Gnats are one of the most annoying pests that can invade your home. They are small, fast-moving insects that can be difficult to eliminate once they have established themselves in your living space. Not only are they a nuisance, but they can also be carriers of disease and bacteria, making them a health hazard.
If you’re tired of swatting at gnats every time you enter a room, don’t worry, there are effective ways to eliminate them. In this article, we’ll explore 12 natural remedies to get rid of gnats in the house and yard.
Identify the type of gnats in the house
The first thing to get rid of gnats is identifying the types of gnats.
1. Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats are tiny flies that feed on fungus and decaying plant material. They have slender bodies and long legs, and measure between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch in length.
The wings of fungus gnats are dark gray, and they typically have a dark patch at the base of the wings. These pests are commonly seen hovering around moist soil and decaying plant matter.
2. Eye Gnats
Eye gnats are small, black flies that feed on the moisture of the eyes and nose. They are known to fly around the face and head and are attracted to light. Eye gnats can measure up to 1/8 of an inch in length, with a pair of wings, long legs, and a slender body. They are usually found hovering around open eyes or other moist areas of the face.
3. Drain Flies
Drain flies are small, grey flies that measure between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch in length. They have a fuzzy appearance due to the thick covering of hair on their bodies and wings. Drain flies are attracted to standing water, sewers, and drains. They are commonly found hovering around bathroom and kitchen drains.
4. Filter Flies
Filter flies are small, black flies that measure between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch in length. They are characterized by their long, slender bodies and long legs. Filter flies are known to breed in slow-moving bodies of water and can often be seen hovering around pools, ponds, and streams.
5. Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are small, dark-colored flies that measure between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch in length. They have a pair of wings and long legs. Fruit flies are attracted to fermenting fruits and vegetables, and they are commonly found hovering around kitchens and other areas where food is being prepared.
6. Phorid Flies
Phorid flies are small, black flies that measure between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch in length. They have a pair of wings and long legs. Phorid flies are attracted to moist, decaying organic matter and are commonly found hovering around garbage cans, compost piles, and sewers.
Identify and eliminate the source of gnats in the house
1. Inspect the house for damp areas and standing water
Standing water is a breeding ground for gnats, so it is important to eliminate any potential sources in your home. Check for any areas in and around your home that may have standing water and remove it.
2. Clean up food and liquid spills
Clean up any open food and drinks near your home, as well as any crumbs or spills, as these can attract gnats.
Make sure to cover any perishable food items and beverages that are sitting out in your kitchen or on your counter. This will help to prevent gnats from being attracted to the scents of these items.
3. Keep countertops and other surfaces clean
Keeping any surfaces clean is important to prevent an infestation. Wiping down countertops and other surfaces with a damp cloth every day helps to remove any potential food sources for gnats.
4. Empty and scrub out garbage cans frequently
Garbage cans should be emptied and scrubbed out frequently. This will help to remove any food sources that may attract gnats.
5. Keep trash cans covered and use an insecticide spray
Make sure that all trash cans are covered, and use an insecticide spray around the perimeter of the house to help prevent gnats from laying eggs in them.
How to Get Rid of Gnats with 12 Natural Remedies
There are 12 best natural remedies to get rid of gnats.
1. Make a Sweetened Water Trap
One way to get rid of gnats is to make a gnat trap. The gnats will be attracted to the light and drawn to the bowl or jar. Once they enter the bowl or jar, they will not be able to escape and will eventually drown in the sweetened water.
- Gather the supplies you will need to make the trap. You will need a small bowl, some sweetened liquid (like honey, sugar water, or fruit juice), and some plastic wrap.
- Pour the sweetened liquid into the small bowl. Make sure the bowl is deep enough to hold the liquid.
- Place the bowl near areas where gnats are present.
- Cover the bowl with the plastic wrap and secure it in place with a rubber band. Make sure the plastic wrap is tight enough that the gnats will be able to get inside the bowl.
- Use a pin or needle to poke several small holes in the plastic wrap. The gnats will be able to smell the sweet liquid and fly into the bowl through the holes.
- Allow the trap to sit undisturbed overnight. The gnats should be attracted to the sweet liquid and fly into the bowl.
- Remove the trap in the morning and discard the contents. The gnats should be trapped in the bowl and can be disposed of.
- Repeat the process as often as needed until the gnat problem is gone.
2. Make Apple Cider Vinegar Traps
Apple cider vinegar traps are an effective and natural way to remove gnats from your home. The vinegar attracts the gnats, while the soap traps them inside the container.
Make sure to use plastic wrap to cover the container and use a toothpick or another sharp object to make small holes. This will allow the gnats to fly into the container but not out.
- Start by gathering the supplies. You’ll need apple cider vinegar, a jar or container, a few drops of dish soap, and a piece of paper or plastic wrap.
- Pour the apple cider vinegar into the jar or container, about 2-3 inches deep.
- Add a few drops of dish soap to the vinegar. This breaks down the surface tension of the liquid, allowing the gnats to sink in and drown.
- Cover the top of the jar or container with the piece of paper or plastic wrap. Secure it with a rubber band.
- Poke several small holes in the paper or plastic wrap. This will allow the gnats to enter the jar, but won’t let them escape.
- Place the jar or container in an area where you’ve seen gnats. Ideally, it should be near a light source, as gnats are attracted to light.
- Check the jar or container regularly. Once the gnats start to accumulate, remove the jar and dispose of it properly.
3. Make a Candle Trap
Another way to get rid of gnats is to make a candle trap. Light the candle and place it near the source of the gnats. The gnats will be attracted to the light and drawn to the bowl or jar. Once they enter the bowl or jar, they will not be able to escape and will eventually drown in the sweetened water.
- Gather some materials: a shallow container, such as a bowl or jar, a small candle, and a lighter or matches.
- Place the container on a flat surface and place the candle in the center of it.
- Light the candle with the lighter or matches.
- Place the container in an area where gnats are present and leave it for several hours.
- The heat from the candle will attract the gnats and they will fly into the container, where they will be trapped by the heat and eventually die.
- After several hours, extinguish the candle and dispose of the container with the dead gnats.
- Repeat the process as often as necessary to get rid of the gnats.
5. Make Rotten Fruit Traps
Rotten fruit traps are an effective way to get rid of gnats. The gnats will be attracted to the light and drawn to the bowl or jar. Once they enter the bowl or jar, they will not be able to escape and will eventually drown in the rotten fruit.
- Gather some over-ripe fruit. Use apples, bananas, oranges, or any other kind of fruit that is beginning to rot. The smell of the fruit will attract the gnats.
- Cut the fruit into small pieces and place them in a bowl. You can also use an empty yogurt container or similar container.
- Place the container or bowl in an area where you have seen the gnats. This could be in the garden, near a window, or in the kitchen.
- Place a piece of plastic wrap over the top of the container or bowl, making sure it is tightly secured. This will create a barrier so that the gnats can’t escape.
- Allow the fruit to sit in the container or bowl for at least two days. The smell of the rotten fruit should attract the gnats, and they should be trapped inside the container or bowl.
- Once the two days are up, remove the plastic wrap and discard the fruit and the bowl. This should get rid of the gnats in your home or garden.
You can use this method to get rid of gnats in your home or garden. It is a safe and easy way to get rid of these pests without using toxic chemicals.
6. Make Yellow Sticky Traps
Yellow sticky traps are another effective way to get rid of gnats. The gnats will be attracted to the light and drawn to the bowl or jar. Once they enter the bowl or jar, they will get stuck on the sticky paper and will not be able to escape.
- Gather the necessary items: yellow cardstock, a pencil, scissors, and some clear tacky glue.
- Cut the yellow cardstock into small strips. The size of the strips should be about 3 inches by 4 inches.
- Take a pencil and draw a circle on each of the strips. This will act as the “glue point” that will hold the glue in place.
- Apply the clear tacky glue to the glue points on each of the strips.
- Hang the strips around your home, targeting areas where gnats may be present.
- Monitor the strips regularly. Once the strips become covered with gnats, discard them and replace with new strips.
With the help of yellow sticky traps, you can quickly and easily get rid of gnats in your home. By following these simple steps, you can create your own effective gnat traps and keep your home pest-free.
7. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is a great natural option for getting rid of gnats. Its strong aroma repels gnats, and it’s an effective and safe way to keep them away from your home. Using lavender oil to get rid of gnats is a safe and effective way to get rid of these pesky pests. It’s also a natural solution that won’t harm the environment.
- Start by purchasing 100% pure lavender essential oil.
- Fill a small bowl with water, and add 5-6 drops of lavender oil to it.
- Place the bowl in areas where gnats are known to congregate, such as near windows, doorways, and other entry points.
- Gnats will be attracted to the scent of the lavender oil and will be drawn to the bowl.
- Once the gnats are in the bowl, they’ll be unable to get out, and will eventually die.
- Empty the bowl of dead gnats regularly, and replace the water with fresh lavender oil every few days.
- You can also use lavender oil on cotton balls and place them around your home to keep gnats away.
8. Basil
Basil is a great solution for getting rid of gnats. It is a natural insect repellent that has been used for centuries to keep small pests away. It has a lovely scent that will repel gnats and other small insects. In addition, Basil has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making it a great natural remedy for repelling gnats.
- Start by cutting a few fresh basil leaves and placing them in a bowl of water. Let them sit overnight.
- In the morning, strain the leaves from the water and pour it into a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution around your home, focusing on any areas where you notice gnats.
- To make a more powerful solution, you can also add a few drops of lavender or peppermint essential oil to the water.
- You can also place fresh basil leaves in areas that are prone to gnats, such as near windows or in kitchen cabinets.
- If you have a severe gnat problem, you can also boil fresh basil leaves in a pot of water and then strain the leaves from the water. Pour the water into a spray bottle and use it to treat your home.
To maintain a gnat-free environment, consider planting basil in your garden. Basil is a natural repellent, and it can help keep gnats away.
9. Use Bug Zapper
Bug zappers have been used for years to get rid of gnats. Bug zappers work by emitting an electrical shock that kills the gnats. They are easy to set up and maintain and can be used indoors and outdoors.
- Place the bug zapper near where you are seeing the most gnats. Place it away from areas where you don’t want gnats to be attracted, such as near food or near people.
- Plug the bug zapper in and turn it on. The device should emit a light and sound that will attract gnats and other flying insects.
- Keep the bug zapper on for several hours. If you find that the gnats are still around, leave the zapper on for longer.
- When you are done using the zapper, make sure to turn it off and unplug it.
- If the bug zapper isn’t working, you may need to replace the lightbulb or the device itself.
10. Dilute Bleach for Drain Gnats
If you have drain gnats, one way to eliminate them is to use a diluted bleach solution. Diluting bleach is an effective way to eliminate gnats. However, use the diluted bleach correctly, as too much bleach can be dangerous.
- Put on protective gloves and goggles to protect your skin and eyes from the bleach.
- Mix 1/4 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water in a bucket.
- Pour the diluted bleach solution down the drain.
- Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes to kill the gnats.
- After the time has elapsed, flush the drain with hot water to rinse away any remaining gnats and the bleach solution.
- Repeat this process if necessary.
- Finally, pour a few cups of baking soda down the drain followed by boiling water to help prevent future infestations.
Using dilute bleach is an effective way to get rid of drain gnats. However, be sure to keep children and pets away from the area while you’re treating the drain.
11. Drench the Soil
Drenching the soil is an effective way to remove soil gnats. It involves flooding the soil with water and then draining the excess water. This process forces the gnats to the surface, where they can be collected and disposed of properly.
This method is most effective when combined with other control measures, such as monitoring the population and using insecticides when necessary. It can also help to keep the soil healthy and reduce the chances of the gnats returning.
- Start by preparing your soil for drenching. Remove any debris, such as leaves and sticks, from the area you plan to drench.
- Water the soil until it is saturated. This will help the drench to penetrate the soil and reach deeper into the ground.
- Prepare the drench solution according to the instructions on the product label.
- Slowly pour the drench solution in a circular motion around the perimeter of the area you plan to drench.
- Let the drench soak in for a few hours or overnight. This will allow the solution to reach the gnat larvae and eggs, as well as the adult gnats.
- Once the drench is finished soaking in, carefully rake the soil to agitate and expose any remaining gnats.
- Dispose of the drenched soil according to the product label instructions.
- Use a garden sprayer to apply a liquid insecticide to the area, if necessary.
- Monitor the area for a few weeks to make sure the gnats are gone before replanting.
12. Hire a Professional Pest Control Company
If you cannot eliminate the gnats alone, you may consider hiring a professional pest control company. The expert staff will be able to identify the source of the gnats and take the necessary steps to eliminate them. This will save time and money in the long run.
In addition, the professional pest control company will also provide preventative measures to ensure the gnats do not return in the future.
How to prevent gnats in the house and yard?
1. Use air conditioning: Air conditioning can create a dry and cool environment that gnats don’t like, so consider using air conditioning in your home.
2. Plant insect-repelling plants: Planting certain plants in your home and garden can help to naturally repel gnats. Citronella, lavender, and eucalyptus are all natural repellants that can help to keep gnats away.
3. Use a fan: Setting up a fan close to where gnats are present can help to blow them away. Gnats can be quite sensitive to air movement, so a fan can be an effective way to keep them away.
4. Sealing any cracks or crevices around windows and doors can prevent the pests from entering the home.
5. Natural gnat repellents such as garlic, peppermint oil, apple cider vinegar, and citrus oil can be used to keep the pests away.
6. Introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to the environment can help keep the gnats away as they prey upon the gnats.
7. For more serious infestations, consider using a commercial insecticide spray. This will provide a more immediate solution to eliminate the gnats.
