GNATS !

shaysbeautifulboys

shaysbeautifulboys

Junior Guinea Pig
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Hi, i only recently just got my guinea pigs 2 months ago and about 3 weeks ago i noticed there was a gnat infestation. i managed to get rid of most of them as i am now spotcleaning twice a day and fully disinfecting the cage every 3 days but they just keep coming BACK! it’s only an odd 1 or 2 gnats but it’s driving me insane! it’s so stressful for me and i do not want to rehome them i just love them too much. Can gnats cause fly strike? and will fleece bedding keep them out of their home?
 
I think there must be something else that they’re attracted to in the house rather than the guinea pigs. I don’t know that they can cause fly strike. Far as I know it’s flies that cause it.

Could you try fly tape?
 
VickiA said:
Are they indoor piggies?
Are they attracted to left over fruit or veg or something in the cage? I’ve not had this problem I’ll be honest.
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i don’t put any fruit or veg in the cage anymore and yes they are indoor piggies. you’re lucky you’ve not had them ! they are so stressful
 
shaysbeautifulboys said:
i don’t put any fruit or veg in the cage anymore and yes they are indoor piggies. you’re lucky you’ve not had them ! they are so stressful
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I do think they are just a seasonal thing. The garden was full of them yesterday. I’d also suggest fly paper as a possibility
 
Siikibam said:
I think there must be something else that they’re attracted to in the house rather than the guinea pigs. I don’t know that they can cause fly strike. Far as I know it’s flies that cause it.

Could you try fly tape?
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yes i have fly tape, i’m thinking it’s my windows as they’re constantly wet, i have an attic room so they windows do get a bit condensated
 
VickiA said:
I do think they are just a seasonal thing. The garden was full of them yesterday. I’d also suggest fly paper as a possibility
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i hope so iv been so upset from the stress and the thought of me having to give them away breaks my heart hahah i just hope they don’t harm my babies :(
 
Get a shallow bowl with a little bit of water, put a drop of vinegar in it and a drop of washing up liquid, and if you have any a drop of honey. Put it near the pig cage, it acts as a trap and works well I find.

Gnats often come from house plants which were under watered then overwatered etc but mainly happens in summer. If your house is otherwise clean, try putting any house plants outside for a few days and see if the gnats go away, then you know it’s your plants.
 
Elthysia said:
Get a shallow bowl with a little bit of water, put a drop of vinegar in it and a drop of washing up liquid, and if you have any a drop of honey. Put it near the pig cage, it acts as a trap and works well I find.

Gnats often come from house plants which were under watered then overwatered etc but mainly happens in summer. If your house is otherwise clean, try putting any house plants outside for a few days and see if the gnats go away, then you know it’s your plants.
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i don’t have any plants in my house however i will try it, do u think it’s my windows that are causing them to stay as they are constantly damp? i will try that trap though thank you !
 
shaysbeautifulboys said:
i don’t have any plants in my house however i will try it, do u think it’s my windows that are causing them to stay as they are constantly damp? i will try that trap though thank you !
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I forgot to say you’ll have to change the bowl and do it again every day or so.

Yes, damp windows will be heaven for gnats. There’s something about moisture they like. Try keeping the area well ventilated will help. Maybe dehumidify?
 
Elthysia said:
I forgot to say you’ll have to change the bowl and do it again every day or so.

Yes, damp windows will be heaven for gnats. There’s something about moisture they like. Try keeping the area well ventilated will help. Maybe dehumidify?
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i’m too scared to open the windows now in case any more come in 😂 i’ll have to wipe my windows dry hopefully that helps, thank you !
 
shaysbeautifulboys said:
Hi, i only recently just got my guinea pigs 2 months ago and about 3 weeks ago i noticed there was a gnat infestation. i managed to get rid of most of them as i am now spotcleaning twice a day and fully disinfecting the cage every 3 days but they just keep coming BACK! it’s only an odd 1 or 2 gnats but it’s driving me insane! it’s so stressful for me and i do not want to rehome them i just love them too much. Can gnats cause fly strike? and will fleece bedding keep them out of their home?
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Hi!

Please take a deep breath. Gnats don't lay their eggs in living flesh (only some varieties of larger flies like bluebottles or horse flies do so), so while they are a nuisance they are no danger for your piggies.

I would recommend trying some fly paper. Fleece and a hay tray that is emptied daily will give insects less opportunity to breed in the bedding.
 
Wiebke said:
Hi!

Please take a deep breath. Gnats don't lay their eggs in living flesh (only some varieties of larger flies like bluebottles or horse flies do so), so while they are a nuisance they are no danger for your piggies.

I would recommend trying some fly paper. Fleece and a hay tray that is emptied daily will give insects less opportunity to breed in the bedding.
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phew that’s a relief, do u know where i can get cheap fleece and fleece liners?
 
You can buy fleece in b&w, eBay, ikea etc. Just make sure it wicks before putting in (wash several times) and use something absorbent underneath- Washable or disposable puppy pads.
 
Siikibam said:
You can buy fleece in b&w, eBay, ikea etc. Just make sure it wicks before putting in (wash several times) and use something absorbent underneath- Washable or disposable puppy pads.
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ohh okay thank you so much!
 
shaysbeautifulboys said:
phew that’s a relief, do u know where i can get cheap fleece and fleece liners?
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For a quick fix, acrylic or polyester bed spreads or baby blankets are easiest to get hold of. Please also be aware that you need an absorbent underlay and that fleece needs to have any surface sealing conditioner washed out before use or your piggies will sit in their own pee puddles.

Take the time to read our detailed fleece bedding guide before you rush out!
A Detailed Guide For Fleece Bedding
 
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