To get rid of gnats effectively, follow these proven methods:
In Your Home
- Use vinegar traps: Fill a glass or jar with apple cider vinegar, cover it with plastic wrap secured by a rubber band, and poke small holes in the wrap. Gnats enter but cannot escape. Alternatively, add a few drops of dish soap to vinegar in an open bowl; the soap breaks surface tension, causing gnats to drown
- Boiling water in drains: Pour boiling water down sink drains to kill gnat eggs and larvae that breed there
- Spray solutions: Use insecticidal sprays safe for indoor use, such as those containing geraniol and lemongrass oil, to kill gnats on contact
. A homemade spray with water, dish soap, and a bit of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide can also help
- Sticky traps: Place yellow sticky traps near problem areas to catch adult gnats attracted to bright colors
- Control moisture and plant care: Avoid overwatering houseplants, allow the soil surface to dry out, and consider bottom watering. Use mosquito bits in soil or sprinkle cinnamon on the soil surface to prevent fungus gnat larvae
- Cleanliness: Keep kitchen counters, sinks, and drains clean and free of food residue. Rinse dishes promptly and avoid leaving ripe fruit exposed
- Relocate spiders: Spiders can help control gnats naturally by preying on them
Outside Your Home
- Fix moisture issues: Eliminate standing water in bird baths, plant saucers, and puddles. Improve drainage and clear gutters to remove breeding sites
- Plant gnat-repelling herbs: Lavender, rosemary, and basil can deter gnats naturally when planted around your yard
- Avoid harsh chemical sprays: These can harm beneficial insects and disrupt the ecosystem
Summary of Best Practices
- Use vinegar or wine traps with dish soap to catch gnats.
- Avoid overwatering plants and keep soil dry on the surface.
- Clean kitchen and drains regularly.
- Use sticky traps and insecticidal sprays indoors.
- Address outdoor moisture and plant repellents.
- Consider professional pest control if infestations persist
Following these steps consistently will help eliminate gnats and prevent their return.
