Clean Your Garbage Disposal

One effective method for cleaning your garbage disposal is to use ice cubes. Simply fill your disposal with ice cubes and run it with cold water for about 30 seconds. The ice cubes help to sharpen the blades and remove any built-up debris. You can also add a few lemon or lime peels to freshen up the smell.

Avoid Overwatering Plants

Monitor soil moisture levels in your indoor plants and avoid overwatering. Gnats are attracted to damp soil and roots, making houseplants a particularly vulnerable spot for infestations to start. Properly drain pots and regularly check for signs of mold or mildew on plant leaves.

DIY Remedies for Killing Gnats

If you’re dealing with a gnat infestation, it can be frustrating trying to get rid of them. However, there are some DIY remedies that can help you eliminate these pesky insects.

Apple Cider Vinegar

One of the most effective DIY remedies for killing gnats is apple cider vinegar. To use this method, grab a small bowl and pour a small amount of apple cider vinegar into it. Then, add a few drops of dish soap and stir the mixture thoroughly. The dish soap helps break down the surface tension of the vinegar, causing the gnats to drown when they come into contact with it. Place the bowl near the gnat-infested area and let it sit overnight. The next morning, you should see a significant reduction in the gnat population.

Sticky Traps

You can easily make your own sticky trap by grabbing a piece of yellow or blue construction paper and smearing it with petroleum jelly. Place the paper near the gnat-infested area and watch as the gnats get stuck to the sticky surface. You can also purchase pre-made sticky traps at your local hardware store and hang them around your home.

Bleach

Finally, to kill gnats in your drains, you can create a mixture of warm water and a cup of bleach. Pour this mixture down your drain and let it sit for a few hours before running hot water down the drain. This will effectively kill any gnats living in your drains, as well as their larvae.

Chemical Remedies for Killing Gnats

Unfortunately, sometimes natural remedies aren’t strong enough to get rid of gnats. In these cases, it may be necessary to turn to chemical remedies.

Insecticide Spray

One common product used to kill gnats is insecticide spray. These sprays contain chemicals that are designed to kill insects on contact, including gnats. Spray it in areas where you’ve seen gnats, such as around windows, near drains, or over plants. Follow the product’s instructions carefully and use the spray only in well-ventilated areas.

Fogger

Another option is to use a fogger or insecticide bomb. These products release a cloud of insecticide that fills the room and kills any gnats that come into contact with it. Foggers and bombs can be effective at getting rid of large swarms of gnats, but they can also be harmful if not used properly. Follow the product’s instructions carefully and leave the room for the recommended amount of time to avoid inhaling any harmful chemicals.

Chemical Drain Cleaner

Chemical drain cleaners can also be effective at killing gnats that are breeding in your drains. These products contain harsh chemicals that dissolve organic matter, including the gunk and buildup that gnats like to breed in. Use these products with caution, as they can be harmful if they come into contact with your skin or eyes. Wear protective gloves and goggles when using drain cleaner, and follow the product’s instructions carefully.

When to Hire a Professional to Treat a Gnat Problem

While some gnat infestations are minor and easily resolved with DIY techniques, there may be instances when that’s not enough. Here are some situations in which it’s best to hire a professional to treat your problem.

The Infestation Is Severe

If you’ve tried DIY methods and the gnat population continues to grow, the infestation may be more severe than you initially thought. In this case, a professional pest control company can assess the situation and provide more effective treatments to eliminate the gnat population.

The Type of Gnat Is Unknown 

There are many different types of gnats, and not all treatments will work on every type. If you’re unsure of the type of gnat you’re dealing with, it’s best to consult with a Truly Nolen professional who can properly identify the pest and recommend an appropriate treatment.

The Infestation Is Affecting Your Health 

Some gnats, such as eye gnats and phorid flies, can cause health problems and irritations. If you’re experiencing bug bites or other symptoms, seek help from a Truly Nolen professional who can safely eliminate the problem.

You Have a Busy Schedule

DIY methods can be time-consuming and may require multiple treatments. If you don’t have the time to follow through with these treatments, it’s best to hire a professional who can quickly and effectively handle the situation.

You Want to Prevent Future Infestations

If you’ve had trouble with gnats in the past, a professional from Truly Nolen can help identify the source of the problem and provide preventative measures to avoid future infestations.

Conclusion

Gnats can be annoying, and infestations in your home can be difficult to eradicate. There are several prevention tips you can utilize, such as sealing cracks and openings in your home, keeping your house clean, and eliminating standing water and food sources for gnats. If you employ these tips and an infestation still occurs, there are some DIY pest control treatments you can try, including apple cider vinegar, sticky traps, and bleach. But when DIY treatments aren’t enough, you may need to call in a Truly Nolen professional to take care of the problem and prevent it from happening again.