Fungus Gnat

Natural Habitat

Moist environments, particularly indoor potted plants, greenhouses, mushroom farms, and areas with moisture issues like leaky pipes or overwatered soil. Outdoors, they can be found in compost piles and damp leaf litter.

Diet & Feeding

Adult fungus gnats typically do not feed or feed on liquids. Larvae primarily feed on fungi and decaying organic matter in the soil, but can also consume plant roots if food sources are scarce.

Behavior Patterns

Fungus gnats are attracted to moist environments, especially where there is decaying organic matter or fungi. Adults are weak flyers and tend to hover around potted plants, drains, or other damp areas. Larvae live in the soil or decaying matter and feed for about 2-3 weeks before pupating.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks: Primarily a nuisance pest, especially indoors. For plants, heavy larval infestations can damage roots, leading to wilting, stunted growth, and even plant death, particularly in young seedlings. They can also spread fungal diseases among plants. Benefits: In nature, they play a role in decomposition processes.

Identified on: 8/15/2025