Kill gnats in kitchen
How To Get Rid of Gnats for Good
Affiliate Disclosure: This Old House‘s Reviews Team is committed to delivering… Read More honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services. To support this business model, This Old House may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website.
Frustrated by buzzing creatures following you around the house? Our guide will teach you both how to get rid of gnats and how to prevent future infestations.
Reviews by This Old House Reviews Team 11/14/2022 12:00 am
Gnats are small flying insects that include fungus gnats, fruit flies, and drain flies. Fungus gnats are dark and have long legs, fruit flies are brown and round, and drain flies have moth-like wings and are attracted to water. Because gnats breed frequently, addressing an infestation promptly is crucial.
In this article, we explain where gnats come from in the first place, give step-by-step instructions for five effective ways to get rid of gnats, and outline tips to prevent another infestation. For homeowners who want fast, high-value results, we also recommend the Katchy Indoor Insect Trap for treating these pests.
How Do Gnat Infestations Start?
Typically, gnats will enter your house from the outdoors through cracks or holes in your foundation, walls, windows, or doors. Gnats often infest trash cans, rotten fruit, and other moist places where decomposing organic matter exists. They can also be found near sinks, drains, and toilets.
5 Ways to Get Rid of Gnats
There are multiple ways to get rid of your gnat problem, from traps to professional help. If you have a severe gnat infestation, it may take more than one of these methods to eradicate the pests.
1. Make a DIY Gnat TrapTrying to figure out how to catch gnats? The most popular option is a vinegar trap, which is simple and cost-effective to create. Simply place a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a few drops of dish soap, and a tablespoon of sugar in a bowl and stir.
Set your bowl in an area where gnats are prevalent, such as your kitchen or bathroom. The sugar and apple cider vinegar combination will attract gnats, and the dish soap traps the gnats and eventually causes them to drown.
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, a combination of red wine and dish soap can create a similar gnat trap. If your gnat infestation is particularly intense, you may want to set out a few bowls of this wine trap mixture around the house.
Finally, a fruit trap can prove effective. Homeowners can cover a jar of overripe fruit with plastic wrap and poke small holes into the wrap’s surface. The gnats will smell a food source and enter the jar, becoming trapped.
2. Use a SprayIf you have a smaller pest problem, a simple spray bottle of one tablespoon of vinegar and a small amount of dish soap may be enough to treat your issue. If gnats are hovering around houseplants or crawling in your potting soil, the issue is likely due to overwatering.
To treat this type of gnats, spray a gentle insecticide, such as neem oil or dish soap diluted in warm water, onto the plant. If you use dish soap, you’ll need to carefully wash the solution off after two hours.
If you notice gnats around your kitchen sink or bathtub, pour a cup of diluted bleach down the drain to kill the gnats. Be sure to pour the cup of bleach down each drain or garbage disposal very slowly until there are no more gnats in your line of sight.
4. Make a Candle TrapPlace a candle in a candlestick and fill the holder partially with water. Light the candle and turn off the lights. The gnats will flock to the flame and be burned or will fall into the water and drown. Obviously, this trap is less convenient than a wine or vinegar trap, and you’ll need to remember to blow out the candle before falling asleep.
5. Hire a Professional Pest Control Company for Gnat ExterminationIf you have a lingering gnat infestation, a professional pest control company can help address it.
The best companies have expertise in treating gnat larvae and adult gnats and will create a customized treatment plan for your home at a reasonable cost for pest control.
How to Prevent Gnat Infestations
Once you have treated your gnat infestation, there are a few tips to help prevent a future infestation.
- Clean up food and drinks after meals: Don’t allow food or drinks to sit out after meals and clean up any food or drink spillages shortly after they happen.
- Take out your trash every night and use a sealed trash can: Gnats are often attracted to items in the trash. By taking out your trash nightly and using a sealed trash can, gnats will be less likely to enter your home and gather around your trash.
- Water plants with less frequency: Only water your indoor plants when necessary. If you overwater your plants, gnats may use the area for moisture and to lay eggs.
- Put fruit in your refrigerator: Because gnats are attracted to the smell of fruit, leaving fruit exposed on your counters can attract gnats.
Place your fruit in the refrigerator instead of leaving them out. - Remove humidity inside and outside your home: Homeowners should repair plumbing leaks and sink drain stoppages. To prevent outdoor gnat problems, clean up any damp areas around rain gutters and birdbaths.
- Set up preventive yellow sticky traps: Place these near any trouble areas, such as near ripe fruit or houseplants, to keep an infestation at bay.
- Keep your drains clean: Perform regular drain maintenance with diluted bleach or a specialized cleaning solution to keep them free of food particles and fungus gnat larvae.
- Don’t overwater plants: Indoor plants are often home to gnats, and overwatering them leads to damp soil that’s the perfect breeding ground for an infestation. Ensure your plants are in a pot with a drainage hole, and cut back on your watering schedule if you notice gnats buzzing around your houseplants. Since they can also carry gnats into the home, check any new plants thoroughly for gnats before bringing them into your household.
Our Conclusion
Homeowners who wish to save time and frustration can work with a professional pest control provider. The This Old House Reviews Team evaluated every major pest control company in the industry and found that Terminix and Orkin provide the best service to homeowners across the country.
Both of these companies will implement a customized treatment plan for your home and educate you on ways to prevent a future infestation. We always recommend getting quotes from at least two companies to ensure you’re getting the best price on your service.
Compare Pest Control Companies
Provider | Terminix | Orkin | Hawx |
|---|---|---|---|
Get a free quote | Visit Site | Visit Site | N/A |
Our overall score out of 100 | 98. | 94 | 88.25 |
Best for | Best Overall | Best for Urgent Service | Best Mosquito Plan |
Annual cost for general pest control | $550–$700 | $575 | $650–$920 |
States available | 47 | 47 | 12 |
BBB rating | A- | A+ | A- |
Online chat | Yes | No | No |
5Frequently Asked Questions
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our pest control recommendations with a detailed rating methodology that we use to objectively score each provider.
We review pest control plans, navigate the provider website, speak with customer service representatives by phone and online chat (if available), request quotes, and analyze customer reviews for each provider. We then score the provider against our review standards for plan options, additional benefits and convenience factors, availability, trustworthiness, and customer service to arrive at a final score out of 100.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at [email protected].
How to Get Rid of Gnats
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why Trust Us?
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
1
one day shipping
Black Flag Use fly paper.
1
one day shipping
Black Flag Use fly paper.
$3 at Amazon$8 at Home Depot$13 at Overstock
Credit: AmazonThere's really no solution more trustworthy—or oddly satisfying—than fly paper, which simply catches flying bugs on its sticky surface.
You can either hang "ribbon fly paper" from areas in your home that get a lot of gnat traffic or try window fly paper, which will cover an entire window in an adhesive sheet.
2
KATCHY Original Indoor Insect Trap Try a bug zapper.
2
KATCHY Original Indoor Insect Trap Try a bug zapper.
Now 11% Off
$40 at Amazon
Although it works better with larger bugs (such as mosquitoes), a bug zapper is always a good option. Nowadays, there are plenty of brands and designs that are safe to use indoors, such as the KATCHY device pictured here. These noiseless machines should be able to catch the majority of gnats and flies in your home, and the best part is, you won't have to lift a finger to make the magic happen.
3
Bragg Make a trap using apple cider vinegar.
3
Bragg Make a trap using apple cider vinegar.
$9 at Amazon
Credit: AmazonIn a small bowl, mix a half cup of warm water plus two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a tablespoon of sugar, and about six drops of liquid dish soap.
Gnats will be lured in by the sugary mixture, but once they dip in for a drink, the sticky dish soap will trap them. Simply place the bowl with solution in the areas where you've noticed the most gnats, and wait for results.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Hot Shot Buy a chemical spray.
4
Hot Shot Buy a chemical spray.
$5 at Amazon$5 at Home Depot
Credit: AmazonIf things get really bad, you may find yourself in need of a more serious bug killer. Insecticide is one option, though we caution against using it if you have small children around (and as always, you'll want to be sure you're following manufacturer directions). This Hot Shot Kitchen Bug Killer is one option that specifically targets gnats, in addition to several other household pests.
5
Pour boiling water down your drain.
Kitchen sink drains are common spots where gnats lay eggs, especially in garbage disposals. They love the warm, moist environment and any food and bacteria build up that occurs there.
Kill any eggs in your drain by pouring boiling water in the sink.
6
Use a wine trap.
Now, we're not asking you to sacrifice your wine collection to kill gnats! Instead, for this nifty trapping trick, you'll want to use an expired wine—one that's nearly turned into vinegar. You can use it in nearly the same way that you used the aforementioned apple cider vinegar trick: Pour some of the stale wine into a small vessel, add in a couple drops of dish soap, then place the mixture in gnat-filled areas of your home and wait for the bugs to drop in.
getty imagesAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
one day shipping
CANDWAX Set a candle trap.
7
one day shipping
CANDWAX Set a candle trap.
$11 at Amazon
Here's a trick that seems almost too good (and easy and old-school) to be true: Place a tall candle into a candlestick, then place the candlestick into a small pan filled with water.
Turn off all the lights, then light the candle and wait for gnats to make their way to the flame. They'll either hit the flame itself or fall into the water below. As with any lit candle though, you must stay in the room and attend to the flame with caution until it's time to blow it out.
8
Lure them with rotten fruit.
Yes, the very thing that caused the infestation in the first place might be your best bet when it comes to ending it. Add a few pieces of overripe fruit to a large bowl, then cover with plastic wrap and secure with a rubber band. Use a toothpick to poke a few holes in the top. Soon, gnats and fruit flies will flock to the fruit, making their way in through the tiny holes—but they won't know how to find their way out.
getty images9
The Clorox Company Try a diluted bleach solution for drain flies.
9
The Clorox Company Try a diluted bleach solution for drain flies.
$6 at Walmart$7 at Home Depot$69 at Overstock
Credit: WalmartIf you've noticed that the gnats in your home are converging around your sink drains, they may actually be drain flies (in which case, the other traps we've discussed here may not work well for eliminating them).
Drain flies are best dealt with using bleach. Protect yourself and your lungs properly, then dilute one-half cup of bleach with about one gallon of water and pour it down the affected drain.
Amy Mitchell
Amy Mitchell is the managing editor at Country Living Magazine. She writes about a wide range of topics, including homes and lifestyle content.
Effective ways to kill mosquitoes in an apartment
- This time of year also has its drawbacks. One of them is the dominance of mosquitoes.
These bloodsuckers give a person a lot of inconvenience. They leave a lot of itchy bites on the body, can cause sleepless nights and even infect with dangerous infectious diseases.
In this review, we will talk about the harm that these insects can cause and how to get rid of mosquitoes in different ways.A few words about the lifestyle and nutrition of mosquitoes
A mosquito is a two-winged insect belonging to the long-whiskered category.
There are about 3600 of them around the world. different types. At the same time, only 100 varieties of mosquitoes were found in Russia. Before the appearance of an adult, the mosquito goes through 4 main phases: egg ー larva ー pupa ー imago.
Features of the life of mosquitoes:
- begin to intensify from May until October. If the winter was snowy and the spring started early, then the first individuals may appear as early as April,
- the main habitat of larvae and pupae is stagnant water bodies (lakes, ponds, puddles, etc.). During the summer adult mosquitoes can be found in any damp and wetlands (in the basement, on the walls in the house, in the shade of trees, in livestock buildings, etc.),
- plant materials (nectar, plant sap) and blood act as food for bloodsucking (usually mammals and birds). In this case, only female mosquitoes feed on blood. They need it for reproduction of full-fledged offspring,
- in order to feed on blood, mosquitoes first make a hole in the skin of the victim with their jaws, reminiscent of nail files.
Female mosquitoes have one remarkable feature ー they choose their prey by smell. They are attracted to lactic acid contained in sweat, carbon dioxide exhaled by a person or animal. That is why they can completely bite one person, and leave only a couple of small ones on the other. bites. The reason is the individual smell of each.
What harm can be done to a person?
It is important for a person to provide reliable protection against mosquitoes, since their bites entail the following unpleasant consequences:
- Physical discomfort ー A mosquito bite is always accompanied by unpleasant symptoms in the form of severe itching, redness and swelling of the skin puncture site. The reason for the appearance of such a reaction is associated with saliva. mosquito, which he first introduces through a cut in the skin. It contains anticoagulants, which are called prevent blood clotting.
In addition, mosquitoes in the apartment emit a loud buzz and squeak. They begin to become more active closer to the night, therefore, these sounds interfere with sleep and cause insomnia. The next day, the person feels overwhelmed. - Allergic reaction ー is another negative effect that can occur after a mosquito bite. In particular, chronic allergies are prone to such a reaction.
A mosquito bite can cause extensive rashes all over the body, swollen lymph nodes, severe swelling, an increase in body temperature and even difficulty breathing. In this case, the person should be given urgent medical care. - High risk of contracting dangerous diseases ー the most serious consequence of a mosquito bite. Some species of these bloodsuckers are carriers of such dangerous infectious diseases, like: malaria, yellow fever, lymphatic filariasis, tularemia, dengue fever, etc.
- Possible secondary infection severe itching. A person begins to actively comb this place, resulting in a wound. If it is not treated, then an infection can get there and aggravate the situation.
To date, some types of malarial mosquitoes have been recorded in Russia. These are the genus Coquillettidia, Uranotaenia Toxorhynchites and Orthopodomyia. To a greater extent, these varieties predominate in the western part of the country.
Causes and factors provoking the appearance of mosquitoes in the apartment
It is generally accepted that the problem of mosquitoes is more relevant for residents of rural areas. with lots of animals, rivers, lakes and swamps. However, in reality, these bloodsuckers are exactly the same can terrorize city dwellers in their own apartments.
In dwellings located on floors, mosquitoes penetrate the following main ways:
- through an open window or window,
- through ventilation ducts
- when opening the front door or on the balcony,
- through the garbage chute located in the entrance.
To a greater extent, attacks from mosquitoes are subject to residents of the lower and middle floors (up to 6). Bloodsuckers reach the uppermost floors less frequently.
There are several factors that provoke the influx of mosquitoes in the apartment:
- Dampness and humidity in the basement is a common problem in many high-rise buildings. Due to leaking pipes periodic flooding and lack of sunlight, moisture in such places does not evaporate, creating favorable breeding conditions for mosquitoes. In the future, along the ventilation shafts and the garbage chute they go up to apartments.
- The presence of ponds near the house ー although this is a rather rare occurrence for the city, nevertheless, this is also Maybe. Moreover, even a large, non-drying puddle near the house can provoke the appearance of mosquitoes.
- Sometimes the microclimate in the apartment itself acts as a provoking factor.
For example, if you have high humidity, then on hot summer days, bloodsucking raids cannot be avoided.
Fighting mosquitoes in the apartment
The problem of bloodsuckers has always been relevant and vital for humans. Therefore, today A large number of different methods of protection against mosquitoes have been invented. This includes technical inventions, special cosmetics for skin treatment, barrier methods of protection, folk methods, etc.
Below we divided all types of mosquito repellents into 4 main groups and gave a detailed description of each of them.
barrier way
The basis of this method is the arrangement in the apartment of structures that prevent the penetration of mosquitoes inside.
The most common and easiest option is to install mosquito nets on all windows. Such a design is a canvas in a fine mesh, stretched over a special frame.
It fits the window and inserted into it. In order for mosquito nets on the windows to give an effect, the following nuances must be taken into account:
- such a mesh should have cells smaller than the size of a mosquito (3-7 mm),
- to improve efficiency, the entire surface of such a design can be treated with a special insecticide.
Mosquito nets on windows have some disadvantages:
- firstly, if it has large cells, then mosquitoes will fly freely inside,
- secondly, such structures are quite fragile and break quickly. In addition, with inaccurate movement they fall down easily. If you live on the upper floors, then after a fall, the frame with the mesh may break and then you have to buy a new one.
It should be remembered that babies love to lean on mosquito nets. As sad statistics show, every year a large number of children fall out of windows for this reason.
So if you have a small child, then more attention should be paid to this issue. It makes sense to look for alternative ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes. To solve the problem of mosquitoes in the apartment in a more modern, and most importantly safe way, buy a breather. Use it to ventilate the room will be possible without open windows and vents. And this means that mosquitoes are simply they won't be able to get inside. Moreover, the supply ventilation system from TION is equipped with powerful filters that purify the air from dust, allergens, plant pollen and other pollutants from the street, as well as neutralize unpleasant odors.
Technical solutions
Modern manufacturers have come up with different types of equipment that also help get rid of mosquitoes in the apartment. Consider in more detail the main types of such equipment:
-
An ultrasonic repeller is a special piece of equipment that transmits ultrasonic waves.
A person does not hear them, but they scare away mosquitoes. The affected area varies within 20-5000 sq.m (depending on model).
It has not yet been possible to confirm the effectiveness of sound repellers 100%, as some scientists pointed to the absence of any evidence of the effect of such sound waves on mosquitoes. -
An anti-mosquito lamp is an ultraviolet device that destroys mosquitoes through an electrical impact. An open current passes over its entire area, upon contact with which insects die. For a person, such a lamp is absolutely safe, since it uses a weak current.
Since mosquitoes do not like light, there is an opinion that it is ineffective against bloodsuckers. However, it will help get rid of butterflies, flies and other unwanted living creatures in the apartment. - An electric fumigator is a small appliance that is connected to the mains.
Their meaning is to highlight poisonous substances that kill mosquitoes. Such formulations may be in the form of a plate or a gel. After turning on the device, they begin to heat up and evaporate into the environment.
The main disadvantage of electric fumigators is that they capture a small area (up to 12 sq. m). -
Anti-mosquito bracelet - has the form of a flat narrow ribbon that is worn on the wrist. This bracelet is fastened with a button or Velcro.
Such a device works according to the following scheme: it contains substances that, by their smell repel mosquitoes. Damage radius: up to 100 cm (in diameter).
Mosquito Repellents
Protection against mosquitoes can also be provided through repellents. This name refers to a group of natural or chemicals that have a deterrent effect on insects, including bloodsuckers.
All varieties of repellents on sale today can be divided into two groups:
- products applied to the skin and clothing of a person are sold in the form of sprays, creams, ointments and emulsions. Such formulations can be applied to exposed areas of the skin (arms, neck, legs, face) or sprayed onto clothing. Before smearing with such a composition, you should check it for an allergic reaction on a small area of \u200b\u200bthe skin,
- compositions for spraying in the surrounding space - these can be plates, spirals (you must first set fire to it), aerosols.
The main feature of repellents is that they only repel mosquitoes. Moreover, the latter do not die upon contact with such substances.
On average, the duration is 2-6 hours. Here a lot depends on the brand, the type of repellent, composition, price range, etc.
Folk methods
Many folk remedies for mosquitoes have long been proven to be effective.
To repel mosquitoes, the following methods are well suited:
-
The use of essential oils in the apartment - with their aroma, they scare away bloodsucking. For this it is necessary Take any essential oil (like lavender, eucalyptus, mint, etc.) and apply it to your skin. You can also soak a few napkins with oil and place them throughout the house, add this composition to an aroma lamp or put a couple of drops on the locket and wear it around your neck. There are many options, so choose whichever you like.
-
Mosquitoes can't stand the smell of vanilla, so it's also great for killing mosquitoes. Dilute a few tablespoons of this fragrant additive in warm water, soak a cotton pad in it and wipe the skin. As a result, the body will exude a pleasant aroma that will simultaneously scare away bloodsuckers.
-
There are certain categories of plants that also protect against mosquito bites with their smell.
For example, on window sill you can plant citronella (a common ingredient in many insect repellents), rosemary (better known as a spice, but it also works well against mosquitoes), geranium, etc.
If there is no desire to mess with the ground and plantings, then you can simply arrange dry bunches of wormwood around the apartment. -
Use the well-known old Asterisk balm. It should be applied pointwise in different parts of the body. It also heals existing mosquito bites well and relieves itching.
Bitten by mosquitoes: what can be done?
When bitten by a mosquito, the first thing you want to do is scratch the bite. However, this is not the correct action. which in the end will only increase the itching and can lead to the formation of a wound. She'll take a long time to heal and deliver discomfort.
In addition, damaged areas of the skin can easily become infected. Thus, if you are bitten by mosquitoes, then you should take the following steps:
- in order to relieve itching, you can apply a compress with a small amount of ice to the bite site (for 10-15 minutes). Also in the pharmacy you can ask for some remedy. Today on sale there are many different ointments, emulsions and creams, good for relieving itching
- if you have already combed the bite site and a wound has formed on it, then it should be treated with Fukartsin solutions (1%),
- if there are a lot of mosquito bites on the body, then before going to bed it is recommended to drink a drug with an antihistamine action to prevent an allergic reaction,
- if after a few days the symptoms persist (itching, swelling, redness), then you need to seek medical attention.
Today, a lot of effective ways to fight mosquitoes have been invented, so you can definitely pick up something.
The main thing is to take the necessary measures in time. If, nevertheless, there are a couple of bites on the body, then don't brush them. Let nothing overshadow your joy and enjoyment of warm summer days. Top 10 folk remedies for mosquitoes and other insects
July 8, 2018 Likbez Video
Alcohol and lemon will save you if you don't have store repellent on hand.
Homemade mosquito repellents last about two hours, so be sure to reapply regularly.
Juniper
If you want to sit in a cozy company by the fire, throw a couple of juniper branches into the fire. Or drip a couple of drops of juniper berry oil. The smoke will repel mosquitoes and midges.
Vanillin
Vanillin is one of the most effective insect repellents, especially against midges. Just apply the powder to your skin.
Or mix 1 g vanillin and 10 g baby cream. Essential oils
Essential oils can be used to counteract natural body odour. Suitable clove, anise, orange, cedar, lavender, tea tree, geranium, mint, thyme.
Simply mix 7-8 drops of essential oil with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and apply to skin.
You can also treat clothes and tent with essential oil, or pour a few drops into a fire. But before using, be sure to check if you have allergies.
Lemon and eucalyptus
The combination of lemon and eucalyptus is considered by many to be the most effective mosquito repellent. Mix 10 ml of eucalyptus oil with the juice of one lemon. Apply to exposed areas of the body, and mosquitoes will not touch you.
Garlic
Garlic is very effective, but not very pleasant. Take 5-6 cloves of garlic, crush, boil in a glass of water for 5-6 minutes. Pour the garlic water into a spray bottle and spray the tent.
Geranium and lavender
Fill a liter bottle with water.
Add 30 drops each of geranium and lavender oils and shake well. Apply to skin every hour. Alcohol solution
Mosquitoes don't like the smell of alcohol, so you can make a repellent based on it. Fill the bottle ¾ full with alcohol, add 50 drops of essential oil (lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass will do) and top up with water. Shake well before use.
Carnation
An excellent remedy would be cloves. Pour 5 g of spice into a glass of water and boil for 15 minutes. Mix the solution little by little with cologne in a ratio of 1 : 1 and apply to exposed skin.
Basil and wormwood
If you don't like to smear yourself with anything, take a sprig of basil or wormwood with you. Mosquitoes are terribly afraid of these smells.
Black Pepper Salve
Pour 6 drops of black pepper, catnip, citronella, lavender and neem oil into a jar. Mix with any moisturizer in a 1:2 ratio. Apply to a small area of skin to check for allergies. If all is well, enjoy.
