How to Get Rid Of Gnats?: Those tiny two-winged flying creatures may seem small in size, but boy they can be frustrating to the last straw. Yes, we’re talking about gnats that reside in the many corners and crevices of our homes and are equipped with enough willpower to drive even the most patient of people insane. Their constantly hovering presence causes a nuisance and completely disturbs our state of calm. If this happens to be the case with you as well, we recommend that you give these natural cures for getting rid of gnats a shot rather than taking the help of professionals who may use chemicals that can be harmful to you and your family. We are sure that these simple yet extraordinary home remedies will be just the thing you are looking.
Top 10 Home Remedies to Get Rid Of Gnats in House
1. Milk, Sugar and Pepper
Yes, these household ingredients that you consume on an everyday basis work well to get rid of gnats naturally.
How it helps: The sweet smelling aroma of the mixture attracts the fruit flies and they will eventually drown in the solution.
How to use it: In a bowl, mix two cups of milk, eight tablespoons of raw sugar and four tablespoons of ground pepper. After simmering this mixture on a low heat for 10 minutes, pour it into a container and place it in an area where there are a number of flies visible. Once the container is full of flies, dump out the contents, wash and repeat if needed.
Also read: How to Get Rid of House Flies?
2. Banana Peel
Another tried and tested home remedy to deal with gnat is using banana peels or slices.
How it helps: The banana peels or slices consist of enzymes that entice the gnats, thus making them fall for your trap.
How to use it: Place some banana peels or slices in a jar and cover it with a plastic wrap. Make holes in it so that the gnats can enter inside. Once gnats are successfully trapped, you can dispose of the contents.
Must Read : How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies?
3. Honey
Honey is also an equally effective ingredient to save gnat-infested plants and fruits.
How it helps: The sweet smell of the honey assists in grabbing the attention of the insects while the sticky texture of the honey prevents them from escaping.
How to use it: Place a toothpick on one side of an index card and apply honey on the other side of the card. Put the card into the soil of the affected plant. Once the card fills up with dead gnats, make sure to throw it away.
Also read: How to Get Rid of Drain Flies?
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is quite a popular cure for gnat infestations. If you do not have apple cider vinegar, you can also use white vinegar as an alternative.
How it helps: The gnats instantly move towards the appealing aroma emitted from the vinegar and are trapped in it.
How to use it: Heat a little of the apple cider vinegar and pour it into a jar. Add in a few drops of liquid hand-wash, stir the contents well and cover the mouth of the jar with plastic wrap. Poke the plastic wrap a few times so that holes are formed. Place the jar where the gnats are present.
Must Read : How to Get Rid of Horse Flies?
5. Lemongrass Essential Oil
You can also use a strong smelling lemongrass essential oil to get rid of gnats.
How it helps: It works as a preventive measure to keep the annoying insects at bay, thanks to its refreshing scent and citrus properties. It also helps to keep ants and spiders at a safe distance.
How to use it: Add 10-15 drops of lemon essential oil and two cups of hot water into a spray bottle. Spray it around your house, especially on kitchen counters and indoor plants.
Also read: How to Get Rid Of Carpenter Bees?
6. Cinnamon
Known for controlling the growth of larvae, it acts as a natural fungicide.
How it helps: When used in its powdered form, cinnamon puts a stop to the growth of fungus gnats and destroys the fungus on which larva feed.
How to use it: Simply dust cinnamon powder on plants that are infested with gnats and get ready to be amazed by the results. You will have to repeat this procedure every week till the gnats are totally destroyed.
Must Read : 10 Natural Home Remedies for Spider Bite
7. Yeast
Yeast is a perfectly safe natural remedy you can resort to anytime of the day, to not only eliminate gnats but also many other annoying insects that are wrecking havoc in your home.
How it helps: Since bacteria and other insects feed on yeast, it functions as an amazing repellent for fruit insects.
How to use it: Mix water, a little yeast and a pinch of sugar and stir well. Place this mixture in areas of your home that are prone to gnat infestations and you will notice a large number of gnats catching up to the mixture.
Also read: Home Remedies to Get Rid Of Termites
8. Vegetable Oil
Who knew what a blessing in disguise vegetable oil can be. Apparently, it works as a natural cure for gnats as well as other pesky insects that fly around in your home.
How it helps: Vegetable oil helps to trap and kill fruit insects that you observe coming from the drain in your kitchen sink.
How to use it: Rub some oil around the edge of the drain and pour a quarter cup of vegetable oil into the drain. Stick tapes to seal the holes of the drain. After leaving it overnight, peel out the tape in the morning. You will notice the gnats stuck to the tape. Repeat this procedure for a few more days so that gnats are completely destroyed.
Must Read : Home Remedies For Lizards Infestation
How to Prevent Gnats from Sneaking Back into your Homes?
- To prevent the occurrence or recurrence of gnats and other insects, make sure that your kitchen is always tidy and clean.
- Keep food containers tightly sealed and do not keep bags of trash in the house overnight.
- Seal all cracks in your windows and door and throw away any stale water accumulated in your indoor plants and pots.
- Do away with rotten fruits immediately and avoid over watering plants.
- Alternatively, you can also take the assistance of lavender oil, fly paper, garlic, baking soda, alcohol and even a jam/jelly trap to help keep the gnats and other buzzing insects under control.
Also read: How To Get Rid Of Crickets?
Thanks to all these natural remedies, you can now kill gnats the natural way with items that are readily available in your kitchen. Don’t let these annoying insects take over your world. Fight them instead with these sure shot home remedies and we are positive you will have your house gnat-free within no time!
