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Gnats are tiny, pesky insects that, while not harmful to humans, can be extremely annoying. Before you shell out the big bucks for someone to deal with these pesky insects, you can try these natural home remedies for gnats. Morgan says if you’ve exhausted all the home remedies and just can’t eradicate the gnats, it might be time to call in the pros.
Install Light Traps
These are all areas in your home that attract gnats because they are damp areas and contain food. The first kind of gnat is the type that you find swarming around aquatic bodies, especially stagnant bodies of water, in large quantities. The other kind that likes to take up residence in your home and fester around overripe fruit are the infamous gnats known as fruit flies. For gnat problems on and around your houseplants, consider using diatomaceous earth. Sprinkle the fine powder in a thin layer on the soil; it will work to kill gnat larvae. Gnats are attracted to salt and moisture, but more specifically to produce, fresh flowers, houseplants, spilled food, and overflowing garbage cans.
Battle Drain Flies with Bleach
Not only are these “clouds” of gnats generally annoying, some species also bite humans and pets. Some gnats lay their eggs in soil, where the larvae can damage plant roots. For gardeners, though, a gnat infestation can spell devastation. While adult gnats don’t damage plants, the larvae will eat roots and leaves. There are many pesticides on the market, but some plants are sensitive to the chemicals in them.
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Insects That May Be Those Little Black Bugs in The Kitchen—And How To Get Rid of Them
Most gnats are not harmful to humans, though some can give you bites a little, like mosquito bites. Fungus gnats are those that love your houseplants; in large numbers, they can damage plants' roots and growth. Fruit flies are attracted to rotten fruit but love any sweet liquids, such as vinegar and red wine. Drain flies can be found buzzing around your home's drains, while midges are more likely to gather around standing water, such as your backyard's water features. You may have noticed that there are a lot of gnats around your indoor plants.
Effective Sticky Traps
If the soil is still relatively damp, you might want to allow more time before adding more moisture into that pot, says Fredricks. They typically have slender, brown or black bodies and thrive where there’s moisture. They also prefer sand or sandy soil, meaning states like California and Florida can be particularly prone to gnats.
Make a Vinegar Trap
They'll be attracted by the scent, try to sip the solution, and drown. If you find a fungus gnat problem, try to quarantine the infected pots away from other houseplants so the problem does not get worse or spread. Since both the majority of the life of fungus gnats and the damage they do take place when they are in the soil, this is an excellent place to begin targeting them. In order to get rid of drain gnats, pest control company Arceneaux recommends pouring a half cup of hydrogen peroxide or bleach in the drain. A gnat infestation is like a common cold in that you never realize how good you have it until you (or your plants) are unwell.
Remove dead flowers, leaves, or other plant parts from your plants. The best answer is to quarantine new plants or those that have been outdoors for extended periods. Keep the plants in their own room for at least 17 days (a full life cycle), and inspect the plant carefully for the presence of adult gnats. Once the plant has been cleared with no insect activity, you can move it in with your other plants.
Their technicians will create a customized treatment plan for your home at a reasonable cost for pest control. If all else fails, or you’re not interested in making a DIY solution, try placing a store-bought fly trap such as flypaper, cards, or ribbons near where gnats gather. Some of these products are even designed to sit in the soil alongside a potted plant to catch fungus gnats. Once the sticky side is sufficiently filled, toss it and add a new one. You can also try a bug zapper that’s aimed at catching smaller insects or, if the problem really persists, call a reliable pest control company.
Bug zapper
Look for "Bt" in the form of mosquito dunks or granules (in the pest control section or near pond supplies in a home or garden center). Mosquito dunks are dissolved in water, and the solution is used for watering the plants. You will probably need more than one application but follow the label instructions. Granules are sprinkled over the soil, introducing some bacteria with each watering. Pour apple cider vinegar into a cup or glass and mix in a few drops of dish soap. Cover it with tape or cheesecloth, leaving holes large enough for the bugs to get to it.
When using this method, it’s important to remember to blow out the candle once you’re finished or once you go to sleep. As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features. Numerous bug zappers are available for indoor and outdoor use, many of which were tested in our tested guide to the best bug zappers. Choose one that’s maybe a bit smaller and less obtrusive than others, and pick one that is suitable for indoor use, like our top indoor pick from Aspectek.
If you leave fruits and vegetables lying around on your counter, you will find yourself with a serious fly problem. Make sure that you store food in airtight containers and don’t leave uncovered food lying around. One of the best gnat repellent home remedies that you can utilize is dryer sheets. The fabric softener sheets that you use in your laundry typically contain an ingredient called oleander, which acts as a natural gnat repellent.
The good news is that you probably already have most of these materials lying around your house—all that’s left is setting them up. Take a look around your home and see if you have any areas that are unnecessarily damp. Gnats are attracted to areas with excess moisture, so you want to try and do your best to eliminate them. If you have a leaking pipe or if you notice water leaking into your house when it rains, address the issue by getting it fixed. Replace the lid and gently shake the bottle to mix the ingredients. Use the spray directly on any gnats that you find flying around your home.
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