How can I make a DIY solution to get rid of gnats?

John D Brown Jr
by John D Brown Jr

i need a recipe for a solution to get rid of gnats?


  9 answers
  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Aug 22, 2019

    Hi John,

    I've used apple cider vinegar with a few drops of Dawn. Cover with plastic wrap then poke holes with a toothpick. Once the gnat gets inside it can't get out. Eventually it will die. Wishing you the best.

    https://www.organiclesson.com/6-ways-to-instantly-get-rid-of-gnats-at-home/

    • See 1 previous
    • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Aug 22, 2019

      Yes SIR! LOL BTW, we have a local vegetable/fruit market that has a lot of home-grown fruit & veggies this time of year. When ever I go there during local growing season, I notice that they have a glass behind the display with apple cider vinegar in the glass.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Aug 22, 2019

    Inside or outside?

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Aug 22, 2019

    Hi John,

    Thanks for replying!

    Here you go, to get rid of them-probably fruit flies-you have to interrupt their life cycle. To do this, start with the fact that you or your family is bringing them into the house on produce in the form of eggs. As soon as someone brings produce, immediately wash it and refrigerate it, the exception is bananas, just wash. Next, they take up housing in your sink drain, to clear that up put 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup white vinegar, when the fizzing stops rinse with plenty of hot water, at this point you may choose to keep your sink drains covered.

    Now for the airborne ones. What we do is set out a flat stickyboard mouse trap on a counter where they are showing a good amount of activity (you can find these in the pest control section). You can get these for a bargain price at Walmart, a good sized package of them cheap, just peel off the plastic shield and leave it flat with a small piece of sweet decaying fruit in the center. The fruit will draw them and they will land of the sticky part, never to fly off.

    Yes, the sticky cardboard is gross, but the fruit flies (gnats) are a pain in the you know where!

    It is temporary. You can also add in Linda's remedy, that will boost your solution. Best to you.


    • John D Brown Jr John D Brown Jr on Aug 22, 2019

      Thank you for the help! As much as I hate these things I think I’ll use your and Linda’s suggestions.

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Aug 22, 2019

    gnats and fruit flies are 2 different pests which do you have? it'll make a difference trying to get rid of themColor: Fruit flies range from tan to black. Fungus gnats are dark gray or black.

    Shape: Thinking about fruit flies or gnats in comparison to other pests can help identify them. Fruit flies have a rounded silhouette like a smaller version of the common house fly. On the other hand, fungus gnats feature dangling legs and long bodies that make them appear similar to a small mosquito.

    Eyes: Fruit flies are easy to recognize by their big, red eyes, but fungus gnat eyes are so small they are hard to see.

    Fruit flies do not come up out of drains but are drawn to the gross slimey stuff in drains & water everything wants water. Fruit flies are especially attracted to ripened fruits and vegetables in the kitchen. But they also will breed in upper drain, garbage disposals, empty bottles and cans, trash containers, mops and cleaning rags.clean everything really well using hottest water and bleach. Fungus gnats-----Get Mosquito Bits granules and put in all your house plants then water well let plants dry for 7-10 days then repeat .. these are non toxic not a chemical Mosquito Dunks and Mosquito Bits are made from naturally occurring soil bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis strain israelensis (for the rest of us: Bti) on bits of corn cob.They are one of the most effective products on the market today.


    • John D Brown Jr John D Brown Jr on Aug 24, 2019

      Hi Lynn!


      Thank you for your wise advice and I am well on my way toward ridding these tiny pests from my home, The vinegar mixture is working well toward killing these pests which were gnats.

  • John D Brown Jr John D Brown Jr on Aug 24, 2019

    Thank you Linda and Redcatec!


    I have determined that the insects that invaded my home to be gnats. these rascals are tiny and since I had the ingredients for the vinegar mixture already in my cabinets I mixed up a batch and placed it in my kitchen that night. Well, the very next morning there were already at lea,st 25 at the bottom of the bowl... DEAD! I imagine in a couple of days I will be rid of this infestation. Thanks so much for your help.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Jun 24, 2023

    When it comes to gnats, one of the best methods for getting rid of them is a vinegar trap. There are a couple of ways to set these up:

    • One method includes setting a bowl near the infestation and pouring apple cider vinegar, a teaspoon of sugar and a teaspoon of dish soap into the bowl. The sugar will attract the gnats, the dish soap will prevent them from escaping and the vinegar will kill them.
    • Another method includes mixing apple cider vinegar and sugar in a bowl, covering the bowl in plastic wrap and poking holes in the top. Placed near the infestation, these bowls will attract the gnats while preventing them from escaping.


  • Mogie Mogie on Jul 01, 2023

    Simply place a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, a few drops of dish soap, and a tablespoon of sugar in a bowl and stir. Set your bowl in an area where gnats are prevalent.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Oct 06, 2023

    I had a terrible gnat problem and the vinegar traps worked perfectly! Simply place a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, a few drops of dish soap, and a tablespoon of sugar in a bowl and stir. Set your bowl in an area where gnats are prevalent, such as your kitchen or bathroom. This took care of my problem in just a couple of days!

  • Deb K Deb K on Oct 07, 2023

    Hi John, hope this helps you.

    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.