Well, it’s time to take down all these tiny bugs for good. That being said, in this guide, you will learn how to get rid of gnats without apple cider vinegar.
You know this feeling if you’ve ever spilled sugary juice on the counter and didn’t wipe it up right away, waited a day too long to take out the trash, or overwatered plants inside or outside.
The funny thing is that with just one simple household mistake, all of a sudden your house seems to be covered up in bugs—tiny gnats, to be exact.
As previously mentioned, this guide is centered on how to get rid of gnats without apple cider vinegar, so you will learn other ways to get rid of gnats.
The first thing to do before killing gnats is to ensure that they are, as a matter of fact, gnats. This is so because there are several different types of itty-bitty flying insects, and each requires a slightly different elimination tactic.
I will say that it is quite easy to distinguish between bugs if you know what to look for.
Fungus gnats appear to be black and have long legs, while fruit flies are normally brown and rounder in shape.
As for drain flies, they have a fuzzier appearance and larger wings, and as you can understand from the name, they hang out around sink drains.
Well, immediately after you have correctly identified what bug is bugging you, you can begin to take the necessary steps toward getting rid of flies, gnats in this case, and any other bugs once and for all with store-bought remedies, rotten fruit, and vinegar solutions, but we won’t be touching that part in this guide.
I will strongly suggest that you invest in one of the best bug zappers on the market for longer-term success.
What Are Gnats?
Well, what are gnats? They are small flying insects that include fruit flies, drain flies, and fungus gnats.
As mentioned above, fruit flies are brown, small, and round, while drain flies come with moth-like wings and are attracted to water. And fungus gnats are dark and feature long legs around 2.5 mm in size.
Gnats breed from time to time and are mostly seen in swarms; however, they are actually more of a disturbance than a danger.
Normally, gnats enter the house from the outdoors through cracks and holes in the walls, doors, or windows.
They infest rotten fruits, trash cans, and other moist areas with decomposing organic matter. They are also mostly found near sinks, toilets, and drains.
What Causes Gnats to Enter the House?
Just remember that factors that create a suitable environment for gnats are the same for a lot of insects and pests, like the presence of preferred sources of food, protection, moisture, and decomposing organic matter.
So to get rid of them, you need to eliminate the sources of the gnats’ invasion.
That being said, the causes of gnats’ invasion include:
Decomposing Organic Matter
Sewage and waste from faulty pipes and drains cause waste to accumulate in the drains or soil, which is certainly a breeding ground for gnats.
Moist Soil
Moist soil is a perfect habitat for fungal gnats.
Moist Organic Matter
Moth flies and fruit flies are attracted to moist organic matter, veggies, and fruits. They are mostly seen swarming around vegetables and fruits left uncovered.
Methods for Getting Rid of Gnats
Bananas in a Bowl
You are to get a bowl, mash an overripe banana or two in it, and cover the top with plastic wrap. Then secure the plastic wrap with a rubber band, and poke a couple of small holes in the plastic with a toothpick or wooden skewer for the gnats. This will attract the pests, thanks to the smell of the fermented fruit, and they will find their way in through the holes. That being done, they won’t be able to escape the way they came, and they will be trapped.
Gnat Spray for Use on the Fly
If the gnats are not swarming yet, just fill a spray bottle with a cup of water, a few drops of liquid dish, and a tablespoon of vinegar and give it a good shake. Then spray the gnats in flight to put an end to the infestation before it starts.
Diluted Bleach Solution
The gnats are most likely not gnats, but drain flies if they are in your home and swarm around the sink. You can get rid of these pests by mixing a half cup of bleach with a gallon of water and carefully pouring it down the drain. However, I suggest that you always be cautious when handling the bleach, and this can be achieved by wearing gloves and a mask. You might actually need to repeat this method a couple of times before they are totally gone, as this is based on how long the drain flies have had to settle in.
Pouring Boiling Water Down Your Drain
I’m sure you’d agree that kitchen sink drains are common spots where gnats lay eggs, particularly in garbage disposals. This is so because they love the warm, moist environment and any food and bacteria buildup that occurs there. Just by pouring boiling water into the sink, you can kill any eggs in your drain.
Use a Wine Trap
Don’t fret; I’m not asking you to sacrifice your wine collection to kill gnats; rather, you will be using an expired wine that is nearly turned into vinegar for this nifty trapping trick. All you need to do is pour some of the stale wine into a small vessel, add in a couple of drops of fish soap, and then proceed to place the mixture in gnat-filled areas of your home and wait for the bugs to drop in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Gnats Harmful?
The truth is, most gnats are not harmful to humans; however, some can give you bites that are a bit like mosquito bites.
Fruit flies are attracted to rotten fruit but love sweet liquids like red wine and vinegar. On the other hand, drain flies can be found buzzing around your home’s drains, while midges tend to gather around standing water like your backyard’s water features.
And, lastly, for this guide, fungus gnats are those gnats that love your houseplants; in large numbers, they can damage plants’ roots and growth.
Can Gnats Lay Eggs In Clothes?
If the clothes are left damp and undisturbed for a period of time, gnats might lay eggs in them, so it is highly recommended that you ensure that your laundry room is equipped to dry your clothing properly.
There is a chance that larvae (maggots) will hatch within a few days or weeks if gnats have laid eggs on damp clothes.
However, do not throw the item away if you find gnats’ eggs or larvae on clothing. Rather, just lay the clothing out as best as you can outside and spray it with salt in order to kill the maggots.
Now, put the clothing in a washing machine at a high temperature immediately after you wipe off the residue, as this will help kill any remaining bugs or bacteria before drying thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
When dealing with irritants such as gnats, leaving the problem to worsen is one of the biggest pest control mistakes you can make.
Keep in mind that gnats will never go away on their own if they find somewhere to live, so you have to act to get rid of them as soon as you spot one or two lingering around your home in order to avoid them multiplying in no time.
That being said, this brings us to the end of this guide, as you now know how to get rid of gnats without apple cider vinegar.
