Gnats are small, flying insects (mainly drain flies, fruit flies, phorid flies, and fungus gnats) that can quickly infest homes and gardens if overlooked or neglected, even for a few days. While these insects can cause a lot of damage to one’s plants and can compromise hygiene around the house, they generally do not harm humans. But, since they reproduce quickly and in large numbers, one must get rid of them promptly.

Make a gnat trap
Natural gnat traps can make it easy to get rid of gnats.

• ACV trap
  Combine a little apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dishwashing soap and some sugar in a saucer.

Hang sticky flypaper
Use sticky flypaper to trap all flying insects, including gnats, mosquitoes, and houseflies. Unroll the paper and hang it in the problem areas. Be careful not to place it too close to curtains or furniture, as the paper will catch anything that comes in contact with it. This immediate gnat control remedy is best used inside the house, as it may end up catching beneficial insects outside.

Clean the drains
Those dealing with gnat issues around their drains must try cleaning their drains. For a simple approach, pour hot water down the drain, as it will immediately kill any larvae and eggs.

For a more thorough cleanse, dilute half a cup of bleach with a gallon of water and pour it down the drain. Rinse this out using hot water to clear out any remnants, for a clear and gnat-free drain.

Use a bug zapper
Invest in a bug-zapping device and place it indoors. These electric gadgets are great at getting rid of gnats instantly by electrocuting them.

Try food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE)
DE is a potent insecticide mostly made with silica. This organic, abrasive powder works by drying or dehydrating the insects to get rid of them. Sprinkle it over dry soil around the plants to eliminate gnats. Ensure that DE is used when the soil is dry for optimal effectiveness. When using this technique, try to water the plants from underneath to maintain the dryness without impacting plant health.

Use a bacterial drench
Buy a bacterial drench (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis or Bti) and follow the instructions on the packaging to saturate the soil in the potted plants. This is a safe bacterium that occurs naturally in the soil. With the drench, it will coat the roots of the plant, killing the larvae of fungus gnats and clearing out the gnat infestation quickly.

Repot the plants
If you notice gnat infestations on certain plants only, it would be great to repot the plants in fresh soil and clean pots or containers. Moreover, it is recommended that the plants dry down between watering sessions. This will lead to the natural death of gnat eggs or larvae. To facilitate the drying process, drill some holes in the pots to allow excess water to seep through.

Use a chemical spray
In case of severe infestations, harsher chemical products such as insecticidal sprays may be needed. Although these can be a quick and effective way to clear out gnats, one needs to exercise caution when using them. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and keep them away from children and pets.

Call a pest control service
If you are dealing with a persistent infestation of gnats and have tried everything to get rid of them, it may be time to seek professional assistance. Contact a pest control service company to address the problem at its source and eliminate the infestation.

This must be followed up with preventative measures to deter gnats from entering the home again. Some ways to do this include sealing up any cracks, holes, and crevices in the doors, walls, and windows, repairing window screens, promptly cleaning up spills, checking for and repairing any leaks in the indoor and outdoor plumbing systems, removing indoor trash daily, and cleaning up damp spaces where gnats may breed. You can also make an instant and natural gnat-repellent spray at home using dish soap, water, vinegar, and baking soda, and spray it around plants and bathrooms to keep these pesky creatures at bay.