You might not realize it, but gnats are actually small flies. And, like flies, some gnats bite and others don't. While one gnat might not seem like an issue, you’ll commonly see them flying together in “clouds”. This can quickly ruin any outdoor event and pose an issue when they enter your home.
Although the majority of gnats don’t carry any diseases, they can transmit pinkeye to people and livestock. If you suspect you have a gnat infestation in your home, it’s best to take care of it before they contaminate your food.
Unfortunately, if you keep fruit on your counter, you may attract gnats. They look for rotting fruit and can quickly turn your kitchen into their own personal buffet.
It’s best to prevent gnats before they become an issue, and there are several DIY methods you can try. If nothing works, don’t hesitate to call a
professional pest removal company. In the meantime, consider the following tricks to get rid of gnats.
Vinegar
You may think that gnats are repelled by the scent of vinegar, but it’s the other way around. If you clean your home with
white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, consider wiping your counters with water afterward to try and remove the smell as best as possible.
If you can, keep vinegar away from any exposed fruit, preventing the gnats in your house in the first place.
Cover Fruit and Vegetables
Do gnats like fruit? Absolutely!
As with any pest, it’s best to cover any fruits and vegetables (or other food items) you have out on your counters. This only attracts gnats and other insects
or rodents. Instead, cover any food that’s out on the counters or store it in your refrigerator or pantry.
Create a Gnat-Repellent Spray
You can prevent gnats with a mixture of scents that naturally repels them. For starters, gnats hate the scent of lemon and peppermint.
You could plant lemongrass in your yard to keep them at bay. If you opt for essential oils, be mindful of pets and children, as they’re
toxic if ingested.
Grab a Banana
How do you get rid of gnats in the house using
humane pest control methods? Gnats like sweet fruits, and you can use this to your advantage. If you want to make a DIY gnat trap, you can lure them away from your home.
Grab a large plate and a large bowl (the plate should cover your bowl). Take a banana and peel it, placing it inside the bowl. Don’t cover your bowl and don’t move it. You want to entice any indoor gnats over to the uncovered banana.
If you have any other fruit in your kitchen put it away and wipe down your counters so the gnats are focused on that one particular area. As gnats land on the banana, quickly cover the bowl with the plate and bring it outside, far from the house.
Once you’re far enough from your house that they can’t fly back inside, remove the plate and shake any gnats off your banana. Return your bowl and banana to your kitchen and repeat until all gnats are caught.
Get Rid of Gnats With Serene Property Services
If you’re looking to get rid of gnats, you may need to call in the pros. Although there are DIY methods you can try, professional pest removal services can prevent gnats and other pests from infesting your home in the first place.
Serene Property Services can help. We offer pest removal solutions in Sparta, NJ. We’re proud to service all of Sussex County, NJ, and Warwick, NY.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
