If you currently have some gnats buzzing around the kitchen trash or circling the bathroom drain, not to worry. There are plenty of ways to get rid of them and keep them from coming back.
What Are Gnats?
First, what is a gnat? Often referred to as ‟no-see-ums” due to their small size, gnats come in many species including black gnats, drain flies, midges and fruit flies.
They are attracted to dampness — such as the saturated soil of a potted plant — and the sweet smells of ripe or rotting fruit. It’s in places like these that the tiny nuisances lay hundreds of eggs.
If not handled quickly, these gnats will hatch, quickly multiply and spread throughout the house.
Ways You Can Purge These Minuscule Pests
There are many different solutions to a gnat problem. The first step is to clean up where they live. From the sticky mess at the bottom of the garbage can to the hanging potted plants in the living room, you must remove what is attracting them.
With plants, you can put them outside, let the soil dry and clear away any fungus on top to rid it of unsolicited inhabitants. A dirty trashcan or bin of spoiled food should also be moved away from the house.
If the gnats are in the bathroom, you can pour bleach down the drain and let it sit before running the water. A few additional solutions include:
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Store bought gnat traps —
Position a sweet-scented sticky strip as a trap to catch and trap the gnats.
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Vinegar trap —
Place a jar near the problem area with a mixture of apple cider vinegar, sugar, dish soap and water.
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Red wine trap —
Fill a container with red wine and top it with a plastic wrap cover that has holes poked in it to trap and drown the gnats as they fly inside.
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Spray fogging —
Use pesticide products specifically designed to kill gnats, flies and mosquitoes or a home-made solution.
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Professional exterminator—
When all else fails, call a professional for help.
Steps To Prevent Their Return
There are also several approaches to pest prevention. One way is to ensure these bugs and others like them can’t get inside in the first place.
For instance, old windows and doors could be welcoming unwanted guests. Models made of wood could be especially troublesome as they may rot and warp when exposed to moisture. Such conditions are not only conducive to mold, but also gnats.
Take preventative measures by replacing the weatherstripping or investing in replacement windows for the home that are built to keep bugs out.
For exterior doors, consider replacing a rotten model with one made of steel or fiberglass. Lastly, be sure to install screen windows and storm doors for an extra layer of protection.
Another preventative measure is to routinely clean your gutters. When damp and clogged with debris, gutters can become the perfect breeding grounds for gnats and other flies. You should clear away leaves and rubbish at least twice a year to avoid a nesting spot.
While taking care of this essential home project, check the siding for mold. If siding is left uncleaned, it could be harboring mold and attracting gnats. Be sure to keep these exterior features well maintained to keep pests away all year long.
A few more good housekeeping precautions include:
- Don’t overwater your plants.
- Wash dirty dishes right away.
- Take out the trash bag regularly.
- Use your drain stoppers/plugs.
- Refrain from pouring cooking oil down the drain.
- Dry out any damp areas in the house (for example, under the sink and in the basement).
other related articles of interest:
4 Eco-Friendly Ways To Get Rid Of Pests
Where the Wild Things Are When They Shouldn’t Be: Spotting and Preventing Winter Pests
Don’t Let Gnats Bug You Any Longer
Eliminating and preventing an infestation of pests is an important responsibility. With the right tools and understanding, however, you can take care of these winged creatures and any other household problem life throws your way.
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Image credit: how to get rid of gnats by envato.com
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