Gnats can become an annoying problem in households and outdoor spaces, especially when they gather around food, plants, and damp areas. Known for their small size but large presence, gnats in house settings can lead to persistent infestations that disrupt your living space. This guide will walk you through effective strategies on how to get rid of gnats, including tips on how to get rid of gnats in the house quickly, prevent future infestations, and manage gnats in plants and outside.
If DIY methods don’t work or the infestation persists, consider reaching out to professional pest control for assistance. Many pest control companies offer free estimates, allowing you to explore all your options before committing to a solution.
These tips can address how to get rid of fungus gnats as well, as they often inhabit plant soil.
If these methods are not sufficient, consider contacting professional Gnat control for more robust outdoor treatment options. Many companies provide free estimates for outdoor pest control services.
Persistent Breeding Sites
Gnats can breed in hard-to-reach areas, like drains, wall voids, or hidden sources of standing water. Even with diligent cleaning and trapping, some breeding sites may go unnoticed, allowing gnats to keep reproducing. Professionals have specialized tools and knowledge to locate and treat these hidden sites effectively.
Severe or Widespread Infestations
If you’re dealing with a large number of gnats in house, it’s likely that DIY traps and sprays alone may not be sufficient to fully control the population. In severe cases, a multi-step approach involving targeted treatments and preventive measures is necessary to eliminate the infestation and stop it from recurring.
Comprehensive, Lasting Solutions
While DIY traps and sprays can reduce gnat populations temporarily, they don’t always provide long-term protection. A professional pest control service can implement a comprehensive strategy that not only targets current gnats but also prevents future infestations through lasting solutions.
DIY Recipes for Natural and Chemical Gnat Repellents
Using DIY repellents can be an effective way to manage gnats in house. Here are several natural and chemical solutions to help you understand how to get rid of gnats in the house quickly. Natural RepellentsHoney and Dish Soap Trap
The honey attracts gnats, while the dish soap traps them.
INGREDIENTS
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1 tablespoon honey
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A few drops of dish soap
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A disposable container or small bowl
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1
- Squeeze a tablespoon of honey into the container.
Step 2
- Add a few drops of dish soap and mix gently.
Step 3
- Place the container near gnat-prone areas, like the kitchen or near plants.
White Vinegar Spray
A natural spray to deter gnats near windows and doorways.
INGREDIENTS
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1/2 cup white vinegar
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1/2 cup water
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10 drops lemon essential oil (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1
- Combine white vinegar, water, and lemon essential oil in a spray bottle.
Step 2
- Shake well and spray near gnats or around windows and doorways to deter them.
Step 3
- Reapply every couple of days or after cleaning surfaces.
Cinnamon Soil Treatment
Cinnamon acts as a natural fungicide to prevent gnat larvae from developing in soil.
INGREDIENTS
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon on the surface of potted plant soil.
Step 2
- Reapply every two weeks, or after watering, until the gnats are gone.
Garlic Spray
The garlic smell naturally repels gnats. Making a garlic + dish soap spray will effectively remove the gnats infestation.
INGREDIENTS
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2-3 cloves of garlic, crushed
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1 cup boiling water
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1 tablespoon dish soap
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1
- Crush the garlic cloves and add them to boiling water. Let it steep for a few hours.
Step 2
- Strain the garlic-infused water into a spray bottle and add the dish soap.
Step 3
- Spray around plants, windows, and other gnat-prone areas.
Step 4
- Reapply every few days as needed.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Drain Cleaner
A natural way to clean drains and prevent gnats from breeding.
INGREDIENTS
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1/2 cup baking soda
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1 cup white vinegar
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Boiling water
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1
- Pour the baking soda down the affected drain, followed by the vinegar.
Step 2
- Let it bubble and sit for 15 minutes.
Step 3
- Flush the drain with boiling water to clear out any residue and gnat larvae.
Step 4
- Repeat weekly to prevent gnats from breeding in drains.
Chemical Repellents for Gnats
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Bug Zapper: Electric bug zappers attract gnats and kill them on contact. Place zappers in areas where gnats are most active, such as near windows or doors, for a chemical-free but effective solution. -
Sticky Traps: Sticky traps are often used for fruit flies and work well for gnats, too. Place the sticky traps near windows, plants, and kitchen areas. The gnats are attracted to the bright colors of the trap and get stuck, reducing their numbers.
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Insect Sprays: Use indoor insect sprays specifically labeled for gnat control. Spray directly on visible gnats, and follow the instructions carefully. Be cautious around food, children, and pets, and use sprays sparingly indoors.
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Drain Cleaners: If gnats are breeding in your drains, using a non-corrosive drain cleaner can help clear organic buildup where they lay eggs. Pour the cleaner down kitchen and bathroom drains weekly to prevent gnat breeding.
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Ammonia: Pour a small amount of ammonia down drains to kill gnat larvae hiding there. Be sure to ventilate the area and avoid mixing ammonia with other chemicals.
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Foggers: Foggers can be useful for larger infestations. Follow the product instructions closely and ventilate the space before re-entering. Foggers can be effective but should be used only when other methods have failed to control the infestation.
How to Get Rid of Gnats in Plants
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Reduce Watering: Overwatering is a common cause of gnats in house plants. Allow the soil to dry out before watering again, as gnats won’t thrive in dry soil.
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Add a Top Layer of Sand: Gnats struggle to lay eggs in dry or sandy soil. Adding a layer of sand over the soil can help discourage gnats.
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Use a Hydrogen Peroxide Solution: Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with four parts water and water your plants with the solution. This mixture can kill larvae in the soil without harming plants.
How to Get Rid of Gnats Outside
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Remove Standing Water: Gnats are drawn to damp outdoor areas. Remove any standing water, including in gutters, birdbaths, and empty pots.
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Use Outdoor Fans: Gnats are weak fliers, so using fans in seating areas can help create a breeze that keeps them away.
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Set Up Citronella Candles: Citronella helps mask scents that attract gnats and mosquitoes. Place candles around seating areas to help get rid of gnats outside.
Gnat Behavior
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Breeding Habits: Gnats lay eggs in moist soil and damp areas, making kitchens, bathrooms, and gardens prime breeding spots. Organic debris, like plant soil or decomposing matter, offers ideal breeding spots. Reducing or eliminating these breeding zones is a primary method for getting rid of gnats in the house.
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Feeding Patterns: Gnats are drawn to decaying organic matter, including leftover food, fruit, and moist plants. They’re especially attracted to sugary substances, which is why they gather around kitchen counters and food storage areas. Minimizing access to these food sources is crucial for killing gnats.
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Activity Periods: Gnats tend to thrive in warm, humid conditions and can be active throughout the day. However, their presence is more noticeable when conditions support their breeding and feeding patterns. Knowing when gnats are most active can help you plan targeted efforts to get rid of gnats in your home.
Why Gnats Infest Homes and What Attracts Them
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Standing Water: Whether it’s a sink, a pet’s water bowl, or a damp bathroom, gnats are attracted to areas with standing water. This is especially relevant for how to get rid of gnats in house, as reducing water access can prevent them from breeding.
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Rotting Food and Organic Matter: Gnats feed on decaying food, such as overripe fruits or leftovers. Properly storing food and cleaning up crumbs are essential steps in how to get rid of gnats fast.
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Indoor Plants: Gnats in plants can be common, especially if the plants are overwatered or if organic fertilizers are used. Maintaining proper plant care is a key strategy in how to get rid of fungus gnats.
General Prevention Tips to Keep Gnats Away
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Eliminate Standing Water: Remove water sources in sinks, plant saucers, and bathrooms. Drying these areas can prevent breeding.
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Store Food Properly: Keep fruits in the refrigerator and store pantry items in airtight containers.
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Check Indoor Plants: Avoid overwatering and use well-draining soil. Adding sand on top of the soil can deter gnats from laying eggs.
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Take Out Trash Regularly: Dispose of trash often, especially if it contains food waste. Clean recycling containers to remove residues.
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Clean Drains: Gnats can breed in drains, so clean them weekly with a natural cleaner to prevent buildup.
Dos and Don’ts for Effective Gnat Control
DO'S
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Use Traps Consistently: Set traps in key areas and refresh regularly.
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Keep Areas Dry: Eliminating moisture deters gnats from laying eggs.
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Clean Drains Weekly: Gnats often breed in drains, so cleaning prevents reproduction.
DON'TS
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Don’t Overwater Plants: Avoid creating moisture that gnats find attractive.
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Don’t Leave Food Exposed: Gnats are drawn to open food, so store items properly.
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Avoid Relying Solely on Ultrasonic Devices: These are generally ineffective against gnats.
Why DIY Methods Might Not Be Enough?
While DIY methods for how to get rid of gnats can be effective in managing minor infestations, there are instances where these home remedies may fall short. When an infestation persists despite consistent efforts, it may indicate a more extensive problem that requires a professional approach. Here are some reasons why DIY methods might not be enough and when professional pest control can make a difference:
Persistent Breeding Sites
Gnats can breed in hard-to-reach areas, like drains, wall voids, or hidden sources of standing water. Even with diligent cleaning and trapping, some breeding sites may go unnoticed, allowing gnats to keep reproducing. Professionals have specialized tools and knowledge to locate and treat these hidden sites effectively.
Severe or Widespread Infestations
If you’re dealing with a large number of gnats in house, it’s likely that DIY traps and sprays alone may not be sufficient to fully control the population. In severe cases, a multi-step approach involving targeted treatments and preventive measures is necessary to eliminate the infestation and stop it from recurring.
Comprehensive, Lasting Solutions
While DIY traps and sprays can reduce gnat populations temporarily, they don’t always provide long-term protection. A professional pest control service can implement a comprehensive strategy that not only targets current gnats but also prevents future infestations through lasting solutions. 
