You see one tiny, black speck buzzing around your kitchen. Then you see another. Before you know it, a full-blown swarm has taken over, hovering around your fruit bowl, your sink, and your face. A gnat infestation is incredibly annoying. These tiny pests seem to multiply overnight, turning your peaceful home into a frustrating bug zone. While they are generally harmless, their presence is a major nuisance. Getting rid of them can feel like an impossible task. Fortunately, you don’t have to resort to harsh chemical sprays. There are several genius, simple, and effective ways to kill gnats in the house using items you probably already own.
The Apple Cider Vinegar Trap
This is the most classic and effective method for a reason: it works. Gnats are drawn to the scent of fermented fruit. To create this trap, pour about an inch of apple cider vinegar into a small jar or bowl. Then, add a few drops of dish soap. The vinegar attracts the gnats, but the dish soap breaks the surface tension of the liquid. When they land to take a sip, they will sink and drown. Place several of these traps around the affected areas, like near the kitchen sink or fruit bowls.
The Rotten Fruit Bait
If you have a piece of fruit that is already overripe, don’t throw it away just yet. You can use it to create a powerful gnat trap. Place the piece of fruit in a bowl and cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Using a toothpick, poke several small holes in the plastic. The gnats will be irresistibly drawn to the smell of the decaying fruit. They will find their way in through the small holes but will be unable to figure out how to get back out. It’s a simple and highly effective solution.
The Wine and Dish Soap Trick
Similar to the vinegar trap, gnats also love the smell of red wine. If you have a bottle of old or cheap red wine, you can use it to your advantage. Pour a small amount of wine into a container and add a few drops of dish soap. Just like with the vinegar, the gnats will fly in for a drink and become trapped in the soapy liquid. This method is just as effective and can be a good alternative if you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand.
Pour Bleach or Boiling Water Down the Drain
Sometimes, the source of your gnat problem is your kitchen sink drain. Fungus gnats, in particular, love to lay their eggs in the damp, organic gunk that builds up inside your pipes. To eliminate this breeding ground, you need to clean your drains thoroughly. Carefully pour a diluted bleach solution (about half a cup of bleach mixed with a gallon of water) down the drain. Alternatively, boiling a kettle of water and pouring it straight down the drain can also be effective at killing eggs and larvae.
The Sticky Trap Solution
If you have a lot of gnats around your houseplants, you might be dealing with fungus gnats. These pests thrive in moist soil. A great way to catch the adults is by using yellow sticky traps. You can buy these online or at most garden centers. The bright yellow color attracts the gnats. When they land on the trap, they get stuck in the adhesive. Simply place the sticky traps on stakes in the soil of your affected plants to significantly reduce the adult population.
Prevention Is the Best Cure
Once you kill gnats in the house, you need to make sure they don’t come back. The key is to eliminate their food sources and breeding grounds. Don’t leave ripe fruit out on the counter; store it in the refrigerator instead. Take out your trash regularly and make sure your garbage cans have tight-fitting lids. Avoid overwatering your houseplants, as damp soil is a breeding ground for fungus gnats. By keeping your home clean and dry, you can prevent these annoying pests from taking over again.
What’s your go-to method for getting rid of gnats? Let us know in the comments!
What to Read Next…
- The Safest and Cheapest Car in 2025? We Found It
- Keeping Your Pets Safe in the Summer Heat
- 8 Healthy Pet Hacks That Save You Hundreds at the Vet
- 9 Times Big Purchases Led Straight to Breakups (And Why)
- 9 “Safety” Gadgets That Are Easier to Hack Than You Think
The post 6 Genius Ways to Kill Gnats in the House appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
