How to Get Rid of Gnats in Your House for Good

Published January 14, 2022
gnats

Have you ever wondered, "Why am I getting so many gnats in my house?" You wouldn't be the only one. Gnats are tiny flying insects that love rotting organic matter. If you've got a gnat problem, learn how to get rid of gnats in your house fast with a few materials you have right in your pantry.

Get Rid of Gnats With Apple Cider Vinegar

One of the easiest ways to get rid of gnats with little effort is by using apple cider vinegar and soap. The vinegar attracts them, and the soap kills them. To make this trap, you just need to grab:

  • 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
  • Toothpick
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 2 drops of dish soap
  • Container

Creating this homemade fly trap is super simple and effective for luring those unsightly gnats. You can also set these traps in any room you have a problem, like a bathroom or kitchen.

  1. Add the apple cider vinegar, sugar, and dish soap into a container.
  2. Whisk the ingredients together.
  3. Set out where the gnats are a problem.
  4. Replace as needed.

How to Get Rid of Gnats With White Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be a bit pricey. For a cheaper alternative, you can try the white vinegar trap.

  • 1 old pop bottle
  • Scissors
  • ¼ cup of white vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons of sugar
  • Marker

The trap takes a bit of prep work, but it's not too hard to handle.

  1. Wash out an old clear pop bottle and take off the label.
  2. Cut off the top right where it starts to curve in.
  3. Draw a line around the center.
  4. Add your white vinegar and sugar.
  5. Stir to help the sugar to dissolve.
  6. Add water to the line.
  7. Pop the top of the bottle upside down. (It should fit securely.)
  8. Set out for the gnats.

The bottle top creates an opening for them to go in but not get out of.

Use Old Fruit to Trap Gnats

Don't have any apple cider vinegar on hand. Don't worry about it. You can create a fruit trap with:

  • 1 overly ripe banana or fruit
  • Plastic wrap
  • Bowl
  • Toothpick
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar

Old fruit could be the reason you have a gnat problem. Let it work to your benefit.

  1. Mash the fruit in the bowl.
  2. Add the sugar and a bit of water.
  3. Put the plastic wrap over the bowl and secure it tightly.
  4. Use the toothpick to poke several holes in the top.
  5. Set out the trap to catch gnats.

Old Red Wine Bottle Trap for Gnat Elimination

Some people aren't all about leaving rotting fruit on the counter. If you have a bit of old red wine lying around, this might just be the trap for you. For this trap, gather:

  • Bottle of old red wine at least ⅓ full
  • 2 drops of dish soap

This trap is great because it uses what you have on hand, and you can put it in a discrete location. To create the wine bottle trap, follow these steps.

  1. Put a few drops of dish soap into the wine bottle with the wine.
  2. Give it a little shake.
  3. Set it out to attract the gnats.

You can also add a teaspoon of sugar into the wine for a bit more attraction power.

Candle Trap to Kill Gnats

Bugs love light. Gnats are no exception. Try out this trap for a natural way to kill them. All you need is:

  • 1 candle
  • 1 candle stand
  • Water to partially fill stand.

With your candle and water ready, assembling it is pretty easy.

  1. Put the candle in the candle stand.
  2. Partially fill the stand with water.
  3. Light it up.
  4. Turn out the lights.
  5. Enjoy gnat-free living.

Fastest Way to Get Rid of Gnats Naturally - Spray

Traps work great, but they take time. When you want fast results, reach for these materials.

  • Spray bottle
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 cup of isopropyl alcohol
  • 1 teaspoon of dish soap

Gather your materials and quickly create an instant eliminator spray.

  1. Add the materials into the spray bottle.
  2. Find an area with several landed gnats.
  3. Spray to kill.

A bonus of this spray is the alcohol keeps them away.

Gnatrol (BTI) to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats

Gnats don't just like rotting organic matter. They like fungus too. When you are dealing with fungus gnats, you just need to grab:

  • 1 tablespoon of gnatrol (Bti)
  • 1 gallon of water
  • Container

Gnatrol is safe for pets and people but kills gnat eggs. So, it's quite effective for getting rid of those pests.

  1. Add the gnatrol to the water.
  2. Drench the soil of your plants.

How to Get Rid of Drain Gnats With Bleach

Do you have a problem with gnats in your drain? Well, now, you need to take care of them at the source.

  • 2-3 tablespoons of bleach
  • 1 cup of water

The bleach solution isn't hard to create. Just remember bleach is corrosive, and to use caution when handling it.

  1. Add the bleach to the water.
  2. Pour it down the drain.
  3. Repeat every few days as needed.

Creating a Gnat Repellent

Once you get rid of the gnats with your traps or spray, then it's time to keep them gone. This repellent with a few simple ingredients can come in handy.

  • 2 drops of dish soap
  • 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of baking soda
  • 1 cup of water
  • Spray bottle

You can spray this repellent in all the areas around your home that gnats like to congregate, like by plants or near your sink. It will keep them away. To create your repellent, you just need to:

  1. Mix the materials in the spray bottle.
  2. Give it a little shake.
  3. Spray in your bathroom, kitchen, etc.
  4. Enjoy

How to Keep Gnats Out of the House

fruit in refrigerator

Gnats are annoying little creatures. Given their small size, they can easily get in minuscule holes in screens, doors, window frames, and even your foundation. So, trying to keep them gone for good can be hard. Thankfully, there are a few steps you can take to avoid a gnat infestation.

  • Keep counters and sinks clean.
  • Don't let dirty dishes sit.
  • Fix cracks and leaks.
  • Keep fruit in sealed containers or the refrigerator.
  • Throw away rotten fruits and vegetables.
  • Clean sinks and garbage disposals regularly.
  • Use a sealed garbage can.
  • Keep garbage outside and away from the house.
  • Change potting soil in plants.

Easy Ways to Get Rid of Gnats

Learning how to get rid of gnats in your house isn't hard. It's keeping them gone that can be challenging. If you have a consistent gnat problem, it might be time to call in a pest control professional. They have specialized training to stomp out your gnat problem.

How to Get Rid of Gnats in Your House for Good