In this guide, we include the best ways to eliminate gnats in your home and some helpful tips to prevent them from returning. Show
Picture this: You’ve enjoyed the comfort of your home in the springtime and haven’t seen any creepy-crawlies or flying insects inside since the start of the season. But then you left some ripe fruit out on your counter last week for a little too long, and now you have a growing gnat infestation on your hands. Don’t worry, there are plenty of measures you can take before calling an exterminator to come out for a treatment. Keep reading to learn how to get rid of gnats with a few easy methods, as well as some tips on preventing them from coming back on your own or with a professional pest control company. Common Types of GnatsThe term “gnat” represents a range of species of tiny, two-winged flying insects, meaning there are various types of gnats that infest homes throughout the United States. Here are four of the most common gnats you may be facing in your home:
Place Sticky TrapsAs an easy first step to take care of your gnat problem, you can spend roughly $5 to $10 on sticky traps to place in areas you’ve seen the insects flying around. They typically can last for a few months and are baited with a solution that attracts the gnats then traps them with a sticky substance. Trap Them With Apple Cider VinegarOne of the most popular do-it-yourself (DIY) gnat removal methods is the homemade apple cider vinegar trap. It’s a simple strategy of attracting the gnats or fruit flies with food, then trapping them by blocking their exit with a paper cone or plastic wrap. Here’s how it works:
Use Your Fresh Fruits or Red WineIf your kitchen becomes infested with gnats because of fresh fruit sitting out, you can use that fruit to get rid of fruit flies. Rather than making a trap with apple cider vinegar, as described in the previous section, you can place bits of your overripe fruit in a small glass, bowl, or jar. Cover the container with plastic wrap and poke small holes into the plastic with a toothpick. You can also attract fruit flies with red wine and a couple drops of dish soap in a glass or jar. The dish soap separates from the wine, so whenever a gnat lands on the solution, it sinks and drowns. Turn on Your FanOnce you see a few gnats flying around your home, you could try adding more air flow to discourage them from sticking around. This is a great strategy to try before investing in traps or attempting other DIY methods, since it’s as simple as flipping a switch. Because gnats have small wings, they’re generally weak flyers and typically avoid windy environments or areas with a lot of air movement. Clear Your Drains and Garbage DisposalIf you’re noticing gnats with fuzzy complexions and grayish colors, you probably have a drain fly infestation. Gnats and larvae usually nest in and feed on the moist, decomposing materials in your drain. The best way to eliminate these invaders is a deep cleanse of any sink drains that could be housing the drain flies. You can mix your own solution or purchase one to pour down the drain in your attempt to rinse out their home. Here are some solutions to try:
Hire an ExterminatorIf you try these methods and can’t fully eradicate your gnat problem, you may need to call a top professional pest control company to help, such as Terminix or Orkin. Their general pest control plans typically cover gnat infestations and can also help prevent invasions from a wide range of other pests, such as cockroaches, ants, and rodents. A technician will come out to your property, inspect the gnats’ nesting areas, plus the rest of the interior and exterior of your property, and perform a comprehensive initial treatment for the gnats and other common household pests. Then, you can set up quarterly or bi-monthly scheduled treatments to continually prevent any issues in the future. Tips for Preventing GnatsNow that you’ve solved your gnat problem, you should follow these four best practices for preventing them from returning. These tips to remove pests’ food sources can help you keep your home free of other types of pests as well, such as cockroaches, house flies, and ants.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the quickest way to get rid of gnats?In a spray bottle, mix one cup of water, a tablespoon of vinegar and a bit of dish soap. Spray this mixture directly at the gnats whenever you see them fly by. You can also use vinegar to get rid of gnats in plants.
How do I get rid of gnats permanently?6 Ways to Eliminate Gnats. Place Sticky Traps.. Trap Them With Apple Cider Vinegar.. Use Your Fresh Fruits or Red Wine.. Turn on Your Fan.. Clear Your Drains and Garbage Disposal.. Hire an Exterminator.. Why am I getting so many gnats in my house?Gnats are attracted to moisture, so you're most likely to encounter them in the summer months—they often hang out in moist areas of your home like your kitchen drain or potted soil. That also means factors like food spills, unsealed garbage cans, or potted houseplants can all contribute to an infestation.
How do I get rid of indoor plant gnats?Vinegar mixture: Fill a shallow saucer with 2-3 drops of liquid dish soap and a cup of white vinegar. Place the bowl near your plant — the gnats will be attracted to the solution and fall into the trap. Keep repeating the process until all the gnats are gone.
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