Gnats are a nuisance. And believe you me, they won’t hesitate to bite you should you stray too near them. They are like the insects that are attracted to light, they like bright lights, just as I do. The difference is that I don’t go around biting people. Gnats can be scary, let’s find out how we can get rid of them in our kitchen.
Gnats can easily hitchhike on any food that has already begun to rot or ferment, and are most common in areas where food is prepared, stored or carried from one location to the next. If you live in a tropical region, gnats are an unavoidable part of your daily life. They are almost everywhere: in your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and kids’ room. And sometimes around the eyes.
Also See: How to get rid of ants in the kitchen
Table of Contents
Quick tips to get rid of gnats
A number of flies and gnats are attracted to the kitchen because it has food and water. While these tiny flies won’t harm you, they can be annoying as they linger on your dishes and snacks. Use these tips to get rid of gnats in your home:
- Boil water in a small pot or pan on the stove.
- Allow it to cool, and then transfer it into a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture into areas where gnats hover and congregate, including the counters, windowsills, garbage disposal area, trash cans and floors.
- Spray any gnats that are flying around with the solution to kill them. This is also an effective household cleaner for use in kitchens as well as bathrooms.
Things you will need
Mouthwash
Bowl
Paper towel
Vegetable oil
Tupperware or plastic wrap
Rubbing alcohol or vodka
Wine, beer or juice
Getting rid of gnats in kitchen naturally
There are many ways to get rid of gnats in kitchen without using pesticides. Below are some of the best solutions that you can try.
Apple Cider Vinegar Trap
Apple cider vinegar attracts gnats and kills them instantly. To make a trap, mix two parts waters with one part apple cider vinegar, add three drops of dish soap, and pour the mixture into a small container (a jar or bowl). The dish soap breaks down the surface tension of the liquid so that when a gnat lands on it, they get trapped and die.
White Vinegar
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar instead. Mix one part water with one-part white vinegar and add three drops of dish soap. Place this mixture in a small container (like a jar or bowl) near where you are.
Always rinse your fruits and vegetables after storing
Fruit flies and fungus gnats are common household pests that have the potential to do a lot of damage. The larvae of both species feed on the roots of plants, which can lead to malnutrition, stunted growth and eventual death. You must tackle infestations early with a multi-step approach.
Check fruit baskets for moldy fruits
Check fruit baskets for moldy fruits or other decomposing organic material that may be attracting gnats. Remove any spoiled fruit and thoroughly wash the basket with soapy water.Place an apple cider vinegar trap in areas where you are seeing gnat activity. Fill a small bowl about halfway with apple cider vinegar, then add a few drops of dish soap. The combination of the vinegar and soap will attract the gnats and drown them in the liquid.
Keep your kitchen free from moisture
Gnats are attracted to damp areas and are commonly found in kitchens, where they can breed in fruit and vegetables, or any rotting food left out on the counter. To stop gnats in the kitchen, keep unrefrigerated produce in airtight containers or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. If you see any fruit that has started to rot, throw it away immediately.
Clean and empty your garbage cans regularly
To prevent gnat infestations in your garbage cans, clean the insides and outsides with soap and water weekly. Then, empty the garbage cans every single day to minimize odors that attract the gnats.
Decrease the amount of produce stored in the house at any given time
Decrease the amount of produce stored in the house at any given time. Gnats reproduce in moist soil, so they will be attracted to fruits and vegetables that have begun to rot or spoil. Another way to kill gnats is to keep your trash sealed as well as not leaving dirty dishes out for too long.
Repair leaky faucets, pipes, air conditioners, humidifiers or other sources of water
Place cling wrap over the top of any open liquids that may be infested with gnats (including sink drains and garbage disposals) and tape it shut. The gnats will get trapped inside the liquid and die. When you are ready to dispose of the water, simply throw away the entire container of water.
Use fans to help dry out your kitchen area
Use fans to help dry out your kitchen area. Gnats prefer moist environments, so if you can keep your kitchen as dry as possible, you’ll be less likely to attract gnats in the first place.If you’re using a fan, though, don’t have it blowing directly on your fruit bowl or other areas where you keep food. You don’t want to blow any gnats that may be lurking over there onto the food itself.
Conclusion
You can get rid of gnats by keeping the kitchen clean and dry.Gnats are unpleasant creatures that can be hard to get rid of once you see them for the first time. Fortunately, with diligent cleaning and dry environments, you can effectively keep them from returning.
Speaking from experience, if one could extensively clean the kitchen, it may be possible to eliminate gnats from your home as well.
