Friday 27 February 2015

The Best Way To Repel Gnats

Although more prevalent outside during the warm summer months, tiny little gnats can invade your home anytime of the year. The best way to repel gnats, without using commercial sprays or products, is to get rid of them. Gnats have a life span of about four months, during which time each one can lay 200 to 300 eggs. Eliminating the gnat and its many eggs is the most effective solution. Does this Spark an idea?

Outdoor Gnats


Gnats outside may not be a gnat at all, but a type of midge (including biting midge), or a tiny fly like the fruit fly. These methods of getting rid of gnats should also work on midges and flies. Gnats love to feed and breed on decaying material. Eliminating dead, decaying plant material in your yard will remove prime gnat breeding ground. Allow your mulch and ground to spend time on the dry side, instead of consistently wet or moist.


Small, flying insects are attracted to bright light. Change your outside lights to sodium light bulbs, which cast an orange glow, to help decrease gnat attraction.


Fill several jars almost to the top with cider vinegar, punch several small holes in the lid and place them around your patio, deck or yard. The gnats will crawl in the small holes because they are attracted to the vinegar. When they cannot get out or drown in the vinegar, they die.


Indoor Gnats


Indoor gnats are drawn to decay and rot. Many times, a homeowner will innocently bring gnats home in the soil of a new houseplant. Quarantine a new houseplant for a few days before introducing it into your home environment. Monitor all your houseplants to make sure the soil they are planted it has an opportunity to dry out to a slight dampness before watering, and avoid leaving water in the plant's pot saucer.


Another favorite breeding spot for gnats inside is fruits and vegetables that are left on the counter. We have all seen fruit flies appear a day or two after a bunch of bananas have been purchased. Keep fruits and vegetables stored in the refrigerator or air tight containers to keep gnats at bay. Also, keep your sink and sink drain clean, as that is another area gnats like. Occasionally, pour some ammonia down your drain to help keep the gnats from congregating there. Keep your garbage covered, too.


Use the vinegar in a jar method in Step 1 in the house, too. You can also place a bowl or two of vinegar, with a squirt or two of liquid dish soap, around for the gnats to land in and drown.


If all else fails, your last resort may be to use a commercial fogger.

Tags: fruits vegetables, keep gnats, small holes, your home