Few pests are as annoying as gnats. Also known as fruit flies, the insects are drawn to moisture and organic material such as soil, decomposing food and damaged or overripe fruit.
So, it may come as a surprise that one of the best ways to get rid of gnats in your home is to use the very thing they are drawn to create a trap. Simply take a piece of ripe fruit, such as an apple, banana or orange, and place it in a bowl. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and use a toothpick to make a few small holes in the plastic. When the gnats crawl into the bowl, they won’t be able to escape.
Other popular natural methods of getting rid of gnats use ingredients and items you likely already have on hand. Apple cider vinegar is a great draw for the insects who are drawn to its sweet smell. Pour a few tablespoons of the vinegar into a jar along with a few drops of dish soap. The gnats will swarm to the vinegar and the stickiness of the soap will keep them from being able to fly away.
If gnats are inhabiting drain pipes, a simple flush with bleach will kill any adult insects and their eggs. Mix 1/2 cup of bleach with a gallon of water and pour it down the drains. Flush with hot water and repeat as needed.
Getting rid of gnats isn’t too tough, but keeping them from returning can be tricky. To avoid repeated infestations of the pesky insects, keep food in sealed containers and dispose of overripe fruits and veggies. It’s also crucial to clean out sinks, drains and garbage disposals on a regular basis and keep a lid on your trash can.