Getting rid of gnats means finding and removing the moist, decaying spots where they breed, then trapping the adults still flying around. With the source cut off, a gnat problem usually clears within a couple of weeks as no new insects hatch.
What you'll need
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dish soap
- A small bowl or jar
- Plastic wrap
- Ripe fruit or produce (to remove)
Step by step
- Identify the type of gnatFruit flies hover near ripe produce and trash, while fungus gnats crawl on houseplant soil. Knowing which one guides where you focus.
- Remove the breeding sourceToss overripe fruit and vegetables, empty and clean the trash and recycling, and let overwatered plant soil dry out between waterings.
- Clean the hidden moist spotsScrub the drain, garbage disposal, and area under appliances where food film builds up. Wipe down damp counters and around the sink.
- Set a vinegar trapFill a bowl with apple cider vinegar and a drop of dish soap, cover with plastic wrap, and poke small holes. Gnats are drawn in and the soap breaks the surface so they sink.
- Let plant soil dry and top itFor fungus gnats, water plants less often and add a thin layer of sand or fine gravel on top, which discourages egg-laying in the soil.
- Repeat until they are goneEmpty and refresh traps every few days and keep surfaces dry. Continue for one to two weeks so newly hatched adults do not restart the cycle.
Handy tips
- Store ripe fruit in the fridge instead of on the counter while you deal with an outbreak.
- A cup of water with a drop of dish soap set near plants can catch fungus gnats too.
- Rinse recyclables before they go in the bin so leftover sugar does not attract more gnats.
Heads up
- Do not pour bleach and other cleaners into a drain at the same time, since mixing certain products can release harmful fumes.
FAQ
Why do gnats keep coming back after I clean?
There is likely a breeding source you have not found yet, such as a damp drain, a forgotten piece of produce, or overwatered plant soil. New adults hatch from eggs already laid, so check every moist spot.
How long does it take to get rid of gnats?
Once the source is removed, most infestations clear within one to two weeks as the current adults die off and no new ones hatch.
Does apple cider vinegar really work?
Yes for many fruit-fly type gnats. The scent lures them in and a drop of dish soap makes them sink, but it works best combined with removing the breeding source.