How to get rid of gnats: 12 methods to dispel ghastly gnats
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There are several types of gnats known to become annoyances in homes. The cause of your gnat problem can vary depending on the type of gnat invading your home. Since fungus gnats typically live and breed in your indoor plants’ potted soil, too much moisture and organic matter in the soil is likely the cause. On the other hand, fruit flies are drawn to decaying fruits, so the bananas sitting on your counter or the bowl of apples on your table could be the cause of that issue. Drain flies are another common type of gnat in homes across the country, and they live and breed in the organic matter in your drain.
What Are the Signs that You Have a Gnat Infestation?
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Gnats have a life cycle of 18 to 30 days, but they reproduce quickly and the infestation will last indefinitely until it’s handled. If all else fails, it might be time to call a professional extermination service. Extermination services will charge between $100 and $450 to treat an infestation.
Drain Cleaner
You can eliminate gnats, their eggs and larvae by using pyrethrin sprays. Pyrethrins are natural organic compounds with insecticidal activity. All you have to do is lightly mist the leaves to repel flying gnats. If you’ve got soil bugs, then spray the soil so that the top two inches (5 cm) of soil are moist. Speaking of plants, gnats are generally attracted to houseplants, as well as moisture, sweet-smelling fruit, and garbage. So while indoor plants are a great way to liven up your space, they can also be the reason why you’re spotting gnats.
How to Get Rid of Drain Flies
That’s why they’re attracted to the overripe bananas on your counter and the soft potatoes in your pantry. Chiana has been at Homes & Gardens for two years, having started her journey in interior journalism as part of the graduate program. She also has a first-class degree in Literature from Lancaster University.
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The term gnats refers to small flying insects that may or may not bite. You can rest easy knowing that most indoor gnats are not the biting kind nor are they prone to spreading disease. But still, these unwelcome guests are a nuisance and it’s important to deal with them before an infestation gets worse. The first step to combating gnats is to know what kind of gnat you have buzzing around your space.
Follow the provided water-to-cake ratios if they're listed on the packet. If not, you'll have to test the different ratios experts recommend. Depending on how many plants you need to treat, mix 2.5 ounces (of meal) to 0.3 gallons (of water), 2 to 3 rounded tablespoons to 1 gallon, or 2 cups to 5 gallons. Give the mixture a good stir and leave it to aerate for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 48 hours.
The light should reflect on the vinegar solution and attract the gnats. "Gnat" is actually an umbrella term referring to a wide variety of small insects. To get rid of gnats in the house a few different strategies are recommended. Traps, bleach and even exterminators can be effective solutions depending on the severity of your infestation.
The mere presence of these pesky insects in your house can leave you feeling twitchy. Take steps to prevent an infestation, and act quickly if the invaders set up shop in your home and garden. Gnats are highly unlikely to go away without intervention, says Morgan, which is why it’s important to know how to get rid of gnats.
Use apple cider vinegar
These include food sources, spillages, and organic matter such as fruits and vegetables left uncovered. Moist soil in plants make an ideal, warm environment for fungal gnats to congregate. While decomposing organic matter, wastes and sewage from damaged pipes and drains are the perfect breeding ground for gnats. You may have noticed that there are a lot of gnats around your indoor plants.
Being proactive about repairing leaky windows and roofs can prevent gnats from entering your home in the first place. A trained professional can come to the rescue if a few flying gnats turn into a full-blown infestation. Pros can assess your individual situation and provide necessary assistance for removal. Drain flies can sometimes transmit disease, especially when the fly issue is severe.
Here's how to tell the difference to identify and address your pest problem properly. As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features. Cleaning Vinegar | $4.99 at TargetHaving a container of cleaning vinegar in your cleaning cabinet is essential for all sorts of household chores.
Luckily, you can get prevent and get rid of both gnats and fruit flies in the same way. But if you use a multiphase plan of attack, you should be able to spare not only your produce and plants, but any headaches as well. Here's everything you need to know about how to get rid of gnats and fruit flies if you have an infestation. The gnats will be attracted to the sweet smell of the honey, but once coated in it, they won't be able to fly away. Put a bowl of vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar is fine) with a drop of natural dish soap on a table, away from any food.
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Few things are as annoying as a gnat (or several) buzzing about the kitchen when you’re trying to prepare a meal. They tend to float in front of faces and land on food, giving most folks the creeps. And while these bugs do reproduce quickly, you’re not destined for a life of fluttering suffering. These tricks and tips will help homeowners learn how to get rid of gnats the next time these pests pop up. Mulching—A layer of mulch on plant pot soil can help to prevent females from laying eggs.
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