If you’ve noticed tiny flying bugs swarming around your fruit bowl, sink, or trash can, chances are you have a gnat problem. These little pests may be small, but they multiply fast and can quickly take over your kitchen, bathroom, or plants.
The good news? You can get rid of gnats without spending a lot of money. In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How to identify different types of gnats
- Easy DIY ways to remove them
- Prevention tips to stop them from coming back
- When to call a professional
What Are Gnats?
The term gnat refers to several small flying insects, including fruit flies, fungus gnats, and drain flies. They’re usually less than ¼ inch long, dark in color, and have wings.
Most gnats love moist, damp areas and rotting organic matter. They breed fast, which is why a few gnats can quickly turn into a big infestation.
Common Types of Gnats
1. Fruit Flies
- Found near ripe or rotting fruit, vegetables, or sugary drinks.
- They don’t bite but multiply fast indoors.
2. Fungus Gnats
- Live in damp soil, especially in overwatered houseplants.
- Harmless to humans but their larvae can damage plants.
3. Drain Flies
- Thrive in sink and shower drains where grime builds up.
- They don’t bite but are a nuisance.
4. Eye Gnats
- Attracted to moisture around the eyes.
- Common in sandy or coastal areas.
5. Black Flies
- Also called buffalo gnats.
- They bite and can cause allergic reactions in some people.
How to Get Rid of Gnats (Easy DIY Methods)
You don’t always need a pest control company to handle gnats. These simple home remedies often work well:
1. Vinegar and Dish Soap Trap
- Mix apple cider vinegar, a few drops of dish soap, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a bowl.
- Place it where gnats are most active.
- The vinegar and sugar attract them, while the soap traps and drowns them.
💡 Tip: For bigger infestations, place several bowls around your home.
2. Fruit Jar Trap
- Put overripe fruit in a jar.
- Cover with plastic wrap and poke small holes.
- Gnats enter for the fruit but can’t get out.
3. Drain Cleaning
- Mix ½ cup bleach in a gallon of water.
- Pour slowly down drains to kill gnats and their eggs.
- Keep the room ventilated while doing this.
4. Spray for Houseplants
- Mix lukewarm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Spray lightly on infested plants.
- Rinse after 2–3 hours to avoid plant damage.
5. Candle Trap
- Place a lit candle in a shallow dish of soapy water.
- Turn off the lights — gnats will fly to the flame and fall into the water.
⚠ Safety First: Never leave a candle unattended.
6. Sticky Traps
- Use yellow sticky traps near plants, fruit bowls, or trash cans.
- Replace when full.
7. Bug Zappers (For Outdoors)
- Install an outdoor bug zapper to reduce biting gnats in your yard.
How Do Gnat Infestations Start?
Gnats usually come from outside but can also sneak in with new plants, groceries, or even open windows. Once inside, they find trash cans, ripe fruit, damp drains, or wet soil and start breeding.
How to Prevent Gnats
Stopping gnats before they appear is easier than getting rid of them later. Here’s how:
- Clean up spills immediately after meals.
- Take out the trash daily and use a sealed bin.
- Store fruit in the fridge instead of on counters.
- Reduce moisture by fixing leaks and drying sinks after use.
- Avoid overwatering plants and make sure pots have drainage holes.
- Clean drains regularly with bleach or natural drain cleaners.
When to Call a Professional
If gnats keep coming back even after cleaning and trapping them, it may be time to call a pest control service. Many companies offer one-time treatments for small infestations, so you don’t have to commit to a long contract.
Final Thoughts
Gnats are annoying, but with quick action and the right prevention steps, you can get rid of them fast. Start with DIY traps and better cleaning habits, and only call a professional if they persist.
Keeping your home clean, dry, and free of standing food or water is the best way to make sure gnats don’t move in again.