Gnats often seem to follow people, a common annoyance. Their behavior is driven by specific biological and environmental cues that lead them directly to human presence. Understanding these factors can shed light on why gnats appear to target certain individuals or situations.
What Attracts Gnats to People
Gnats are sensitive to signals indicating food sources or suitable environments. A primary attractant is carbon dioxide (CO2), which humans exhale. Gnats detect the CO2 plume, signaling a potential host or decaying organic matter, part of their diet.
Human body warmth also draws gnats, creating a thermal signature appealing in cooler surroundings. This combination of exhaled CO2 and body warmth forms a compelling beacon for gnats.
Moisture and salts in human sweat provide hydration and attract gnats. Microorganisms on skin produce appealing odors. Certain scents from perfumes, lotions, or other personal care products, especially those with sweet or floral notes, can also draw gnats closer.
Light and movement also make people noticeable. Gnats are attracted to light, and human movement can create disturbances that capture their attention. This combination of sensory cues explains why gnats often seem to swarm around people’s heads or bodies.
Common Types of Gnats That Follow People
The term “gnat” is a general descriptor for several types of small, winged insects, each with distinct habits. Among those commonly encountered near people are fungus gnats, fruit flies, and drain flies. Identifying the specific type can help in understanding their presence.
Fungus gnats (Sciaridae and Mycetophilidae) are frequently found around houseplants. They thrive in damp soil and feed on fungi and decaying organic matter in the soil. If you find these small, dark insects hovering around you, especially indoors, they likely originated from overwatered plants.
Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) are attracted to ripening, fermenting, or decaying fruits and vegetables, as well as sugary liquids. They are a common sight in kitchens and might follow individuals carrying food or drinks, seeking out these fermenting organic materials. Their presence often indicates an accessible food source.
Drain flies, also known as moth flies (Psychodidae), are small, fuzzy insects typically found near drains, sinks, and other moist areas. They breed in the organic sludge that accumulates in pipes and drains. While they can be a nuisance and indicate unsanitary conditions, they are less likely to actively “follow” people compared to fungus or fruit flies, usually remaining close to their breeding sites.
Preventing Gnats From Following You
Reducing the factors that attract gnats can significantly decrease their presence around you. Personal hygiene plays a role, as minimizing sweat and body odors can make you less appealing. Regular washing helps remove the skin bacteria and their byproducts that attract gnats.
Considering your choice of scented products can also be beneficial. Strong perfumes, colognes, or lotions with sweet or fruity fragrances may attract gnats. Opting for unscented products or those with scents gnats dislike, such as peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus, might help deter them.
Controlling the sources where gnats breed is a proactive step. For fungus gnats, proper houseplant care is important; allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings disrupts their breeding cycle. Removing dead leaves and debris from plants also eliminates potential food sources for larvae.
Managing food and waste is essential for deterring fruit flies and drain flies. Storing fruits and vegetables properly, promptly cleaning up spills, and regularly emptying trash cans that contain organic matter can remove their breeding and feeding grounds. Cleaning drains with a brush and a baking soda and vinegar solution helps eliminate the organic film where drain flies lay eggs.
Environmental adjustments contribute to gnat prevention. Improving ventilation in damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens reduces humidity, making these spaces less hospitable for moisture-loving gnats. Ensuring windows and doors have well-fitting screens, particularly those with finer mesh, can physically block gnats from entering your living spaces.