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

Author: Mr. Jamir Rodriguez MD  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

As long as you effectively target one stage of their life cycle and reapply frequently, you should be able to eradicate these nasty plant flies in just a few weeks. Hydrogen peroxide is a quick and effective way to get rid of larvae, killing them on contact.

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.

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.

How to find out where gnats are coming from?

Where do gnats come 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.

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.

How To Deal With Fruit Flies And Drain Flies

How much does it cost to get rid of a gnat infestation?

Hiring gnat exterminator costs $200 on average, or between $150 and $250 depending on factors like labor and the extent of the infestation. The average gnat exterminator cost is $200, with costs ranging from $150 to $250.

What is the most effective gnat control?

Steinernema feltiae is more effective against fungus gnats than other commercially available nematode species. Mix Bti or nematodes with water, and apply as a soil drench, or spray onto media using a hand-pump spray bottle or other spray equipment, following label directions.

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.

How do I get rid of gnats when I can't find the source?

Fruit traps - Some homeowners use a jar of rotting fruit covered with perforated plastic wrap to lure and then trap gnats. Red Wine Traps Vinegar - Similar to a fruit trap, this option uses the gnats' attraction to these pungent liquids to trap them inside a jar.

What is the best killer for drain gnats?

If you don't have vinegar at home, bleach will kill drain gnats, but it's a potent environmental pollutant, so you're better off running to the store for vinegar, which is actually more effective for cleaning your drain pipes.

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.

Why am I having so many 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.

Do gnats go away in the winter?

If you are surprised to see the little black flies around your plants even in winter, you might also be surprised to know that fungus gnats (also known as sciarid flies) can easily survive throughout the year and the only way to get rid of fungus gnats is to break the cycle of egg laying and hatching - which can happen ...

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.

What months are gnats most active?

Gnats are active mostly during the day, especially around mid-morning and dusk. Biting usually peaks during a three-week period in late spring or early summer, and is usually more severe following droughts.

How do I get rid of gnats indefinitely?

Allow the soil in your plant pots to slightly dry between waterings. Additionally, remove decaying plants and fruits, and consider using a dehumidifier if the air is too moist." To eliminate the adult gnats who are already visible, Cox suggested utilizing a gnat trap. "You can set up yellow sticky traps," she says.

Should I call an exterminator for gnats?

In order to properly treat an entire gnat infestation, including larvae, it is best to consult a pest control professional.

Where do gnats lay eggs in a house?

Gnats are tiny flying insects attracted to moisture and sweet smells. They're also a nuisance and very unhygienic. Once you have gnats, they will increase in numbers quickly because gnats lay eggs in moist areas of your home and on overripe or rotted fruit.

How to get rid of gnat swarms that don't starve?

Freezing them with an Ice Staff (this action does not decrease durability of the Staff but still drains sanity as usual) or Chilled Amulet, and then attacking them normally. Leading them into the Gas Rainforest biome.

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 temperature kills gnats?

A: Gnats are typically more active and abundant in warmer temperatures, but extreme heat can also kill them. Temperatures above 90°F (32°C) can be lethal for gnats, causing dehydration and death.

What attracts gnats to your face?

Breath, Sweat & Tears

A gnat is always searching for moisture and salt, which are found in sweat and tears. Unfortunately, the pests are vectors for pink eye. They are also drawn to the smell of bad breath and to the carbon dioxide people expel when exhaling.

How do you get rid of gnats overnight?

Fill a pan with water and a bit of dish soap and add a candlestick with a tall, tapered candle in the middle. Light the candle, then make sure the rest of the room is dark. After a while, you'll notice that the gnats have been drawn to it and ultimately perish by the heat or by dropping into the soapy mixture below.

What spray kills gnats immediately?

All you will need is a spray bottle, dish soap, water and/or baking soda and vinegar. You just need to use a few drops of dish soap and a table spoon of vinegar for each cup of water. With this these destructive gnats will parish with just a few spritz of your new chemical weapon.

Does anything keep gnats away?

Or, you can switch up your favorite scent with something they don't like. Try Lighting citronella candles using lemon or vanilla sprays. While gnats are a fan of sweet-smelling fruit, they can't seem to stand vanilla, lemon, or even lavender. A little spritz can at least keep them at bay.

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