Here’s Why Gnats Don’t Have to Be a Problem This Summer

Why Am I Getting So Many Gnats in My House?

Gnats, like other living creatures, need food, water, and shelter. They look for places to reproduce, which often include moist areas and organic matter.

If you are seeing an unusual amount of gnats in your home, check for these problem areas:

• Dirty sinks
• Overflowing garbage
• Rotting or overly ripe produce
• Overwatered houseplants
• Clogged drains
• Food spills

How to Get Rid of Gnats in Your House

The best way to ensure you don’t get gnats is to prevent them from laying down roots in your home. Do a thorough cleaning of the house by emptying trash, cleaning up food, taking care of clogged drains, and airing out hot, humid rooms. Also, overwatering houseplants is almost a surefire way of getting gnats in your home. Allow the soil to dry out before watering.

Read on to discover 10 helpful ways to get rid of gnats in your house quickly and effectively.

1. Place sticky traps into the soil of your house plants.

While a little greenery is an excellent way to brighten your home, it can sometimes bring unwanted pests. Gnats are especially attracted to overwatered houseplants and flowers. The traps will catch those little flying bugs in no time.

2. Make a homemade gnat trap

Make a homemade gnat trap using apple cider vinegar, dishwashing soap, and sugar. Mix the ingredients in a saucer and place it near the problem area. The gnats will be attracted to the sugary mixture but will sink and drown.

3. Make a natural bug spray

Make a natural bug spray with dish soap and peppermint oil. Spray it around your home, especially around doors and windows. The mixture not only deters pests, like gnats, roaches, and mice, but it makes your home smell good, too.

4. Lure them with rotten fruit

Lure them with rotten fruit by placing perforated plastic wrap over a dish. The gnats will find their way to the fruit but have difficulty leaving, effectively trapping themselves. There are also trap caps you can buy online that do the same thing.

5. Hang flypaper ribbons

Hang flypaper ribbons around your house. As the gnats fly around, they will eventually get stuck to the super sticky paper. 

6. Clean smelly, clogged drains

Gnats and other bugs love moist, bacteria-laden sinks and shower drains. Ensure you unclog any problem drains and give them a good, thorough clean.

7. Let them drink wine

Not the good kind, though. Fill a bowl with red wine and a few drops of dish soap.

8. Use an indoor insecticide

Ensure you read any labels before spraying around your home, as some can contain toxic chemicals.

9. Open the windows when it’s windy

They will be encouraged to leave because they prefer stagnant air. 

10. Buy houseplant insect control

You can place these little granules in non-edible plant soil, which will prevent gnats and other bugs from taking residence.

How to Get Rid of Gnats Outside

Certain strategies do work to control a gnat infestation inside your house, but controlling them outside is a different matter. Read on to learn 10 ideas to help you rid your outdoor living space of these pesky insects.

1. Allow moist areas to dry

Gnats love overly wet soil with rich organic matter. It’s the perfect place to lay their eggs. Clean out roof gutters, allow outdoor plants to dry, and remove any grass or leave piles that accumulate water. Look for any pools of stagnant water they may be swarming around.

2. Light some citronella candles

The smell of citronella burning in the late summer evening brings fond memories. But they also serve a purpose. Not only do they keep mosquitos away, but gnats, as well.

3. Repair leaky pipes

Repair leaky pipesthat spill sewage near your property.

4. Place outdoor gnat traps around your patio

Place outdoor gnat traps around your patio.

5. Pick up fallen fruit

Pick up fallen fruit from fruit trees and bushes. Fruit that accumulates on the ground can turn rotten, effectively attracting not only gnats but yellowjackets.

6. Replace exterior lighting

Replace exterior lightingwith low-voltage bug bulbs.

7. Plant gnat-repelling plants

Plant gnat-repelling plants,such as thyme, lemon, lavender, and geranium.

8. Don’t overwater your lawn

Extra moist grass can attract gnats just like potted plants.

9. Invest in bug zappers

They may be old-fashioned, but they still work.

10. Keep trash picked up

Keep trash picked up, and always ensure the lid stays on the garbage can.