Try leaving the mixture in a lidded jar or a deep bowl covered with plastic. Poke holes in the lid so the gnats have a place to enter. Replace the mixture as it fills with gnats. To make the mixture more potent, you can add 1 tablespoon (14. 8 ml) (12 ½ g) of sugar. Old fruit also works very well. Another option is to use old red wine. The more it tastes like vinegar, the better it will be. Add 6 drops of dish soap, since it prevents gnats from being able to fly out.
Consider wearing a mask when using a spray. Make sure all of your food is well-sealed as well. Then, clean all surfaces thoroughly after the spray has finished working. Note that chemical sprays can be toxic or at least unpleasant to be around. Although many of them are supposed to be safe for indoor use, you might want to leave your house while the insecticide is active.
This spray is organic, so it’s safe to use around any plants you have in your kitchen. It also won’t harm anyone else living in your home.
Flypaper has to be hung from the ceiling, so you may be limited by where you can place it. Many people tie it to fans, curtain rods, and similar objects near the ceiling. Although flypaper is effective and inexpensive, it can’t eliminate gnat larvae and eggs. Combine it with other strategies, such as soil treatment and careful cleaning.
Organic insecticidal soaps are also great for eliminating gnats. You could also use neem oil, which is an organic pesticide carried by most gardening centers.
Another way to check the soil is by sticking your finger, a rod, or another tool into it. Be careful to avoid overwatering the soil after it has dried out, since that could cause the gnats to return.
Select soil with slow-decaying fertilizers. Look for ones with perlite, coconut, or charcoal, for instance. Since they decay at a slower rate, they don’t attract as many gnats. To keep plants healthy, avoid overwatering them. Make sure the soil drains well. Try setting the plant on a potting saucer to water the soil from the bottom-up.
The same rule applies for unused soil. Close up bags of potting soil, especially if they are outdoors or near your kitchen. Store the soil in a sealed container for protection.
Take precautions to avoid the gnats from spreading. Don’t move infested plants near healthy ones, even if they are outside of your kitchen.
Gnats feast on organic material, so anything that comes from plants could be a food source. That includes fruits, vegetables, and roots.
If you notice any food that has been infested by gnats or other insects, slip it into a resealable plastic bag so the bugs can’t get back out. Then, dispose of it in the trash.
Move your pet’s water bowl to a room that doesn’t have any food in it. Remind other people to avoid leaving water glasses out while you treat the kitchen for gnats.
Remember to keep trash bags far away from your kitchen if you are unable to get rid of them right away. This is especially true if you have to get rid of decaying fruit or other things gnats like to eat.
Keeping up with cleaning is very important when you have a gnat problem. Most treatments eliminate adult gnats, but then the young gnats find new food and water sources hidden in your kitchen.
Consider sterilizing your kitchen after each use. Your sink and countertops can collect a lot of debris, especially after you prepare food.
Be aware of new spills in your kitchen, whether it’s from food, leaks, or any plants you happen to have there. Regular cleaning will prevent gnats from coming back. Pay attention to areas around the sink. They may fill with water after you do the dishes. If you notice mold or mildew, clean and dry these areas more often. Fix leaks right away, such as by plugging or replacing parts. Leaks not only create the right conditions for gnats, but they can cause damage to your home.
Another option is to pour 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar down the drain, followed by ½ of a cup (90 g) of baking soda.
Try choosing an environmentally-friendly bleach to avoid the harsh chemicals. This kind of bleach is often made with hydrogen peroxide instead of chlorine. You could also clean the drain with vinegar and baking soda if you’re looking for an organic solution.
