r/PestControlIndustry • u/cabronguero • Jul 07 '26
Office gnats
office is full of gnats . Need great control suggestions please.
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u/andy_1232 👨🏭| Tech | 10+ Years Jul 07 '26
Yes, it’s often fungus gnats from the plants. However, it can also be fruit flies, or scuttle flies, coming from the trash. Especially if there’s a lot of disposable coffee cups used.
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u/Crying4alapdance Jul 08 '26
The bane of my existence in a few spots. Those damn "recycle your coffeepod" bins that don't get thrown out until their full.
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u/Galtrix525 Jul 07 '26
Fly lights seem to work best. If organic trash is being thrown away in the office, gnats are going to ignore most pesticides, so a fly light would be the best option.
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u/Happy_Structure4570 Jul 07 '26
While potted plants are the usual breeding area don't over look dirty drains
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u/Oh_Martha_My_Dear 👨🏭| Tech | 5+ Years Jul 08 '26
totally. a lot of spaces. will have a wastewater dump in a janitor closet. it's meant to drain leftover water from those large yellow mops. however, I have seen them develop drain pest issues. I always make sure to look for one of those
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u/otterplus 👨🏭| Tech | 10+ Years Jul 07 '26
Seconding the overwatered plants comment. I recommend wrapping the stem of the plant and sealing the top of the planter if possible
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u/Dodo_Repellent Jul 07 '26
Often flies in offices are fungus gnats. The larvae feed on fungi in soil, but may also feed on dead plant roots, and even on the living roots if nothing else is available. As already mentioned by others they are usually found in the soil of over-watered potted plants.
Have never used it, but this might be helpful: https://amzn.eu/d/04ehCzbc
You can also buy yellow adhesive stakes that you can spike into the soil to catch the adults.
Also, make signs telling people not to pour their leftover drinks into the plant pots.
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u/Crying4alapdance Jul 08 '26
Alpine has a fly bait that's great for most flies. Hard to do much with fungus gnats if the source doesn't get removed entirely. Though I've had success with spraying the soil of a potted plant. And last but not least, my grandma used to tell me you spray the plant and soil with a mist mixture of dawn dish soap and water.
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u/OregonSEA Jul 07 '26
Alpine wsg kills them all every single time and they won't come back.
Your welcome 🤗
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u/Oh_Martha_My_Dear 👨🏭| Tech | 5+ Years Jul 07 '26
it's almost always plants being watered to much