Fruit Fly vs Gnat: What's the Difference?
By NoBuzz Team • 1/2/2025
fruit flies gnats bug ID pest control
Think you have fruit flies? They might be gnats — and treating them the same way won’t always work.
Here’s how to tell them apart:
🔍 Appearance
| Feature | Fruit Fly | Gnat |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Tan, with red eyes | Black or gray |
| Size | ~⅛ inch | Slightly smaller |
| Flying Style | Slow, hovering | Erratic, fast |
🧭 Where They Live
- Fruit Flies: Thrive near produce, drains, and sugary spills
- Gnats: Breed in soil, overwatered plants, and damp areas
⚔️ How to Get Rid of Them
- For fruit flies, use NoBuzz Trap™ + drain gel
- For gnats, remove wet soil, let plants dry, and use sticky traps
🧪 Why It Matters
Using the wrong method can backfire. Many people try vinegar traps for gnats — which often fail.
So ID your pest before you treat it.
Ready to eliminate your specific pest problem? Try NoBuzz Trap™ for fruit flies, or get our DIY Kit for comprehensive pest control that handles both fruit flies and gnats.
✅ Still not sure? Our fruit fly guide will walk you through it.