Gnats may cause the greatest trouble in the spring, summer, and fall, but it is not uncommon for them to survive and even thrive inside a warm, dry home in the winter months. They’re especially drawn to the sugary residues of processed foods, but they’ll also make a home in garbage cans, sinks, and other moist, dark places.
When they locate a good place to settle, it can be very difficult to get rid of them. But here’s the good news: you can actually keep them out of your home with some diligence and some useful tactics!
Methods for Eliminating Gnats
1. Get Rid of What Attracts Gnats Indoors
Keeping the food they crave out of reach is the first step in removing the incentive for them to return. Avoid leaving perishables out on kitchen countertops. This also includes not putting waste products like peels or scraps in uncovered containers like the sink.
Gnats can be kept out of trash by using trash cans with tightly fitting lids. As an added precaution against food particles, sinks should be cleaned on a regular basis. Also, don’t forget to frequently maintain your garbage disposal and bathroom sink drains.
A metal pipe wire brush is useful for removing food debris from drains. Better yet, you can clean your drains and disposals while also killing the gnats with a mix of vinegar, baking soda, and salt. To make this, combine 1/4 cup each of salt and baking soda with 1 cup of vinegar. Use it once a week, you’ll see results!
One last thing: double check that the sink’s drain basket is completely plugged. Gnats, flies, and food scraps prefer to hide in the tiny crevices and gaps in the drain’s gasket. You may prevent gnats from setting up shop in that spot by running a bead of silicone around your drain seal.
