How to Get Rid of Gnats - Complete Guide

Understanding Gnats and Fruit Flies

Gnats and fruit flies are tiny nuisance flying insects that seem to appear out of nowhere in homes, especially in the kitchen. While they may look similar, gnats and fruit flies are different types of insects.

Gnats are from the fly family and get the name "gnat" from their tiny size. They tend to hover in swarms near food sources. Fruit flies are attracted specifically to ripe or rotting fruits and vegetables. They lay their eggs on the surface of fermenting foods, so removing their food source is key to getting rid of them.

Both gnats and fruit flies are most active in summer and autumn when produce is abundant. They come inside homes through small openings and lay eggs in drains or moist organic material. Getting rid of breeding sites is crucial for controlling gnat and fruit fly populations.

Preventing Gnat and Fruit Fly Infestations

Here are some tips to help prevent gnat and fruit fly problems in your home:

• Store ripe fruits and vegetables in sealed containers or plastic bags.
• Clean up spills and crumbs right away to remove food sources.
• Empty garbage cans frequently.
• Fix leaky pipes and drains where moisture collects.
• Install door sweeps or screens on windows and doors.
• Use fans or air curtains over doorways to deter flies from entering.

Keeping your home clean and dry is the best prevention. Produce should be refrigerated promptly after purchase. Counter tops and floors should be wiped down regularly to remove any food scraps or sticky spills that attract gnats and fruit flies.

Getting Rid of an Existing Gnat or Fruit Fly Infestation

If you already have an infestation of annoying gnats or fruit flies in your house, here are some effective methods to get rid of them:

Remove Breeding Sites

Eliminate sources of standing water and rotting produce where flies can breed. This includes:

• Emptying garbage cans regularly.
• Fixing leaky pipes, drains, or appliances.
• Cleaning out old produce from refrigerator bins.
• Rinsing recyclables to remove food residue before storage.

Without breeding sites, the existing flies will eventually die off.

Use Traps

Fruit fly and gnat traps will attract and catch adults. Traps allow you to monitor the population and see when it's under control. Homemade traps work well:

• Fill a small jar with apple cider vinegar, wine, or overripe fruit. Add a drop of dish soap to break the surface tension so flies sink.
• Hang sticky fly paper near infested areas.
• Leave out slices of ripe melon or banana on a plate. Cover it with plastic wrap and poke small holes.

For quick results, purchase funnel-shaped traps that lure flies in but prevent escape.

Use Repellants

Natural repellants discourage gnats and fruit flies from lingering. Options include:

• Apple cider vinegar - wipe on surfaces or use in traps.
• Basil - keep pots growing on kitchen counters.
• Cinnamon - sprinkle on counter tops.
• Clove or lavender oil - apply a few drops to cotton balls.
• Mint extract - mix with water in a spray bottle.
• Bay leaves - scatter in pantry and windowsills.

Apply Heat Treatments

Heating infested areas to temperatures above 120°F will kill all stages of fruit flies. Carefully using a handheld steamer in cracks and crevices can treat an outbreak without chemicals.

Use Natural Sprays

Make DIY gnat and fruit fly sprays with natural ingredients:

• Soap spray - Mix few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle. Spray flies directly.
• Vinegar spray - Equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray on infested surfaces.
• Essential oil spray - Add 5-10 drops of clove, lavender, peppermint, or lemongrass oil to water in a spray bottle.

Spot Treat with Cleaners

Wiping down surfaces with antimicrobial cleaners will kill gnats and fruit flies on contact:

• Lysol or other disinfectants
• Hydrogen peroxide cleaner
• White vinegar

Target areas where flies congregate like countertops, windowsills, appliances, and garbage cans.

Preventing Future Infestations

The key to keeping gnats and fruit flies away for good is making your home less inviting to them:

• Install window and door screens to keep flies outdoors.
• Use fans near entrances and food prep areas.
• Store ripe produce in sealed containers in the refrigerator.
• Clean drains and pipes thoroughly to remove organic buildup.
• Take out the trash regularly.
• Rinse recyclables before storage.
• Fix leaks promptly to eliminate moisture sources.
• Add drainage outdoors if puddles form near doors or foundations.

With diligent sanitation and moisture control, you can keep annoying gnats and fruit flies from bothering you in your home.

FAQs

How can I tell the difference between gnats and fruit flies?

Gnats are tiny flies that swarm around your head. Fruit flies are attracted specifically to ripe or rotting produce. Fruit flies are usually found hovering around fruit bowls or trash cans while gnats fly around faces.

Do gnats and fruit flies bite?

Gnats and fruit flies do not bite humans. They have small mouthparts designed for sipping liquid foods like nectar. Only female mosquitoes bite to obtain blood for egg production.

What time of year are gnats and fruit flies most active?

Gnats and fruit flies thrive in summer and autumn when fresh produce is abundant. Their population dies back in winter when food sources become scarce and conditions are colder.

How long do gnats and fruit flies live?

Gnats and fruit flies only live about 1-2 weeks in optimal conditions. The lifecycle from egg to adult is about 8-10 days. Removing breeding sites and food sources helps break the lifecycle.

Why do gnats and fruit flies come back after I get rid of them?

If breeding sites like drains, garbage cans, or rotting produce remain, new flies will continue emerging. Fix all plumbing leaks, clean thoroughly, and eliminate entry points to permanently get rid of gnats and fruit flies.