Ways to Eliminate Gnats From Your Home

Dealing with gnats can be frustrating, but the good news is that getting rid of gnats doesn’t always require expensive interventions. These tiny pests—including fruit flies, fungus gnats, and drain flies—multiply rapidly, so swift action is essential. The approach you take depends on how severe the infestation is, what resources you have available, and your budget. Here are the most effective methods to get rid of gnats and reclaim a pest-free living space.

Start With DIY Traps

The simplest way to eliminate gnats is through homemade traps. One popular method involves combining apple cider vinegar with dish soap and a touch of sugar in a shallow bowl. The vinegar and sugar draw the gnats in, while the soap causes them to sink and drown. Position your trap in the area where you spot the most activity—typically the kitchen.

An alternative approach uses red wine mixed with dish soap, which works similarly well. For more severe infestations where you’re seeing gnats everywhere, create multiple traps and place them throughout your home.

If you have overripe fruit available, you can fashion a different type of trap by placing mashed fruit (bananas are particularly effective) in a container, covering it with plastic wrap, and puncturing small holes. The gnats enter but cannot escape.

Another creative option is the light trap method: position a lit candle in a holder sitting in shallow water, then turn off the lights. Attracted to the flame, the gnats will either burn or fall into the water surrounding the candle.

Use a Spray Solution

For minor gnat problems with just a handful of insects, a spray bottle solution may suffice. Fill a spray bottle with water, add a tablespoon of vinegar and a small amount of dish soap, then spray directly onto gnats as you spot them. This works best when the infestation is still in its early stages.

Clear Drain Areas With Bleach

When gnats congregate around bathroom or kitchen drains, traps alone often prove insufficient. In these cases, dilute half a cup of bleach in a gallon of water and pour it slowly down the affected drain. Repeat as necessary until you no longer see gnats in that area.

Call In Professional Help

If your gnat problem persists despite trying the methods above, or if infestations keep returning, professional pest control may be necessary. Specialists can target gnat larvae directly and develop a customized treatment strategy based on your specific situation. Expect to budget between $500 and $700 for professional pest control services.

Stop Gnats Before They Start

Prevention is more effective than constantly fighting new infestations. After clearing your current gnat problem, implement these habits: clean up food and beverages immediately after eating, dispose of trash daily in sealed containers, reduce plant watering frequency since gnats breed in moist soil, and store fruit in the refrigerator instead of leaving it on counters where it attracts pests.

By combining these strategies, you can successfully get rid of gnats and maintain a comfortable home environment long-term.