Fungus gnats
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Sciaridae
Adult bugs are similar in appearance to mosquitoes. However it is the larvae that live in the soil that do the damage. They feed off fungi and organic matter in the soil and chew on the roots of plants. Adults emerge from the soil and while they are an annoyance, they are harmful to neither plants or humans. Seeing gnats flying around the soil of plants, or around light sources is a good indicator of larvae in the soil. Keeping a clean area in and around the building is the best deterrent. Also making sure the soil isn't too moist or have debris sitting on top.
Pest Characterisitics
Good or Bad:
Bad
Habitat:
Debris, Houseplants, Lawn, Landscape, Garden
Color:
Black, Brown, Gray
Signs of Pest:
Stunted Growth, Discoloration, Drooping
Bug Length:
<1/4", Microscopic
Number of Legs:
4 Legs
Wings:
Wings
Antennae:
Antennae
Recommended Solution Name
The best solutions for these pests are water management and keeping area clean of decomposing debris. Let the plant dry out and keep the top of the soil clean of dead leaves and chunks. If the problem is in a whole building, clean the area of standing water and all decomposing organic material such as grass clippings and mulch. Adult gnats can be removed using sticky traps. To remove larvae from soil place a chunk of cut potato in soil. It will attract and trap the larvae away from the roots. Replace potato chuck every few days.