Here Are the Best Tricks for Getting Rid of Those Pesky Gnats

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

A gnat infestation is like a common cold in that you never realize how good you have it until you (or your plants) are unwell. Thankfully, unlike with a cold, there are a number of cures to a gnat infestation to get rid of those pesky critters for good! So if you’ve ever had to deal with the annoying aftermath of leaving a single ripe banana out on your counter or overwatering your indoor plant, you’ll want to keep track of these foolproof ways to get rid of gnats.

But before you put on your gnat killer hat, it’s important to ensure the buzzing beasts you’re dealing with are, in fact, gnats. While we may categorize most minuscule flying insects as gnats, there are many different types of gnat-like insects that require different methods of extermination. Fungus gnats have black elongated bodies and resemble mosquitoes, while fruit flies are brown and have rounder bodies. Drain flies, on the other hand, are fuzzy creatures with large, moth-like wings, often found around sink drains. So now that you know what gnats look like, the first step to getting rid of your gnat problem is to figure out the cause. As mentioned earlier, moist soil and overwatered plants are a prime breeding ground for gnats. Plus, fungus gnats are attracted to compost and even dead foliage.

To save your future self a headache, start simply by emptying your trash daily, cleaning dirty dishes regularly, storing food properly using high-quality food storage containers, and removing rotten produce, dead leaves, and flowers from your home. Finally, repotting your plants into a clean container with fresh potting soil can also help ensure your spring florals are gnat-free. But if you still find yourself with gnats, continue reading to discover ten effective methods for eliminating gnats from your home, including reliable products, such as fly paper and sticky traps, as well as clever strategies, like using homemade cleaners and a candle flame trap. If all this gnat talk makes you want to say “bye” to the other bugs in your life, check out how to get rid of mosquitoes, too!

Potato Trap

This fun hack is so easy! Just put raw potato chunks into the soil of your infected plant to help draw the gnats away from the plant’s roots. Replace the potato chunks as needed until the fungus gnats have faded!

Greenkeeper Sticky Traps

We know, it can be hard to be-leaf (get it?) that your beloved houseplants could be causing your gnat problem. But, before you make the difficult decision to get rid of your greenery, try some traps instead. These cute and colorful sticky traps go right in the soil and will catch anything buzzing around the pot. They'll get rid of those annoying bugs and protect your plant pet, too.

Masontops Trap Caps - 4 Count

You can technically make this trap at home by covering a jar of rotting fruit with perforated plastic wrap. However, many people find these mason jar lids to work much better. You'll just put fruit into your own jar then screw on the cap. The fruit will draw the gnats in through entry holes, but they won't be able to leave. Plus, the lids are dishwasher safe as well!

Fly Paper

When dealing with pesky critters, you really can't go wrong with fly paper! It'll catch any flying insects from gnats and houseflies to mosquitoes. That way, you can knock out several problems in one go. Just unroll the sticky paper using a twirling motion and hang wherever gnats are an issue. We promise they won't be bugging you anymore!

Apple Cider Vinegar Trap

Make a gnat-catching solution with ingredients you have in your pantry. Mix a half cup warm water with two tablespoons apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon of sugar, and six drops of liquid dish soap in a small bowl. Gnats won't be able to resist the sweet concoction, but thanks to the sticky soap, they won't be able to escape!

Red Wine Trap

Don't worry, you don't have to sacrifice your favorite bottle. This trap works best with wine that's turned vinegary. Mix some vino with a couple drops of dish soap in a small bowl, and wait for the gnats to accumulate.

Diluted Bleach

Are gnats hanging out around your drain? Getting rid of them might be as easy as using this household cleaning product. Dilute a cup of bleach with about one gallon water, pour it down the drain, and your gnat problem will be history.

Candle Flame Trap

Burn, baby, burn! For this old-school trick, place a long tapered candle in a candlestick holder, then put the holder into a pan that's partially filled with water. Turn off all the lights and wait for the gnats to fly toward the flame. If they don't hit the flame directly, they'll fall into the water.

Insect Control

If indoor plants are the culprit behind your gnat problem, invest in these ready-to-use granules, which you can add to the soil of a potted plant. The pesticide will protect your plants from gnats (plus termites, mealybugs, and other pesky insects) for up to eight weeks. Note: You shouldn't use it for any edible plants!

Rotten Fruit

It might sound counterintuitive, but you can lure gnats with the same thing that might've caused your problem. Add rotten fruit to a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, secure with a rubber band, and poke small holes on the surface. Gnats will flock to the overripe fruit, but they won't be able to escape!

You Might Also Like

• 15 Best Denim Jacket Outfit Ideas to Pull from Your Closet

• 10 Best Shampoos for Red Hair Like Ree Drummond's