Common attractants include:
- Fruit bowls
- Recycling bins
- Sticky countertops
- Unsealed food containers
Moisture and Damp Environments
Moisture is one of the biggest factors that attracts small flies—especially fungus gnats and drain flies.
Small Flies & Gnats are commonly found near:
- Overwatered houseplants – Fungus Gnats
- Damp potting soil – Fungus Gnats
- Leaky pipes or faucets – Drain Flies
- Wet sponges or dishcloths – Fruit Flies & Drain Flies
- Standing water in sinks or trays – Fruit Flies & Drain Flies
Dirty or Clogged Drains
Kitchen and bathroom drains provide the perfect environment for small flies to breed. Organic buildup inside pipes gives them both food and shelter, allowing populations to grow unnoticed. – Drain Flies & Phorid Flies
Outdoor Sources Near the Home
Gnats often originate outside before making their way indoors. Standing water, compost piles, mulch beds, and overwatered lawns can all contribute to gnat activity around entry points like doors and windows.
How to Get Rid of Small Flies & Gnats in Your Home
Eliminating Small Flies & gnats requires removing what attracts them and addressing their breeding sites. Here are proven steps homeowners can take:
Eliminate Food Sources
- Store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator
- Wipe down counters and sinks daily
- Empty trash and recycling frequently
- Use airtight containers for food storage
Reduce Moisture
- Avoid overwatering houseplants
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Fix leaks and dripping faucets
- Empty standing water from trays or sinks
Use Simple Gnat Traps
DIY traps can help reduce adult gnats:
- A bowl of apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish soap
- Yellow sticky traps near plants or windows
These methods can reduce numbers, but they don’t always eliminate the source of the infestation.
Clean Drains Thoroughly
- Flush drains with hot water regularly
- Use enzyme-based drain cleaners to break down organic buildup
- Clean garbage disposals thoroughly
How to Prevent Small Flies & Gnats From Coming Back
Prevention is just as important as treatment. Keeping your home clean, dry, and well-maintained goes a long way in reducing future pest problems.
Small Flies & Gnat attraction prevention tips include
- Routine cleaning of kitchens and bathrooms
- Proper plant care and watering habits
- Sealing cracks around windows and doors
- Managing outdoor moisture and landscaping
When to Call Moyer Pest Control
If small flies & gnats keep returning despite your efforts, there may be a hidden breeding source that’s difficult to identify on your own. That’s when professional pest control makes the difference.
At Moyer Pest Control, our trained technicians know how to:
- Identify the specific type of gnat infestation
- Locate breeding sites inside and outside your home
- Apply targeted, safe treatments that actually work
- Help prevent future pest problems
From small flies & gnats to a wide range of household pests, Moyer is always here to help.