Gnats can be annoying and pesky – that’s why the knowledge of how to get rid of gnats can be quite helpful. They may not cause a significant structure to the construction or building, but they can be a disturbance if you let them. They are often related to sanitary and cleanliness issues, carrying pathogens and germs everywhere they go – just like flies or rats. The last thing that you want is to have a large swarm of gnats in your house – flying around all day long! It’s a good thing that there are some ways to deal with them as well as some preventive controls.
Interesting Facts about Gnats
Gnats are basically long-legged and small insects that can fly – although they are considered weak fliers. Unlike termites that may cause structural damage to a building, gnats won’t cause such a problem. However, they can cause health problems since they live in dirty and unsanitary places. Gnats are often claimed as disease or pathogen carriers – and you definitely don’t want them inside your house.
Gnats may come to your house – and be interested in building the nest there – because they are always attracted to organic material and moisture. It means that when they view your house as a potential spot to get continuous supply of water and food, they won’t leave. If you have unsanitary habits, such as leaving dirty dishes overnight, not wiping out the counters or the tabletop, or having an open trash bin, then you are likely inviting not only gnats but also other kinds of pests or insects.
Some gnat species like houseplant soil, while others prefer decomposing food materials. If they consider their house as the most perfect environment for their development, then they will definitely stay and find a perfect spot to build their nest.
Gnats Prevention Methods
There are some preventive methods on how to get rid of gnats naturally. As it was mentioned before, the best way to prevent gnats infestation from the first place is to prevent them from coming and then feeling comfortable within your perimeter. Once you are comfy enough, they will definitely build nests inside your property.
Cut off the Food Supply
If you don’t want their presence in your house, then you need to make sure that they will be uncomfortable in the house. If they don’t like it, then they won’t be interested in setting up the nest. Make sure that you always clean up after everything. Wipe up the kitchen table and the countertops. Clean the stove and cooktop. Wipe any spill, especially sugary drinks or soda. Any grease or oil spill should also be removed and cleaned up.
If you have food, place it in a container and place it in the kitchen cupboard. If you see leftover food on the table, please put it in the refrigerator – including fruits and if the fruit overripe, move it to the refrigerator to extend shelf life.
Wet Soil
If you have plants inside the house (real plants), the gnats may be interested in coming because of the suitable soil environment. Gnats love humid soil because it will provide ideal environment to breed and put their larvae. To control the possibility of infestation, it would be better to only water the plants ONLY when it is necessary. Don’t over-water them. And when you have watered the plants, make sure that the soil has dried completely before you water them again. If gnats larvae has already been present within the soil, this action will kill them. If you see any adult gnats, you can easily remove them with vacuum. Check the area surrounding the plants, even window sills that are close to them. Suck them with the vacuum.
How to Get Rid of Gnats Naturally And Permanently
Fly papers for Gnats
Fly paper is basically an effective solution to trap the insects. You can use it not only to catch gnats, but also other types of insects, such as spiders, slugs, flies, and even cockroaches. The paper has sticky surface on both sides. You simply peel off the cover and hang it anywhere you like to catch the gnats. Of course, it is advisable that you hang it on places where the gnats are most often. You can also place the fly paper on a surface, but it means that you only use one side of the paper – not two of them. There is a bigger version of the fly paper, called window fly paper, that can cover a bigger and wider area, increasing your chances of catching the gnats.
Despite the benefits and the perks, there is one biggest flaw of the fly paper: it is super sticky. It may not be a problem when you only use one side, but it can be tricky when you want to use both sides. There is always a chance that your fingers may be stuck. If you aren’t careful, the paper can attach to your clothes or even hair – making it messier. You will have to be extra careful when you handling the paper.
Bug zapper for gnats
One method in how to get rid of gnats is to use the bug zapper. This zapper is actually designed for bigger insects, like mosquitoes or flies, but it is possible that you use this one to catch gnats too. it doesn’t hurt to activate it when you already have one at home.
You simply turn the device on and it will emit ultraviolet rays that attract the bugs. Once the insects are coming closer, the device will electrocute those bugs. Pretty convenient, huh? You can find the products at online stores like Amazon, Target or Walmart.
There are some zappers for outdoor use only, and there are some zappers for indoor only. There are some devices for both settings (indoor and outdoor). It is pretty noiseless and the operation is pretty simple and straightforward. However, you need to be extra careful for the placement. This zapper is mostly hung or placed on a high place. Keep it out of the kids’ reach. Make sure that you secure the placement, so the possibility of the device falling down would be very small. You can find best bug zapper for gnats at online stores like Amazon, Target or Walmart, prices for zapper bugs are around $ 25- $ 50.
Apple Cider Vinegar Trap for Gnats
There is one method on how to get rid of gnats with vinegar. You only need to combine warm water (half cup), 6 drops of dish soap, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar in a bowl. The gnats may be attracted to the sugary mix, but the dish soap will trap the little guy with its sticky texture. Just place the bowl on the areas where you see gnats are gathering around.
Wine Trap for Gnats
If you are thinking about how to get rid of gnats without vinegar, you can always try the wine trap. No need to use your good collection – you may want to use the expired one. This one should almost turn to vinegar-ish texture and smell. The mechanism is similar to the apple cider vinegar: mix dish soap, wine, and sugar in a bowl. Simply put the bowl into the area filled with gnats and check it. You should be able to see them floating inside the bowl.
The Chemical Spray for Gnats
Insecticides are quite potent and effective in getting rid of the gnats. You simply spray at them whenever you spot them and kill them instantly. However, you should consider it as your last resort when you have pets or kids. Chemical sprays can be quite dangerous for them and you don’t want to put them in a risky position.
But if you do decide to use the spray, make sure to use it as the direction. And the kids or your pets shouldn’t be in the room during the spray. Make sure that they don’t come to the treated areas for at least 2 hours so they won’t inhale the toxic air. And open the windows so air circulation can go well in the area, clearing out the toxic air.
Candle Trap
This trap would make use of the candle and the gnats’ attraction to the flame. This old-school and easy method is one method on how to get rid of gnats effectively. Put the candle to the candlestick, and then place the candlestick within a pan that is already filled with water.
Choose the tall candle so it would be tall and be able to attract the insects. Turn the lights off and then light up the candle. The gnats are always attracted to the light. When surrounded by the darkness, they can only see the flame. Just wait for the gnats to come. Once they do so, they will either fall to the water or hit the flame. The problem with this method is that you need to stay within the room and observe the whole situation. Feel free to leave, but you may not be able to see the results or expect it to run as you have expected.
Rotten Fruit Lure for Gnats
As you know, rotten fruits or waste products are the main attraction of gnats coming to your house. You can always have some pieces of the rotten or overripe fruits in the fruit bowl. Cover it with a plastic wrap and secure it tightly. By using a toothpick, make several holes on the plastic. Fruit flies (if there is any) and the gnats will be flocking and coming. The holes enable the gnats to enter but they won’t be able to come out.
Bleach Mixture for Gnats
Drain gnats are another type of common gnats found within the house. If you often see them hovering or converging around the sink drains or bathroom drains, then the previous traps may not work well. This type of gnats requires bleach to deal with the issue for once and for all. Dilute gallon water with 1.5 cup of the bleach. Then pour it on the drain. Make sure that you protect yourself when preparing the mixture. You may want to use latex or plastic gloves, goggles, and also a nose and mouth cover (a mask or a scarf will do) so you won’t inhale the fumes from the bleach. Make sure to clean up properly and thoroughly after the treatment is done.
There you have it – some of the best options to deal with the insects thoroughly. Simply choose one among how to get rid of gnats methods to be free from them.