In rare cases a gnat bite can cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Symptoms of this include but are not limited to trouble breathing, nausea, swollen throat, lightheadedness and rapid heartbeat. If this happens visit a doctor immediately. Show
Don’t worry, there are plenty of measures you can take before calling an exterminator to come out for a treatment. Keep reading to learn how to get rid of gnats with a few easy methods, as well as some tips on preventing them from coming back on your own or with a professional pest control company. Get Estimates From Exterminators Near You Answer a few simple questions, and we'll take care of the rest. Get Quote Common Types of GnatsThe term “gnat” represents a range of species of tiny, two-winged flying insects, meaning there are various types of gnats that infest homes throughout the United States. Here are four of the most common gnats you may be facing in your home:
6 Ways to Eliminate GnatsHere are six methods to try if you need to eliminate gnats in your home:
Place Sticky TrapsAs an easy first step to take care of your gnat problem, you can spend roughly $5 to $10 on sticky traps to place in areas you’ve seen the insects flying around. They typically can last for a few months and are baited with a solution that attracts the gnats then traps them with a sticky substance. Trap Them With Apple Cider VinegarOne of the most popular do-it-yourself (DIY) gnat removal methods is the homemade apple cider vinegar trap. It’s a simple strategy of attracting the gnats or fruit flies with food, then trapping them by blocking their exit with a paper cone or plastic wrap. Here’s how it works:
Use Your Fresh Fruits or Red WineIf your kitchen becomes infested with gnats because of fresh fruit sitting out, you can use that fruit to get rid of fruit flies. Rather than making a trap with apple cider vinegar, as described in the previous section, you can place bits of your overripe fruit in a small glass, bowl, or jar. Cover the container with plastic wrap and poke small holes into the plastic with a toothpick. You can also attract fruit flies with red wine and a couple drops of dish soap in a glass or jar. The dish soap separates from the wine, so whenever a gnat lands on the solution, it sinks and drowns. Turn on Your FanOnce you see a few gnats flying around your home, you could try adding more air flow to discourage them from sticking around. This is a great strategy to try before investing in traps or attempting other DIY methods, since it’s as simple as flipping a switch. Because gnats have small wings, they’re generally weak flyers and typically avoid windy environments or areas with a lot of air movement. Clear Your Drains and Garbage DisposalIf you’re noticing gnats with fuzzy complexions and grayish colors, you probably have a drain fly infestation. Gnats and larvae usually nest in and feed on the moist, decomposing materials in your drain. The best way to eliminate these invaders is a deep cleanse of any sink drains that could be housing the drain flies. You can mix your own solution or purchase one to pour down the drain in your attempt to rinse out their home. Here are some solutions to try:
Hire an ExterminatorIf you try these methods and can’t fully eradicate your gnat problem, you may need to call a top professional pest control company to help, such as Terminix or Orkin. Their general pest control plans typically cover gnat infestations and can also help prevent invasions from a wide range of other pests, such as cockroaches, ants, and rodents. A technician will come out to your property, inspect the gnats’ nesting areas, plus the rest of the interior and exterior of your property, and perform a comprehensive initial treatment for the gnats and other common household pests. Then, you can set up quarterly or bi-monthly scheduled treatments to continually prevent any issues in the future. Get Estimates From Exterminators Near You Answer a few simple questions, and we'll take care of the rest. Get Quote Tips for Preventing GnatsNow that you’ve solved your gnat problem, you should follow these four best practices for preventing them from returning. These tips to remove pests’ food sources can help you keep your home free of other types of pests as well, such as cockroaches, house flies, and ants.
Provides a one-time pest control service optionAvailable in 45 statesIncludes reservice guarantee 877-611-9190 Get StartedSave $50 on Pest Control Plan 4.5/5Has a 30-day money-back guaranteeAvailable in 47 statesHas an online quote tool for pest control plan quotes 877-796-2851 Get StartedCall Before 12pm for Same Day Service 4/5Offers easy communication with local techniciansAvailable in 12 statesBi-monthly or quarterly treatments 818-273-1741 Get StartedGet a free, customized quote today! Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat causes your house to have gnats?The cause of your gnat problem can vary depending on the type of gnat invading your home. Since fungus gnats typically live and breed in your indoor plants’ potted soil, too much moisture and organic matter in the soil is likely the cause. On the other hand, fruit flies are drawn to decaying fruits, so the bananas sitting on your counter or the bowl of apples on your table could be the cause of that issue. Drain flies are another common type of gnat in homes across the country, and they live and breed in the organic matter in your drain. If you haven’t cleaned your drains in a while and notice some fuzzy gnats that look like tiny moths, you likely have a drain fly issue. Do gnats go away on their own?No, it’s unlikely that gnats will go away on their own once they start reproducing. You will need to take proper measures to get rid of them, such as putting away your fruits, flushing out your drains, or changing the soil in your indoor plants’ pots. Do house gnats bite?No, most common house gnats don’t bite or cause any harm to your home. However, if you live near sitting water or in a generally moist environment, you may have issues with biting midges or no-see-ums on your property, gnats which can bite your skin and leave small, itchy bumps, similar to mosquito bites. What is the fastest way to get rid of gnats?Vinegar Traps
One method includes setting a bowl near the infestation and pouring apple cider vinegar, a teaspoon of sugar and a teaspoon of dish soap into the bowl. The sugar will attract the gnats, the dish soap will prevent them from escaping and the vinegar will kill them.
How do you get rid of gnats in one day?Mixing half a cup of isopropyl alcohol with a teaspoon of dish soap in a spray bottle, and spritzing it directly on to the gnats will quickly kill the gnats.
|