Is it possible to get fungus gnats from a christmas tree? We do not have any other plants in our house and I only noticed them after our christmas tree. MY fiance keeps saying im making a big deal and they are just gnats, but when researching what the look like and all they seem to be the fungus gnats. They are mainly right above our christmas tree on the ceiling, but they are making their way into other rooms. I just want to to know if it is possible to get these from a christmas tree.

Thanks

Hello: I am not aware that any of the typical insects that live on a holiday tree would be able to survive indoors for more than a short time. Fungus gnats (also known as drain flys) are associated with fungus and water(floor drains) and would not be found on the ceiling by nature and the water for the tree is to fresh and clean to support life. If there is a desire to put good ID to this insect and you can get a close up with a camera or smartphone, happy to take a look.

Psocids are a soft bodied winged insect and the only one of several that could hatch from and egg mass and leave the tree. Pscoids present NO danger and would not survive the hot dry air in a home. without a good ID, there would only be the one hatch.

Removal using a vacuum is the best method. Smashing them can leave a stain mark on the ceiling.

I do have a photo. And it seems that when my son messes with the tree they are coming out. Is there a way to post a photo?

Thanks!

Attach the photo directly to an email to me and I will get it.

hentsche@illinois.edu

subject: fungus gnat ID

I sent the pics.

Thanks!