Looking for a few simple tips and tricks to keep gnats out of your kitchen and home for good? Gnats might be tiny in size, but they can cause major frustration. Especially when they start buzzing all around your kitchen and home – and land on your food and drinks!
During the middle of summer and early fall, gnat problems can become especially bad. That’s because warm temperatures, increased humidity, and an abundance of fresh produce create the perfect storm for gnat invasions. And once they get a foothold, it can seem nearly impossible to get them out.
Gnats aren’t just annoying. They can also carry bacteria and spread germs as they land on food and surfaces. But the good news is there are a few simple steps you can take to eliminate them. And even better – prevent them from coming back.
It all starts with understanding why gnats are coming in, what they’re looking for, and how to stop giving them the environment they love.
How To Keep Gnats Out
Why Gnats Become An Issue In Summer
Gnats, particularly fruit flies and fungus gnats, thrive in warm, moist environments. They breed quickly and are drawn to the scent of fermentation, ripening fruit, sugary liquids, and even standing water.
As summer rolls in and gardens begin to produce more fresh vegetables and fruits, many people begin storing produce on the kitchen counter or leaving scraps in open trash cans. This attracts gnats like a magnet.
The increased humidity also plays a role. More moisture in the air means more damp areas in sinks, drains, garbage disposals, and sponge holders where gnats can breed and feed. And with doors and windows open more often in the warmer months, they can get inside your home even faster.
Once inside, it doesn’t take long for a few gnats to become dozens, or even hundreds. That’s why it’s important to take quick action as soon as you see them. And that all starts by making your kitchen and home less inviting for them.
Eliminating Food & Water Sources
The first and most important step to getting rid of gnats is to eliminate the things that are attracting them.
One of the most common mistakes people make is leaving produce out on the counter. Tomatoes, bananas, peaches, and other fruits and vegetables ripen quickly. And when they do, they emit gases and aromas that gnats love.
To avoid this, always store fresh produce in the refrigerator whenever possible. Especially in the summer and fall. Not only will it help keep it fresh longer, but it will also help keep gnats away. If you have extra garden produce coming in – always try to store it far from the kitchen if possible.
In addition to produce, open trash cans and compost containers in the kitchen can also become a major issue. Even small bits of food left behind on a plate or container will attract gnats.
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Be sure to use trash cans that have tight-fitting lids, and take out food trash regularly. Rinse recyclables like juice bottles or soda cans before putting them in bins to remove any sugary residue.
If you keep a compost container in the kitchen, make sure it has a sealed lid and is emptied often. Wipe down the outside of containers to remove any spills or drips that could draw gnats in.
Don’t Forget The Garbage Disposal
Another key area to focus on is the garbage disposal. Gnats love to lay eggs in the moist, rotting food that can build up in the disposal’s drain lines. To keep the disposal clean and gnat-free, regularly flush it with boiling water and baking soda, followed by vinegar.
This helps clean out any residue that could become food for gnats. Citrus peels ground in the disposal can help freshen it as well, but they shouldn’t be used as a replacement for a deep clean.
Also, don’t forget about kitchen sponges, dishcloths, and sink strainers. These can stay damp for long periods and harbor bacteria and food particles. Be sure to rinse and wring out sponges after each use, and let them dry completely between uses. Replacing them regularly is a good idea, especially during warm weather when they can sour quickly.
2 Easy Ways To Get Rid of Gnats – And Keep Them Out For Good!
Using Vinegar Traps
Once you’ve removed the sources that are drawing gnats in, it’s time to tackle the ones that are already flying around your home. One of the easiest and most effective methods for this is with a simple vinegar trap.
This method has been around for years because it works incredibly well. And are they ever easy to make! To make a vinegar trap, all you need is a small bowl, a bit of apple cider vinegar, a drop or two of dish soap, and plastic wrap.
Pour a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into the bowl and add the dish soap. Next, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Use a toothpick to poke a few small holes in the top of the wrap.
The scent of the vinegar attracts the gnats, and once they crawl through the holes, they won’t be able to get back out. The soap causes them to sink and drown when they touch the surface.
Place the traps on your kitchen counter, near your sink, or anywhere else you’ve noticed gnat activity. You can also make multiple traps to place throughout the home. These traps typically begin working within hours, and over the course of a few days, you’ll see a significant drop in the gnat population. Replace the mixture every few days for the best results.
Using UV Light Gnat Traps To Keep Gnats Out For Good
While vinegar traps work well, gnats will continue to come back. The good news is that there is a simple, long term solution that works wonders to keep them away permanently. And that solution is a simple Ultra Violet light trap device.
One of the most popular and effective models available today is the Katchy Midnight Indoor Insect Trap. This compact device plugs into the wall and works by combining a UV light, a fan, and a sticky trap. Affiliate Link: Katchy Midnight – Indoor Insect Trap with Automatic Setting
The UV light attracts gnats and other flying insects, luring them to the device. Once the bugs fly close, a small fan pulls them in and traps them on a sticky glue board inside the unit.
What makes this type of trap so effective is that it works continuously without needing much attention. It doesn’t use chemicals, so it’s safe to use around kids and pets, and it’s virtually silent while running.
Most people place the trap in the kitchen, bathroom, or near a trash can. It can even be left running at night when the lights are off, making it more effective at attracting gnats that are drawn to light in the dark.
Another benefit of using a UV device is that it catches a wide variety of flying insects, not just gnats. This includes fruit flies, house flies, and mosquitoes.
Here is to keeping gnats out of your kitchen and home for good! For more on all natural pest control, be sure to check out our article: How To Use Cinnamon To Repel Pests In Gardens & Flowerbeds.
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Simple Garden Life is a website dedicated to keeping gardening fun, simple and enjoyable! We publish two new articles each week along with a new garden podcast episode every two weeks. This article may contain affiliate links.