How To: Get Rid of Gnats

You ever find yourself swatting at thin air like you’re trying to fend off invisible attackers? Surprise! You’re not losing your mind; you’ve got gnats. These tiny invaders seem to materialize out of nowhere, especially in older, drafty homes.

But don’t worry, they’re not renting a room for long. Let’s dive into what causes these tiny pests, how to give them the boot, and how to make sure they never come back. It’s time we all learned how to get rid of gnats.

What Causes Gnats? (Spoiler: It’s Not Your Dirty Dishes… Sorta)

Gnats are like the freeloaders of the insect world—showing up uninvited and overstaying their welcome. These guys usually pop up for a couple of reasons:

1. Moisture, baby! Older homes, especially those that have a little character (aka drafts and leaky spots), are like luxury hotels for gnats. They love moisture and standing water, whether it’s a leaky sink or your dog’s water bowl.
2. Rotting stuff. Got some overripe fruit or an old house plant that’s seen better days? That’s prime real estate for gnats to throw a party.
3. Organic matter. That soil in your houseplants? Oh yeah, gnats love that too. They use it as their personal baby nursery to lay eggs. Gross, but true.
4. Drafty windows and doors. Gnats are tiny enough to slip through cracks and drafts in older homes, basically treating your place like their weekend getaway.

For some easy ways to seal up those windows and doors check the posts below. You’ll not only give the boot to gnats, but stick it to those high energy bills at the same time.

• The Best and Worst Types of Door Sweeps
• How To Seal Drafty Windows
• How To Install Spring Bronze Weatherstripping

How to Prevent Gnats

You don’t need to get a PhD in entomology to keep gnats out of your place. Here’s how to make your home a “Gnat-Free Zone”:

1. Seal the deal. Get those drafts under control. Patch up any cracks around windows and doors to stop gnats from slipping in. Plus, it’ll help with your energy bills. Win-win!
2. Mind the moisture. Keep things dry. Fix leaks, wipe down surfaces, and try to avoid leaving water standing around. Even the little drip under the sink can be like sending gnats a “You’re Invited!” card.
3. Take out the trash. Empty your trash regularly, especially if you’ve been throwing out fruit or anything organic. Gnats aren’t picky—if it’s rotting, they’re snacking.
4. Rotate your houseplants. Some indoor plants, especially if overwatered, can be gnat magnets. Let that soil dry out between waterings to keep things gnat-free. (And maybe don’t name your plants until you’ve got this figured out. Less emotional attachment.)

How to Remove Gnats (When They Do Show Up)

Okay, so they’ve moved in. No worries—here’s how to break the lease:

1. DIY gnat traps: Here’s a freebie—they love apple cider vinegar. Just mix some in a bowl with a bit of dish soap. Wrap the top with ClingWrap and poke a bunch of holes in it. Gnats will fly in, but they won’t fly out. It’s like a bug version of the Hotel California.
2. Sticky traps: If you’ve got houseplants, throw some sticky traps in the soil. These little yellow cards are like gnat Velcro. Cheap and non-toxic.
3. Let the soil dry out: Overwatering plants? Gnats thrive in damp soil. Let it dry out for a few days to disrupt their lifecycle.
4. Hydrogen peroxide mix: Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with four parts water and give your plants a light watering. It’ll kill off gnat larvae hiding in the soil but won’t hurt your plants.

Non-Toxic Gnat Products

We’re all about keeping it green here, and luckily, you don’t need to fumigate your home to get rid of these suckers. Here’s a shortlist of eco-friendly ways to keep gnats out without harming you, your kids, or pets:

1. Neem oil: This natural oil is a gnat’s worst nightmare. Just mix it with water and spray it on your plants or in gnat-heavy areas.
2. Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle this fine powder (it’s non-toxic, promise) around windowsills and other gnat entry points. It dehydrates and kills them when they come into contact with it.
3. Essential oils: Gnats aren’t fans of strong smells like peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus. Spray diluted essential oils around gnat-prone areas and it’s like putting up a “No Gnats Allowed” sign. This is my wife’s favorite option!

So there you have it—gnats don’t stand a chance now! You now know how to get rid of gnats. Whether it’s sealing those drafty windows, drying out your plant babies, or whipping up an all-natural gnat trap, you’ve got the know-how to evict these freeloaders for good.

And the best part? You don’t need to burn down the house to get rid of a few gnats. Keep things dry, organic matter in check, and watch them fly off to bug someone else.