How do you get rid of a severe gnat infestation?

Author: Mr. Darrell Conroy  |  Last update: Friday, August 8, 2025

How to Get Rid of Gnats in the House
  1. Identify and remove the source of the infestation. ...
  2. Purchase a gnat trap or bug zapper or create a DIY gnat trap to catch and kill the gnats in the house.
  3. Use a gnat spray to kill gnats in flight or to spray down areas of infestation.

How do I get rid of a huge gnat infestation?

Pour a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a bowl or jar, then stir in a few drops of dish soap. The bugs will be attracted to the sweet smell, and the sticky soap will prevent them from being able to fly away. Some people also like to mix in a little sugar, as well, to really amp up the sweetness.

What is the most powerful gnat killer?

Bacteria Thuringiensis. Bacteria Thuringiensis (BT) is a natural bacteria which is hugely effective in killing gnats.

How long can a gnat infestation last?

The average adult gnat lifespan is one week, and they can lay up to two hundred eggs in that time. It only takes the pests about 28 days at most to complete their whole life cycle. So if you're wondering how fast do gnats reproduce or how often do gnats reproduce, the short answer is: A LOT.

What does an infestation of gnats mean?

Gnats are attracted to anything that smells fruity and sweet. Therefore, fruit-scented hygiene and beauty products tend to draw gnats into the house. Rotting food in the drain. A buildup of food in the drain would, over time, result in an infestation of house gnats.

How To Deal With Fruit Flies And Drain Flies

How do exterminators get rid of gnats?

We can apply spot treatments to tackle the problem or install light traps to catch gnats. We are the local experts, and will make sure gnats and other flying pests stay out of your property.

Why are there so many gnats all of a sudden?

Excess moisture in and around your home, such as damp soil, wet houseplants, or leaky pipes, can attract gnats looking for breeding sites.

What smell do gnats hate?

The only way to get rid of gnats without killing them is to repel them with scents they don't like: vinegar, vanilla, pine oil, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, and lavender. Even dryer sheets could help. Of course, the first line of duty would be to get rid of the infestation's root cause.

Do gnats ever go away on their own?

Fungus gnats will not go away on their own. In order to ensure these bugs don't hang around for a long period of time, you'll need to take matters into your own hands and try several different methods to remove them.

How to figure out where gnats are coming from?

Gnats come to find a breeding ground and place to lay their eggs. They seek out moist places, decomposing organic matter and damp soil of houseplants, and can be found around your trash or recycling bin.

What is the best hack to get rid of gnats?

In a small bowl, mix a half cup of warm water plus two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a tablespoon of sugar, and about six drops of liquid dish soap. Gnats will be lured in by the sugary mixture, but once they dip in for a drink, the sticky dish soap will trap them.

Where do gnats lay eggs?

Females lay tiny eggs in moist organic debris or potting soil. Larvae have a shiny black head and an elongated, whitish-to-clear, legless body. They eat organic mulch, leaf mold, grass clippings, compost, root hairs, and fungi.

Do gnats bite humans?

Gnat bites range in appearance depending upon the sensitivity of your body's reaction and the number of bites you sustained. Bites are most likely to occur on uncovered skin such as ankles and legs, arms, neck, and head.

How do I get rid of gnats 5 minutes?

Homemade gnat repellent spray: A mixture of dish soap, water, baking soda, and vinegar can be filled into a spray bottle. The mixture should contain a few drops of dish soap, a tablespoon of vinegar, and baking soda per cup of water. A few sprays of this mixture is an effective gnat repellent.

What do gnats turn into?

In general, gnats go through the four life stages of egg, larva, pupa and adult, similar to other flies. The fungus gnats lay their eggs in moist organic debris or soil, which hatch into larvae. The larvae feed on organic matter such as leaf mold, mulch, compost, grass clippings, root hairs and fungi.

Can gnats bite you in bed?

Many gnat species, including fungus and eye gnats, don't bite humans. Instead, they feed on plant materials, fungi, or other small insects.

How do you get rid of gnats that won't go away?

How to Get Rid of a Gnat Infestation
  1. Yellow sticky traps - These glue-coated, adhesive paper traps attract gnats with their bright color and then trap them as they land.
  2. Fruit traps - Some homeowners use a jar of rotting fruit covered with perforated plastic wrap to lure and then trap gnats.

What is the best homemade gnat trap?

Combine equal parts vinegar and soap and then add a few tablespoons of sugar – once you mix it all together you can place the bowl wherever the gnats have been gathering. They will be attracted to the sugar and vinegar and drown in the mixture. Traps can also be made out of red wine and dish soap, or rotting fruit.

How long does it take to get rid of a gnat infestation?

In cooler weather it can take 4 to 5 weeks or more to complete the life cycle, so winter treatment can take longer. That's why I always recommend treating for 2 months (8 weeks), but at least 4 weeks minimum if you've caught it early and only have a tiny infestation.

Do dryer sheets keep gnats away?

Conclusions. Based on the results obtained from our study, it is evident that Bounce original brand fabric softener dryer sheets repel fungus gnats.

What makes gnats worse?

Additionally, houseplants can harbor gnats, particularly fungus gnats, which lay their eggs in moist soil. The larvae then feed on organic matter in the soil, potentially harming plants and causing an infestation. Overwatering plants only makes this situation worse.

Does pine sol deter gnats?

✌️ Did you know you can use baking soda and pine-sol to get rid of those pesky drain flies? #gnats #drainflies #hacks #cleaninghacks #cleantok #thingsishouldhavelearnedinschool.

What kills gnats on contact?

A diluted solution of Hydrogen Peroxide and water poured directly onto the soil will kill fungus gnat larvae on contact and help stop the gnats' life cycle.

What does it mean when your house is full of gnats?

Inside the home, gnats can be attracted to unsealed produce, fresh flowers, houseplants, food spillage and open or overflowing garbage cans. Gnats may also live in sink drains where food residue can collect. Dirty kitchen sink drains can provide food, water, shelter and breeding sites to many fly species.

How long does gnat season last?

Gnats are seasonal; they are a springtime pest. Once we get consistent summer weather, they will go away. Their life cycle is short - usually mid-May to late June is when we see gnats.

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