Are you troubled by gnats?
These tiny pests can appear in any corner of your house, affecting your daily life by polluting food, damaging houseplants, and causing allergies or infections.
If you’ve tried various methods without success, follow this guide to get rid of gnats fast and effectively.
Say goodbye to the gnat invasion and regain your peaceful life!
What Are Gnats?
Gnats are tiny flying insects with a life cycle spanning four key stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
With delicate wings and small frames, they often appear in overwatered houseplants, kitchen fruits, and damp environments.
The three common types are fungus gnats, fruit flies, and drain flies.
While some species may bite or sting, indoor gnats are more of a nuisance than a danger.
How to Get Rid Of Gnats In The House
#1. DIY Vinegar Trap
Apple Cider Vinegar with Plastic Wrap: Pour apple cider vinegar into a glass and cover it with plastic wrap. Poke small holes to entice fruit flies and trap them inside.
Vinegar and Old Fruit Trap: Place vinegar and ripe fruit in a jar covered with a paper cone. This setup prevents gnats from escaping.
Vinegar and Dish Soap: Mix vinegar with dish soap in a bowl and leave it uncovered. The soap disrupts the vinegar’s surface, causing flies to sink and drown.
#2. Bug Zapper
Bug zappers use UV light to attract and eliminate gnats. Safe for indoor use, simply plug one near affected areas for fast and effective results.
#3. Boiling Water
Pour boiling water down the sink to kill gnat eggs and clear food and bacteria buildup. Combine with a bug zapper for the highest effectiveness.
#4. Sticky Trap
Sticky traps come in various forms, from hanging ribbons to stands. Place them near potted plants to attract gnats with bright colors, especially yellow.
Check and replace traps daily.
Note: Keep sticky traps away from pets because they get some harmful chemicals.
#5. Spray
Use safe sprays like Zevo Fly, Gnat & Fruit Fly Flying Insect Spray, which contain natural bio-insecticides like geraniol and lemongrass oil.
Avoid contact with eyes and skin.
#6. Beer or Wine Trap
Leave a nearly empty bottle of stale beer or old wine with its neck open. The fruity scent attracts gnats, and the narrow opening traps them inside.
#7. Candle Trap
Place a candle in a glass filled with water and a little dish soap.
Light the candle in a dark room; gnats are drawn to the flame and fall into the soapy water.
#8. Flypaper
Use sticky flypaper ribbons indoors to trap gnats. Be cautious with placement to avoid contact with curtains and furniture.
#9. No Water Plants
Allow houseplants to dry out between waterings to prevent fungus growth and eliminate gnat larvae and eggs. Consider using an indoor-friendly pesticide if gnats persist.
#10. Clean Drains
Regularly clean drains, especially in the kitchen sink and garbage disposal.
Keep the area dry and use a drain stopper overnight to prevent gnats from accessing water sources.
#11. Use Product That’s Gone Bad
Repurpose overripe fruit by placing it in a bowl covered with plastic wrap, then puncture small holes to trap gnats inside.
#12. Call A Pro
If DIY methods fail, contact a reputable pest control company for professional assistance in controlling gnat issues.
How to Prevent Gnats
1. Minimize moisture
Reducing moisture levels can combat gnats. Use a dehumidifier to create less favorable conditions for gnats.
Maintaining indoor humidity below 55% can deter gnats from thriving.
2. Tend to The Trash
Clean countertops and dispose of garbage daily to deter gnats. Trash and ripe fruit are ideal for gnats.
3. Remove The Insects’ “Food” Source
Fungus gnats: Regularly repot houseplants with fresh soil and avoid overwatering.
Fruit flies: Rinse and dry fruits and vegetables upon purchase, then store them in the fridge.
Drain flies: Clear plumbing lines to prevent infestations.
These 12 methods offer safe and efficient ways to remove gnats in the house. By implementing these strategies, you can reclaim your space and enjoy a gnat-free environment.
Keep following us for more useful tips and tricks to enhance your home and garden.
