Gnats are drawn to moisture and organic material. Some species prefer houseplant soil, while others look for decomposing food debris in garbage disposals or on damaged and overripe fruit. Any dampness in the home or unsanitary habits could attract them indoors, and once inside, gnats will take advantage of conditions that are conducive to continuous growth and reproduction.
Gnats will easily take over your home if you don’t address the problem. Fortunately, there are simple and efficient ways to stop these winged animals in their tracks and keep them from returning again and again. When you see or hear gnats, follow this easy guide on how to get rid of gnats.
How to Get Rid of Gnats?
Gnats can be removed from your home using both commercial products and natural home remedies. These are non-toxic and suitable for use at home. Gnats can be effectively removed using the following methods:
1. Sticky Traps
The sticky traps are available at retail nurseries and garden centers. Yellow sticky traps, cut into smaller squares, can be stuck over the wooden skewers and flowerpots. Gnats sit over them and are stuck.
2. Homemade Gnat Repellent Spray
Fill a spray bottle halfway with dish soap, water, baking soda, and vinegar. Per cup of water, add a few drops of dish soap, a tablespoon of vinegar, and baking soda. A few sprays of this mixture work well as a gnat repellent. They can be sprayed in places where gnats are popular, such as around plants, in bathrooms, and so on.
3. Potato Chunks
Raw potato chunks can be placed in the soil around the earthen pots. Fungus gnat larvae are drawn to potatoes. This method will keep the larvae away from the plant roots. After a few days in the pot, remove the infested potato chunks and replace them with fresh parts.
4. Homemade Gnat Killer Spray
A spray bottle may be filled with a mixture of half a cup of water, half a cup of isopropyl alcohol, and a teaspoon of dish liquid. This mixture can be sprayed directly on the gnats to destroy them.
5. Gnatrol or BTI
This is a fungus that grows naturally and is poisonous to gnat larvae. This can be used to monitor gnats on your potted plants on a regular basis. It is non-toxic to humans and is widely available in nurseries.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar Gnat Trap
A few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a few drops of dish soap, and a tablespoon of sugar can be mixed together in a bowl and put in a location where gnats are common, such as the kitchen, bathroom, or indoor garden. Gnats are attracted by sugar and apple cider vinegar, and dish soap catches and drowns them.
7. A Fruit Trap
Rotting fruits can be stored in a container of perforated plastic wrap. Gnats are drawn to rotten fruits, enter the jar, and become trapped inside, unable to escape.
8. A Candle Trap
A candle should be put in a candle stand, which should be partially filled with water. The candle should be lit, and the lights switched off. Gnats are drawn to the flame and either burn or sink when they fall into it.
9. Diluted Bleach Down the Drains
If gnats are often seen by the kitchen sink or bathtub, dump a cup of diluted bleach down the drains to eliminate them.
10. Professional Pest Control
If home remedies and commercial items fail and there is a severe gnat infestation in the building, a professional pest control company may assist in addressing the issue by developing a personalized treatment plan for the home.
Faqs
What causes a lot of gnats in the house?
The warmer months always bring with them an unwelcome house guest: gnats. These tiny pests seem to appear out of nowhere, and before long, your home is infested. So what causes a gnat infestation, and how can you get rid of them? There are actually several reasons why gnats might invade your home.
One common cause is over-watering houseplants. The moist soil is the perfect breeding ground for gnats, and as the population grows, they will start to venture out in search of food. Another possible cause is leaving food out on the counter or in the sink. Gnats are attracted to the sweet smell of fruits and vegetables, and will lay their eggs in any area where there is potential for a meal.
If you suspect that either of these factors is attracting gnats into your home, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. First, make sure to water your plants only when the soil is dry. Second, keep all food stored in the fridge or in tightly sealed containers. By taking these simple steps, you can quickly get rid of gnats and keep them from coming back.