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Are these insects a variety of fungus gnat? #923328

Asked January 05, 2026, 12:27 PM EST

I have a variety of plants in my house that have had populations of a small, weak flying insect that sticks around the soil on my plants. I thought they must be fungus gnats, but they don't have the appearance described by common guides to fungus gnats. Particularly, the insects I have in my house are primarily yellow with black blocking on the back, and they lack the distinctive Y-shaped vein in the wings. I was going to apply Bti as a biocide to treat the affected plants, but wanted to confirm I am seeing fungus gnats before application. I have a hydroponic garden that is currently idle, clean, and dry. I want to start that hydro garden again soon, but want to treat the insect problem before I add this chronicly wet garden back to my house's ecosystem. I did recently replant a few orchids with new potting soil that I suspect may have been the source of the new pests. Please let me know if you can confirm I have fungus gnats, or if not an identification of the pest. Thank you.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for Reaching out.

These are not fungus gnats.  They are  Chironomidae or a non-biting midges. You see them on water.  They are attracted to wet areas, soil, etc.

It is stated that Bti only works if used at a rate of 10 times the amount for mosquitos and that is pretty much for larva, not the adults .  One insecticide I found repeatedly suggested was a pyrethrin-based aerosol.  Pyrethrin is a very potent insecticide and kills about everything.  I can’t suggest specific products as I’m a volunteer.  If you use a chemical, follow all label instructions.  Be sure your air circulation is good.

I also read that a diy trap would be a bowl with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap.  Air circulation keeps them in control as they are not strong fliers.  UV light traps also will possibly work.

You can do more research if you want by googling midges.

I hope this helps.  Sorry I can’t be more specific but if you search, you’ll find suggested aerosols named.

Deb Kroon Replied January 05, 2026, 6:51 PM EST

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