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Home » Blog » How To Get Rid of Gnats In The House

How To Get Rid of Gnats In The House

How To Get Rid of Gnats In The House

Picture this: you're in your kitchen, minding your own business, and suddenly tiny, annoying and tiny flying insects and flies start buzzing around. Yep, those are gnats. But what exactly are they?

Gnats are those minuscule, pesky insects that seem to appear out of nowhere. They're like the party crashers of the insect world, and nobody invited them! These small, flying nuisances are often characterized by their slender bodies and delicate wings, making them elusive until they become an annoyance.

In this article, join us at Critter Stop to explore how to get rid of gnats, how to kill gnats in the house, some of the best ways to get rid of gnats in the house, and home remedies to get rid of gnats in the house.

Overview of Common Gnat Species

Now, let's get to know our uninvited guests a bit better. There are different types of gnats—fruit flies, fungus gnats, and drain flies, to name a few. Despite their diminutive size, each species brings its own unique set of challenges.

Fruit flies are notorious for hovering around fruits and vegetables, risking the freshness of your food. Fungus gnats, on the other hand, pose a threat to plants due to their larvae feeding on roots. Drain flies, as the name suggests, thrive in moist environments, presenting hygiene concerns.

These tiny intruders may be small, tiny bugs but their diverse species know how to make a big impact on your annoyance scale. Understanding the specific type of gnat causing trouble is the first step toward effective control and prevention.

Drain Flies
Drain Flies

How to Determine if You Have a Gnat Infestation

So, the buzzing has become the soundtrack to your life, and you're pretty sure the gnats are behind it. Don't worry; we've got a bit of detective work for you. No need to fetch a magnifying glass (but hey, if you have one, go ahead and feel like a detective), just keep an eye out for some subtle clues.

Gnats have their favorite hangout spots, so pay attention. Check out those damp areas—they love a good moisture fiesta. And oh, don't forget to inspect your ripe fruit or bowl. If you spot these winged troublemakers having a party around your overripe fruit, congratulations, you might just have a gnat infestation on your hands! Time to show them the door with a bit of fun and easy pest control.

Identifying Gnats in the Home

Wondering if you're dealing with a gnat situation? Keep an eye out for telltale signs like tiny creatures buzzing around your fruit bowl or, even worse, invading your personal space. Gnats might be sneaky, but they're not ninja-level stealthy.

Persistent Buzzing Around Fruit Bowls

Is your fruit bowl turning into an unexpected gnat hangout? If you notice tiny creatures buzzing around your fruits, it's a red flag. Gnats love to party where there's food, and your fruit bowl might be the hottest spot in town for them.

Invasion of Personal Space

Gnats, though small, can be mighty invaders of personal space. If you find these winged intruders making uninvited appearances around you, it's time to address the problem. Your space should be a gnat-free zone, and any intrusion calls for action.

Conspicuous and Persistent Hovering

Gnats might be sneaky, but they're not ninja-level stealthy. Their presence can be detected by their conspicuous and persistent hovering. If you feel like you're in a constant gnat airshow, it's a clear sign that these tiny troublemakers have taken residence in your home.

Swatting More Than Usual

If your usual routine involves swatting at invisible foes, and it's become more frequent, you might have a gnat infestation. Gnats are elusive, but if you find yourself engaging in impromptu swatting sessions, it's time to investigate and take action against these potential invaders.

Prevention and Control
Gnats buzzing around can be quite a nuisance, but fear not—there are effective ways to manage them, starting with environmental control. Let's explore how you can have pest control companies take charge of your space and bid those pesky gnats farewell.

Environmental Management

Regular Cleaning

When we provided mosquito control, we found that Gnats love messes. So, let's beat them at their own game! Regular cleaning is your secret weapon. Wipe down surfaces, clean those sinks, nooks, and crannies, and show those gnats who's boss. Turning your space into a gleaming, gnat-free zone has never been more satisfying. It's not just cleaning; it's a triumph over tiny intruders!

Covering Food

Imagine your food as a VIP party that only you're invited to. Gnats aren't on the guest list. Keep your food covered, and watch the gnats realize they're not welcome at your feast. It's like having your own bouncer but for gnats—no entry allowed! Your food remains pristine, and the gnats have to find another sugar source. 

covering food
Covering fruits is a good way to keep away Gnats.

Reducing Moisture

Gnats thrive in damp places. Let's dry up those areas, fix leaky faucets, and take away their preferred hangout spots. Without moisture, gnats will be searching for a new home, far away from yours. Say goodbye to their favorite damp hideouts. It's a moisture-free revolution, and the gnats are left without a comfortable place to hang their wings.

Natural Repellents

Are gnats turning your home into an unwanted party zone? Fungus gnats and drain flies can be real party crashers. The good news? You can create a DIY trap using stuff from your kitchen – apple cider vinegar, dish soap, and water. Mix them up inside a bottle, and watch the magic happen. The vinegar lures the gnats in with its sweet scent, while the dish soap acts like a trap, making sure they can't escape. It's like a gnat disco they can't resist.

Especially useful for those pesky fungus gnats that love laying eggs in moist soil. Stick these traps near your plants, and you're intercepting them at every stage of their life cycle. Also, keep an eye on any rotting fruit – gnats love it, so toss it out to evict them. Simple, right? This easy kitchen concoction can make your home a gnat-free zone in no time.

Chemical Control

Insecticides

Sometimes, you've got to bring out the big guns. Insecticides can be your gnat-busting heroes, swooping in to save the day. It's like giving those pesky gnats a one-way ticket out of your houseplant. Spray, and watch them scatter! The battle is intense, and the victory is swift as your space transforms from a gnat-infested zone to a gnat-free haven.

Fogging

Think of fogging as the superhero entrance. It's like the Avengers assembling to tackle gnat trouble. Fogging covers every nook and cranny, reaching those hidden gnat lairs and sending them packing. It's the grand exit these intruders never saw coming. Your home becomes a battlefield, and fogging is the superhero move that declares victory over the gnat invasion.

Traps

Sticky traps, plastic traps, DIY traps—call them what you want, but these traps are like the Gryffindor common room for gnats. They lure them in and make sure they don't escape. It's the ultimate gnat gathering where they meet their match. Stick a trap, and let the gnat-catching magic begin! These traps turn your space into a strategic battlefield, with the gnats unwittingly falling into your cleverly set traps. Victory is sweet, and your home is gnat-free!

Treating a Gnat Infestation

So, what kills gnats? Discover effective ways to tackle a gnat infestation without resorting to chemical interventions.

Non-Chemical Methods

Let's delve into non-chemical methods that will have those pesky gnats heading for the exits.

Vacuuming

Time to suck up those unwanted guests! Grab your vacuum and let it be your gnat-catching sidekick. It's a high-powered solution to make those tiny troublemakers disappear. Vacuum your way to a gnat-free zone!

Using Sticky Traps

Sticky traps are like flypaper for gnats. They fly in, get stuck, and you can bid them farewell. It's the ultimate sticky situation for the gnats flying in, and you get to be the hero who shows them the way out. Say hello to a gnat-free home with all the lights and magic of sticky traps.

Sticky traps
Sticky traps are one of the most common ways to deal with gnats.

Sticky Paper

Gnats see a shiny surface and can't resist. Sticky paper is their kryptonite. Place it strategically, and watch as it becomes an irresistible trap for these winged invaders. It's like setting up a glittery gnat playground, only to see them stick around where you want them—on the paper and out of your hair!

B. Chemical Methods

Insecticides

Spray them away! Insecticides come in spray form, making it easy to target those specific gnat hotspots. It's like giving those pesky intruders an eviction notice with a quick and precise spray. Watch them scatter as your space becomes a no-fly zone for gnats.

Sprays

Turn your home into a gnat-free zone with sprays designed to eliminate these tiny troublemakers. It's a quick and effective solution—just a few spritzes, and the gnats will be on their way out. Say goodbye to drain gnats to the buzz and hello to peace.

Baits

Gnats have a sweet tooth, especially for the apple cider vinegar and wine. Use their weakness against them by setting up baits. It's like setting a gourmet trap just for them. Watch as they're lured in, and bid them adieu. Baits: turning their sweet cravings into their downfall.

Conclusion

So, there you have it—a comprehensive guide to evicting those uninvited gnat guests. Follow these steps to learn what gets rid of gnats in the house and your home will be gnat-free in no time. From the sneaky signs of infestation to the superhero-like chemical and non-chemical methods, you now have the tools to produce your victory and reclaim your space from these tiny troublemakers.

Benefits of Controlling a Gnat Infestation

Aside from the obvious benefit of peace and quiet, controlling a gnat infestation means a cleaner, more hygienic living space. It's a win-win! Bid farewell to the annoyance, say hello to cleanliness, and revel in the newfound serenity of a gnat-free environment.

Tips for Preventing Future Infestations

Want to make sure those pesky gnats never crash your party again? Stay on top of cleaning, cover your food, and keep things dry. Remember, a gnat-free home is a happy home! With these preventive measures, you'll be the undisputed champion in the battle against future gnat invasions.

As wildlife removal and mosquito control experts, at Critter Stop we feel proud of our community service in helping homeowners to deal with their critters. If you have any questions about Gnats or have some doubts about how to handle this situation, our team is ready to pick up your call! Contact us at (214) 234-2616 and we will be in touch. We covered all the North Texas area. 

If you live in Colorado, we would recommend our friends at King Pest. Based in Grand Junction, they offer various pest control services in Colorado and have an excellent reputation, both in the industry and with their customers.

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Lee Gorman
Lee Gorman
13:50 21 Nov 22
I’d give a 10 star review if I could! We had a great experience with Critter Stop. Everyone I dealt was friendly, professional, and reassuring. Phillip was very helpful and knowledgeable about the work he was doing. He walked me around the entire house to make sure I saw and understood the services he provided. He was also really nice and answered all my questions — he is exactly the type of person that should be interacting with customers.I love the fact that they will come back for up to 1 year after installation if any problems occur — this shows me they stand behind their work.The owner was great too, he personally came to my house and walked me through their offering. I recommend critter stop to anyone and everyone!
Susan Casey
Susan Casey
14:53 15 Nov 22
Critter Stop is a fantastic business! Everyone involved is extremely professional and very easy to communicate with. Chisam, the owner, did a great job of explaining the process to get the squirrels out of my attic during the initial free estimate. The exclusion crew who did all of the initial work was fabulous. The crew consisted of Phillip, Nick and Corey who arrived promptly when they said they would. They are happy, positive employees. Everyone is very polite and patient in explaining their work and answering questions. They came back several times to check the traps and finish it off with the fogging. Lester was very good about following up to schedule each trap check with me, and the office staff who took care of the billing was very efficient. Critter Stop is a well run company with honest, trustworthy employees! Thank you to all of you who worked hard to make my attic critter free and for the peace of mind that you guarantee your work. Great to know I can call them if for some reason a squirrel figures out a way to get back in!
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Karen Eckholdt
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Jacob Scribner
19:23 27 Jul 22
Brandon and his other coworker Gavin came to install insulation in my attic. I am very grateful for the hard work and professionalism. My house feels a lot better with the insulation installed. 5 star review. Cory Leach was also very nice and helpful. He came to my house to do another job and was very attentive and professional. Thank you Corey and thank you Critter Stop for helping me.The owner very polite and helpful, I’m glad I found this company to help me.
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