How to Get Rid of Gnats in Your House
Have you ever been annoyed by those tiny flying insects commonly known as gnats? They seem to appear out of nowhere, invading your home and buzzing around your face. Dealing with gnats can be a frustrating experience, but fear not! In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about gnats in your house and provide effective strategies to eliminate them once and for all.
Identifying Gnats – Know Your Enemy
There are several types of gnats commonly found in your house. Most often we see fruit flies in the kitchen – particularly around the vegetable or fruit bowl. However, Fruit flies aren’t the only type of gnats that can invade your home. You may find fungus gnats and drain flies, too. Unfortunately, each type has a different appearance and a unique way to get rid of them. If you’re curious about how to get rid of gnats, the first step is to identify which type is in your space.
Fungus gnats: Fungus gnats are black with long legs. They’re typically found near potted plants.
Fruit Flies: Fruit flies are brown with red eyes and usually rounder in shape and typically found in kitchens.
Drain Flies: Drain Flies are fuzzy with moth-like wings. They typically congregate around drains.
One of the most shocking gnat attractors in your home? Your plants!
Fungus gnats are usually found near houseplants. “Fungus gnat infestations are often caused by sources of damp soil, such as houseplants, or decaying or damaged plant roots,” says Dr. Jim Fredericks, a board-certified entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). To prevent fungus gnats, it’s important to regularly repot your houseplants in new soil and ease up on overwatering them.
Cinnamon to control gnats
To use cinnamon to help control indoor fungus gnats that stem from potted plants, mix a few drops of cinnamon essential oil with water. The solution can be applied directly to the soil or potting mix, or it can be used in a spray bottle to treat leaves of infected plants. If you only have cinnamon powder on hand, mix a small amount of it with water to create a paste, then add it to the soil or potting mix. You can also just sprinkle it directly on the soil.
How to control fruit flies
What is the best fruit fly bait? Most articles will recommend combining two tablespoons of dish soap, four tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and six tablespoons of water in a glass or bowl. Then cover with plastic wrap, secure the plastic wrap, and poke a few small holes in the top with a toothpick, The gnats will crawl in and then get stuck. However, we think the best fruit fly bait is red wine or beer using the same trap idea. No matter which method you choose, the best way to eliminate gnats is:
- Regular cleaning and maintaining gnat-prone areas.
- Monitoring and addressing potential sources of attraction.
- Implementing preventive measures to avoid future gnat problems.
Gnats can cause inconvenience and irritation in your household, but with the right knowledge and strategies, it is possible to tackle the problem effectively. By understanding their behavior, taking preventive measures, and utilizing natural or chemical solutions, you can reclaim your home from these pesky insects. Remember, persistence and consistency in your efforts are key to long-term gnat control. Good luck, and may your home remain gnat-free!
As always, when pests become too pesky, call us here at Arterix Pest Control for a free home inspection and evaluation.