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While the term “gnat” is often used as a blanket term for tiny flying insects like fungus gnats and fruit flies, they are different insects. The primary distinctions are in their appearance, diet, and habitat. Fungus gnats are typically darker (gray or black) with long legs and are attracted to damp soil and decaying plant matter, often living in houseplants. In contrast, fruit flies are lighter in color (tan) with shorter legs and are drawn to overripe fruit, high-fructose organic substances, and other sweet materials.

It’s unlikely true water bugs will get into your home plumbing system. You may find them in gutters, rain barrels, or open irrigation on your property. If there are bugs near your indoor pipes, leaky sinks, or other moist places, they are probably Oriental cockroaches. Consult a pest control professional to determine the pest hiding out in your plumbing system.

To clean a trash can with maggots, combine chlorine bleach and hot water in a 1-to-1 ratio and pour about half a gallon of the solution into the bottom of your garbage can. Just make sure there aren’t holes in the can before doing so. Close the lid, and let the fumes go to work to kill the maggots. Rinse the can with a hose outside. Consider finishing up with a bleach disinfectant and a scrub brush before letting the can dry completely. You can also consider hiring an exterminator near you for a quick, easy solution to maggots in your garbage cans.

Bleach can technically kill drain flies, but it’s not really a great tool for getting rid of an infestation. Bleach flows down your pipes too quickly to penetrate the film where drain flies lay their eggs. Alternatively, you can use it to clean around drains, which can help prevent drain flies from returning once you get rid of the infestation.