Although not very dangerous, gnats are very annoying insects. Fortunately, there are many ways to trap and eradicate these pests without resorting to expensive commercial products. You can deal with an attack that has already occurred using ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, sugar, soap, and a bleach solution. After that, keep the kitchen clean to prevent the arrival of other gnats. If you want to deal with gnats outdoors, there are a few easy remedies you can use to keep them from sticking to your body.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Dealing with Gnat Insects
Step 1. Make a trap by mixing apple cider vinegar, sugar, water and dish soap
Use 2 tbsp (30 ml) apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp (12 grams) sugar, 1⁄2 tsp (3 ml) dish soap, and 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm water. Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl, then place it on the affected area. Leave the mixture there overnight and wash off the next morning. Repeat this process as needed.
The smell of sugar and apple cider vinegar will lure the gnats into the bowl. When these insects approach the bowl, the soap suds will trap and pull them into the water
Tip:
You can also use red wine and dish soap for the same effect. The gnats that are attracted to the smell of wine will be trapped by the soap and into the bowl or glass.
Step 2. Cover the bowl filled with mashed bananas with plastic to attract the gnats
Gnats love rotten fruit so you can use them to trap these insects. Put the mashed bananas in a bowl, cover the bowl with plastic, then make a small hole with a fork. The gnat will come to the banana and enter the bowl through the hole, but will not be able to get out.
This method doesn't kill gnats, so you'll need to throw the bananas and plastic covers in the trash can outside your home. You can also use a disposable bowl that can be thrown away with the trap
Step 3. Dilute the bleach, then pour it down the drain if a lot of gnats are swarming around the area
Mix 1/2 cup (120 ml) of bleach with 4 liters of water and slowly pour it down the drain. Bleach mixed with water will kill any gnats living in the drain. Repeat this every day until the gnats are gone.
Warning:
Wear gloves and a mask when you handle bleach. It's also a good idea to wear old clothes in case the solution gets splashed on your clothes.
Step 4. Spray the gnats with a mixture of vinegar, water, and dish soap
Take a spray bottle and add 1 cup (250 ml) of water, 1 tbsp (15 ml) of vinegar and 1⁄4 tsp (2 ml) of dish soap. Whenever you encounter gnats, spray them with this mixture.
This method of handling the gnat is non-toxic. This method is also harmless to objects, pets, plants, or children
Step 5. Remove gnats with wax and soapy water in a bowl
Place the candle in a bowl or tray half filled with soapy water. You can use about 1/2 tsp (3 ml) of dish soap. Light the candles, close the curtains, then turn off all the lights. The wax and its reflection in the water will attract gnats. The wax will burn the gnat's wings, and the soapy water will trap it.
Warning:
Do not leave burning candles unattended, and avoid placing these traps near fabric, or in places where they can fall over easily.
Method 2 of 3: Getting Rid of Objects That Interest the Gnats
Step 1. Discard fruit that has begun to rot, or store fresh fruit in the refrigerator
Gnats really like fruit that is starting to ripen because the sweet aroma will attract these insects. If possible, put the fruit in the refrigerator. If the fruit on the table begins to rot or attract insects, throw it away or compost it.
Likewise, if you collect food scraps for compost, don't put it in a bucket or container without a lid in the kitchen. Use a container with a lid, or take the leftovers to an outdoor compost bin
Step 2. Keep the sink clean and remove dirty dishes from there
Gnats like damp areas, especially if there are food crumbs lying around. Try to wash the dishes or put them in the dishwasher right after you eat. You should at least clean the dishes and sink in the afternoon to prevent the arrival of gnats that are attracted to dirty dishes.
- Do not leave cooked food on the table for more than 30 minutes. Store food in reusable containers and refrigerate as quickly as possible.
- If you have a garbage disposal machine (garbage disposal), run the machine after putting the leftovers into it so that no food waste accumulates there.
Step 3. Dispose of the garbage in the house every day if there are leftovers
Maybe you shouldn't do it in a room where there is no food waste. However, taking out the trash in the kitchen every afternoon will help keep gnats at bay.
Likewise if you have a trash can without a lid outside the house. Do not place it near a window. Gnats can also be attracted to trash cans and will eventually find their way into the house through windows
Tip:
Buy a trash can with a tight lid. Trash cans without lids can attract gnats. However, a trash can with a tight lid can prevent gnats from getting to the food and debris in it.
Step 4. Move plants with damp growing media outdoors if they attract gnats
If there are a lot of gnats swarming near your houseplants, the soil may be too moist and should be slightly drained. Take the plant outside, in the garage, or shed for a few days until the soil begins to dry out. If this method fails, you may have to replace the planting medium with a new one.
On the other hand, there are some plants that can repel gnats. You can grow them in pots and place them indoors. You can also plant them outdoors if gnats invade the area. Some natural gnats include geraniums, lemon thyme, lavender, and marigolds
Method 3 of 3: Keeping Gnats Away from the Body
Step 1. Bring a dryer sheet to repel gnats when you are outdoors
Opt for scented drying sheets (good choices are lavender and lemon balm). Put a dryer sheet in a pocket or wrap it around a belt to keep out gnats the natural way.
- Apart from keeping gnats away, dryer sheets can also be used to repel mosquitoes.
- If your clothes don't have belts or pockets, attach dryer sheets to the clothes. This may seem silly, but it's really useful!
Step 2. Apply vanilla extract before you leave the house
Gnats don't like the smell of vanilla! Mix 1⁄2 tsp (3 ml) of vanilla extract with 1⁄2 tsp (3 ml) of water. Dip a cotton swab into this mixture, then rub it on your neck, collarbone (the part that connects your chest to your shoulder), wrists and ankles.
If you are out for a long time, take the vanilla extract in a small container to reapply if needed
Step 3. Apply peppermint cream as a natural gnat repellent
Take a small, clean container and add 1/2 cup (120 ml) of shea butter and 4-6 drops of peppermint essential oil. Apply this mixture on your hands, feet, neck, arms, and other exposed areas of skin.
If you don't have shea butter, you can use another unscented moisturizer
Tip:
The essential oils of rosemary, cedarwood, and geranium also have the same effect.
Step 4. Wear a bandana and sunglasses if walking in areas where there are a lot of gnats
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to avoid them, you may still have to walk in areas full of gnats. To prevent gnats from getting into your eyes, nose and mouth, wear sunglasses and wrap a bandana around your face. Once you're away from the area, release the two items.
Gnats are actually harmless to you-they don't bite and spread disease. However, gnats are very annoying and annoying. Prepare yourself well when going out, especially in areas around sources of water that don't run
Tips
- The best way to deal with gnats is to prevent them from appearing. However, if the gnats persist, it will only take you 2-3 days to completely remove them from the house.
- If the gnats have bothered your pet, try spraying a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. Don't forget to close your pet's eyes to prevent irritation!
