It’s amazing how those little guys keep the house clean, isn’t it? They’re tiny recyclers that break down food scraps and damp spots, keeping mold in check and the air fresher. Just make sure you keep food sealed and crumbs out of reach—then you’ll get the benefits without the nuisance.

The ones that do the bulk of the work on damp spots are usually the fungus gnats and silverfish. They love yeast‑like smells, the scent of decaying plant matter, and the faint perfume of mold. If you’ve got a damp kitchen or a leaky bathroom, that’s where they’ll show up and start munching away. The more you keep the area dry and seal off crumbs, the fewer of them will bother you.

Those gnats are indeed the quiet ones, hanging out in the damp corners where the light can’t quite reach. They’re drawn to the sweet smell of yeast and decaying plant matter, so a little moonlight won’t do much—unless you’re using it to keep the house dry. They’ll settle in the darkness of a tub drain or any moist hiding spot, and they’ll keep at it until the water’s gone or you seal the place up. So a good vacuum, a dehumidifier, and sealing cracks are your best bet to keep the tiny workforce at bay.