Gnats...

[BeardedDragonFan]

Anyone else have a problem with gnats in the cage because of veggies in the food bowl? They're very annoying! Tokio doesn't seem to pay them no mind, but we don't want them in there if at all possible. Just wondering if anyone had any ideas on how to keep them out?

He's in a 55 gal. tank with a screen top. And we give him a salad mix in the morning before work so he can munch on it throughout the day, and at night (6:15-6:20ish) he gets his crickets.
The only thing I can think to do would be to maybe try switching it around... crickets in the morning, and salad at night. That way the veggies wouldn't be in there all day to attract the gnats. But do you think it might throw him off by switching it up, since he's been used to this same feeding arrangement for some time now?

 

[Nixiemaiden]

The issue with switching his schedule around is if he eats crickets first, he might not eat salad at all. The only time mine will eat salad is if he is hungry and after he eats his feeders, he isn't hungry anymore.

 

[BeardedDragonFan]

Hmm, i see your point. I guess the only way to find out would be to just try it out and see how he reacts. I'll do it this weekend that way I can be home all day to see how he does. I know many people say their beardies slow down eating when it's time to shed, but he's always been the complete opposite. If anything...he gets more of an appetite!

 

[BeardedDragonFan]

Forgot to post a follow up on this. He made the switch perfectly fine. He actually eats his entire bowl of veggies now and no more gnats! Seems like he likes this feeding arrangement better.

 

[AtlasStrike]

That is wonderful. I've got a fruit fly infestation in my house (because my housemates REFUSE to do their dishes in a timely manner and I REFUSE to do them for them anymore) and they have migrated into my room to make a delicious snack out of Charlie's salad. They REALLY seem to like the cactus pear I had in there, so I took that out and they haven't been so bad, but they are annoying.