How to Get Rid of Gnats in Your House

Gnats are pesky little insects that can be a real nuisance in your home. They are small, winged insects that belong to the fly family. They can range in color from yellow and tan to black and brown and have long legs and antennae. Gnats are often mistaken for fruit flies or drain flies due to their similar size.

There are several types of gnats, including fungus gnats, which are attracted to the moisture of potting soil and lay their eggs in it. Gnats can be a nuisance indoors, as they often swarm around windows or lights. They love garbage disposals, over-ripe fruit, and any other type of organic matter that may be lying around.

Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of gnats in your house and keep them from coming back. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective methods.

How to Get Rid of Gnats in Your House

1. Keep your home clean

The most promising way to prevent gnats from taking over your home is to keep it clean and free of any organic matter that might attract them. Make sure you take out your garbage regularly, vacuum and mop your kitchen more often, and don’t leave any food or organic matter out in the open.

2. Use a trap

There are several types of traps that you can use to catch gnats. For example, ribbon fly paper is the best option, as they contain lures that attract and trap flying insects. You can also use an electric zapper or bug zapper to eliminate gnats. These traps use ultraviolet light and a fan to lure the insects into them, where they get zapped and then die.

3. Apple cider vinegar trap

Many people find that apple cider vinegar is an effective way to kill gnats. To get rid of gnats with apple cider vinegar: add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, two tablespoons of sugar, five drops of liquid dish soap, and half a cup of warm water into a shallow bowl. Place the solution near windowsills, sinks, the kitchen, and other areas where gnats may be gathering. The gnats will be drawn to the scent and fly into the mixture, where they’ll become trapped by the soap.

4. Wine trap

Experts often recommend using a bottle of white wine as a trap for gnats. Similar to the apple cider vinegar trap, you fill a shallow bowl with wine and a few drops of liquid dish soap. Place the mixture in an area where you notice a lot of gnat activity in your house, and wait for the results.

5. Pouring hot water down the drain to kill gnats

Possibly due to the moist environment, many gnats are found in Kitchen sink drains. Besides, they lay eggs in the kitchen drain. To get rid of them, you can pour hot water down your drain every day to kill any gnats and their larvae and eggs. This will help keep them from coming back.

6. Use Natural Repellents

There are many natural repellents that you can use to keep gnats away from your home. Cinnamon, peppermint, and clove oil are all known to repel gnats. You can use them to create a natural insect-repellent spray that you can use in your home.

7. Plant Repellents

Certain plants have natural repellent properties that help keep gnats away from your home. Citronella grass is one of the most effective options for keeping gnats at bay. Simply plant it near windowsills or other entry points where you’ve seen gnats entering your house.

8. Use an insecticide

If all else fails, you can use an insecticide to get rid of gnats in your home. Always make sure you read the instructions carefully and use the insecticide according to the label. Many insecticides contain harsh chemicals that can be hazardous if not used correctly, so it is important to use them safely and responsibly.

Hopefully, these tips will help you get rid of gnats in your house and keep them from coming back. Good luck!

Also read: How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Your Home