It is quite a challenge to get rid of these little creatures, but you can find some effective ways to eliminate them in your home. Here's how you can tackle gnat problem using common household items and methods:
Step by Step; How to Kill Gnats
1. Establish the Source
Check for attractants. Gnats are attracted to moist conditions, decaying organic matter, and food residues. Samples can be obtained from these common sources.
Overwatered houseplants.
Left out: Fruits or vegetables.
Trash cans and drains.
Source Elimination: Discard rotten food, clean up spills, and allow the soil to dry up in potted plants.
2. Set Up Gnat Traps
Apple cider vinegar trap
Pour apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
Add a few drops of dish soap and break the surface tension.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and prick it through with small holes, or leave it open.
Gnats will be attracted to the smell of the vinegar, trap themselves in, and drown.
Red Wine or Beer Trap:
Dip a little red wine or beer in a glass.
Cover it with plastic wrap, poke small holes, or leave it open.
The smell of fermenting will attract gnats, which will eventually get trapped.
Overripe Fruit Trap
Put a piece of overripe fruit in the jar or bowl.
Cover it with plastic wrap, poke holes.
Gnats will enter the trap but find it difficult to leave.
3. Commercial gnat traps or sticky traps
Buy sticky traps (yellow sticky traps work well) and place them near plants, windows, or other areas where gnats are common.
Electric gnat traps with UV light should be used when the infestation level is high.
4. Clean the Drains and Garbage Disposal
Use a Drain Cleaner:
Pour boiling water down the drain to kill any eggs and larvae.
Finally, mix in baking soda with the vinegar in 1/2 cup amount and pour it to scour out the organic deposits.
After 5-10 minutes, flush with hot water again.
Clean garbage disposal:
Run ice cubes and citrus peels through the disposal for cleaning and deodorizing.
Run the disposal with cold water to clean all residue.
5. Water Control the Plant
Avoid Overwatering: Let soil dry between waterings. Gnats breed best in moist soil.
Layer with Sand Add a 1-inch layer of sand on the soil. This will create a dry barrier for the egg-laying of gnats.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide Solution:
Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 4 parts water, 3%.
Water your plants with this solution to kill any larvae in the soil.
6. Maintain a Clean Environment
Counters are to be wiped; spills are cleaned and food kept in sealed containers.
Empty trash bins regularly and clean them thoroughly.
7. Use of Essential Oils as Repellents
Use oils that are necessary such as peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus.
For example, one can mix the essence of drops in water in a spray bottle, which then can be sprayed around windows, plants, or wherever the gnats are found. Prevention Tips Store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator or under a cover. Regularly remove waste from collection locations and clean waste collection containers. Avoid overwatering houseplants, and keep areas like sinks and drains dry. Once all dishes are done, rinse immediately; leave no food in the kitchen. Through these, you will be able to eradicate the mosquitoes and prevent them from re-infesting. If this invasion persists then professional pest control may have to be sought in case of an infestation.
Step by Step; How to Kill Gnats
1. Establish the Source
Check for attractants. Gnats are attracted to moist conditions, decaying organic matter, and food residues. Samples can be obtained from these common sources.
Overwatered houseplants.
Left out: Fruits or vegetables.
Trash cans and drains.
Source Elimination: Discard rotten food, clean up spills, and allow the soil to dry up in potted plants.
2. Set Up Gnat Traps
Apple cider vinegar trap
Pour apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
Add a few drops of dish soap and break the surface tension.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and prick it through with small holes, or leave it open.
Gnats will be attracted to the smell of the vinegar, trap themselves in, and drown.
Red Wine or Beer Trap:
Dip a little red wine or beer in a glass.
Cover it with plastic wrap, poke small holes, or leave it open.
The smell of fermenting will attract gnats, which will eventually get trapped.
Overripe Fruit Trap
Put a piece of overripe fruit in the jar or bowl.
Cover it with plastic wrap, poke holes.
Gnats will enter the trap but find it difficult to leave.
3. Commercial gnat traps or sticky traps
Buy sticky traps (yellow sticky traps work well) and place them near plants, windows, or other areas where gnats are common.
Electric gnat traps with UV light should be used when the infestation level is high.
4. Clean the Drains and Garbage Disposal
Use a Drain Cleaner:
Pour boiling water down the drain to kill any eggs and larvae.
Finally, mix in baking soda with the vinegar in 1/2 cup amount and pour it to scour out the organic deposits.
After 5-10 minutes, flush with hot water again.
Clean garbage disposal:
Run ice cubes and citrus peels through the disposal for cleaning and deodorizing.
Run the disposal with cold water to clean all residue.
5. Water Control the Plant
Avoid Overwatering: Let soil dry between waterings. Gnats breed best in moist soil.
Layer with Sand Add a 1-inch layer of sand on the soil. This will create a dry barrier for the egg-laying of gnats.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide Solution:
Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 4 parts water, 3%.
Water your plants with this solution to kill any larvae in the soil.
6. Maintain a Clean Environment
Counters are to be wiped; spills are cleaned and food kept in sealed containers.
Empty trash bins regularly and clean them thoroughly.
7. Use of Essential Oils as Repellents
Use oils that are necessary such as peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus.
For example, one can mix the essence of drops in water in a spray bottle, which then can be sprayed around windows, plants, or wherever the gnats are found. Prevention Tips Store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator or under a cover. Regularly remove waste from collection locations and clean waste collection containers. Avoid overwatering houseplants, and keep areas like sinks and drains dry. Once all dishes are done, rinse immediately; leave no food in the kitchen. Through these, you will be able to eradicate the mosquitoes and prevent them from re-infesting. If this invasion persists then professional pest control may have to be sought in case of an infestation.
