Struggling to get rid of gnats in your kitchen or garden? You aren’t alone. These pests—specifically fungus gnats and drain flies—reproduce rapidly, with females laying up to 500 eggs on decaying organic matter. If left unchecked, a minor annoyance can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation.
While chemical sprays are common, learning how to get rid of gnats naturally is safer for your home, pets, and the planet. Whether they are swarming your houseplants or hovering over your sink, the solution lies in breaking their breeding cycle.
In this guide, GreenCitizen outlines the most effective eco-friendly methods to trap adults, kill larvae, and prevent future swarms using simple household ingredients.
Key Takeaways
- Target Adults with Traps: Immediately reduce the swarm by using Apple Cider Vinegar traps or Yellow Sticky Traps to catch flying gnats.
- Treat the Soil: To stop the infestation permanently, kill the larvae hidden in plant soil using a Hydrogen Peroxide drench (1 part peroxide to 4 parts water).
- Control Moisture: Gnats breed in damp environments; prevent their return by allowing the top two inches of plant soil to dry out completely between waterings.
5 Natural and Effective Ways to Get Rid of Grants
1. The Apple Cider Vinegar Trap (Best for Fruit Flies & Gnats)
To make a DIY gnat trap, fill a small container with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and a few drops of liquid dish soap. The sugar and vinegar attract the gnats, while the soap breaks the surface tension, causing them to drown upon contact.
One of the easiest ways to get rid of gnats naturally is with an apple cider vinegar (ACV) trap. This method targets adult gnats buzzing around your kitchen or pantry.
How to do it:
- Fill a small jar or shallow dish with apple cider vinegar.
- Stir in a teaspoon of sugar (to heighten the sweet, fermented scent).
- Add a few drops of dish soap.
- Place the container where gnats are commonly seen.
Why it works:
The sweet scent mimics rotting fruit, which is irresistible to gnats. The dish soap is the secret weapon—it breaks the surface tension of the liquid. Instead of landing on top and flying away, the gnats sink immediately and drown.
2. The Stale Red Wine Trap
If you don’t have vinegar, use red wine to get rid of gnats. Pour one inch of stale red wine into a jar and add a drop of dish soap. Place the jar near fruit bowls or trash bins where gnats congregate. The fermentation scent lures them in effectively.
The red wine trap works similarly to the ACV trap and is a great way to use up the last few drops of a cheap or stale bottle.
How to do it:
Pour a small amount of red wine into a container and add a few drops of dish soap. Place the container in high-activity areas, such as near fruit bowls, houseplants, or trash bins. You can enhance the trap by adding a piece of overripe banana or raw potato chunk near the container to create a “scent zone.”
This method is not only natural but also an excellent zero-waste solution for leftover wine.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide Soil Drench (Kills Gnat Larvae)
To kill gnat larvae hidden in plant soil, mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with four parts water. Allow the soil to dry out completely, then water your plants with this solution. The peroxide kills the larvae on contact without harming the plant’s root system.
Traps kill the adults, but they don’t solve the root problem: the eggs and larvae living in your soil. To truly get rid of fungus gnats, you must treat the soil.
Why Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is an eco-friendly way to oxygenate the soil and kill soft-bodied larvae on contact. As it bubbles, it destroys the larvae and pupae without using harsh pesticides.
How to do it:
- Let your plant’s soil dry out significantly (gnat larvae thrive in moisture).
- Mix 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide with 4 parts water.
- Water your plants with this mixture until it runs out of the drainage holes.
- Repeat this process once a week until the infestation is gone.
Note: This is safer and more effective than baking soda sprays, which can alter the soil pH and harm sensitive plants.
4. The Candle Trap (For Nighttime Control)
Gnats are attracted to light in dark environments. Place a tall candle in a shallow dish filled with soapy water. Turn off the room lights and light the candle. Gnats will fly toward the flame, get singed or exhausted, and fall into the soapy water below.
This method relies on the gnat’s phototaxis (attraction to light). It is most effective at night when other light sources are eliminated.
How to do it:
- Place a candle (preferably a tall taper or secure tea light) in a shallow bowl or saucer.
- Fill the bowl with water and add dish soap.
- Light the candle and turn off all other lights in the room.
- Safety First: Never leave a burning candle unattended.
As the gnats fly toward the flame for warmth and light, they will either be singed by the heat or fall into the soapy water, where they cannot escape.
5. Yellow Sticky Traps (For Adult Fungus Gnats)
Yellow sticky traps are a non-toxic way to reduce adult gnat populations. Place these bright yellow adhesive cards directly into the soil of potted plants. The color mimics plant foliage, attracting the gnats and trapping them before they can lay more eggs.
If you don’t want to mix liquids, sticky traps are the best physical control method to get rid of gnats naturally. You can find these at most garden centers or hardware stores.
How to do it:
Peel the cover off the trap and insert the stake into the soil of your houseplants. The bright yellow color attracts the pests, and the strong adhesive traps them.
Pro Tip: These traps are excellent for monitoring an infestation. If you see the trap filling up quickly, you know it’s time to use the Hydrogen Peroxide soil drench to kill the larvae.
What Are Gnats? Identification and Types
💡 Quick Answer: Gnats are tiny flying insects from the order Diptera. The most common household types are Fungus Gnats (found in plant soil), Fruit Flies (found near ripening food), and Drain Flies (found in sewers and sinks). Identifying the source is the first step to removal.
Gnats are small flying insects that belong to several families within the order Diptera, which includes true flies. They are often considered a nuisance due to their tendency to swarm and their attraction to human and animal hosts.
Here are some key characteristics and types of gnats:
What Are The Common Characteristics of Gnats?
- Size: Gnats are typically very small, often measuring between 1/8 to 1/10 of an inch in length.
- Appearance: They usually have slender bodies and long legs. Their coloration can vary from dark brown to black.
- Life Cycle: A gnat's life cycle includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The length of the cycle can vary depending on the species and environmental conditions.
- Behavior: Gnats are known for their swarming behavior, especially during mating periods. They are often found near sources of moisture and organic material.
Common Types of Gnats
Fungus Gnats:
- Habitat: Often found around houseplants and moist soil.
- Behavior: The larvae feed on fungi and decaying organic matter in the soil.
- Appearance: Small, dark, and with long legs and antennae.
Drain Flies:
- Habitat: Found near drains, sewers, and areas with standing water.
- Behavior: The larvae feed on the organic matter found in moist environments.
- Appearance: Small, moth-like with fuzzy bodies and wings.
Eye Gnats:
- Habitat: Common in outdoor areas, especially where there is decaying organic matter.
- Behavior: Attracted to body fluids like sweat, tears, and mucus.
- Appearance: Tiny, dark-colored with clear wings.
What Attracts Gnats to Your Home?
Moisture
Gnats thrive in moist environments. They are commonly found near overwatered houseplants, damp soil, and areas with standing water, such as sinks, drains, and leaky pipes. These conditions provide ideal breeding grounds for fungus gnats and other small flying insects.
Decaying Organic Matter
Gnats are drawn to decomposing organic material, including rotting fruits, vegetables, and plant matter. This environment provides both food and breeding sites for gnats. Rotting fruit and organic matter in trash cans or compost piles are prime attractants.
Sweet and Fermented Scents
Sweet and fermented smells, such as those from ripe or rotting fruits, sugary substances, and certain plant nectars, attract gnats. They are particularly fond of overripe bananas, apples, and other fruits. This is why gnat infestations often occur near fruit bowls and compost bins.
Light
Many gnat species, including fruit flies and drain flies, are attracted to light sources. This is why they often swarm around windows, lamps, and other light fixtures, especially at night. Light serves as a beacon for these flying insects.
Carbon Dioxide
Gnats are attracted to carbon dioxide, which is exhaled by humans and animals. This attraction explains why gnats often swarm around people’s faces. Gnats lay eggs in areas with high moisture and decaying organic matter, increasing their numbers around these attractants.
Warmth
Warm temperatures can attract gnats, as they are more active and reproduce more quickly in warm conditions. Gnat infestations can become more pronounced in warm, humid environments, both indoors and outdoors.
Plant Soil
Certain gnats, like fungus gnats, are particularly attracted to the moist soil of houseplants. Overwatering plants can create an ideal environment for these pests to thrive.
Gnats live and lay eggs in moist soil, affecting plant roots and the plant’s health. Prevent gnats by avoiding overwatering and using raw potato chunks to detect larvae in potted plants.
How to Keep Gnats Away Permanently
💡 Quick Answer: To prevent gnats from returning, allow the top two inches of houseplant soil to dry out between waterings. Seal organic trash bins, clean drains with boiling water, and store produce in the refrigerator.
Keeping gnats away from your home is easier with these simple tips:
- Avoid Overwatering Plants: Ensure your houseplants are not overwatered, as moist soil attracts fungus gnats.
- Clean Up Food Waste: Dispose of rotting fruits, vegetables, and other organic matter promptly to prevent gnats from finding food and breeding sites.
- Seal Trash Cans: Keep trash cans sealed tightly and clean them regularly to eliminate food sources that attract gnats.
- Fix Leaks: Repair any leaky pipes or faucets to reduce damp areas where gnats thrive.
- Use Natural Repellents: Place natural repellents like basil, lavender, or peppermint plants around your home to deter gnats.
- Keep Drains Clean: Regularly clean sinks and drains to remove food particles and organic matter that attract gnats.
What Smell Do Gnats Hate?
Gnats hate strong scents like vinegar, vanilla, pine oil, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, and lavender. Even dryer sheets can help repel these pests.
To keep gnats away naturally, consider planting peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus around your home. These plants not only add beauty but also act as natural repellents. You can also use essential oils like lemon and pine oil in diffusers or sprays to create an environment gnats dislike.
Incorporating these scents and plants into your home will help maintain a gnat-free space, naturally and effectively.
How to Get Rid of Gnats—The Natural Way
Getting rid of gnats doesn’t require aerosol cans or harsh chemicals. By understanding their lifecycle and using these eco-friendly traps and soil treatments, you can clear your home of pests safely.
Remember: Consistency is key. Combine a trap for the adults (like the ACV trap) with a soil treatment for the larvae (Hydrogen Peroxide) to stop the cycle for good.
