Gnat infestation can be annoying. If you have gnats hanging around your fruit basket, you need to get rid of them. While apple cider vinegar can help get rid of gnats, there are other steps too. Many people want to learn how to get rid of gnats without apple cider vinegar. Well, this article is your complete guide to getting rid of them.
What are gnats?
Gnats are flying insects. They are pretty small and are fungus gnats, drain flies and fruit flies. The breeding of gnats usually happens in swarms. They don’t pose any danger. But, they can cause a lot of nuisance, which is why most people prefer getting rid of them.
Rather than adopting any professional techniques, you should consider choosing home remedies to get rid of gnats. Gnat infestation usually occurs in moist areas and rotten fruits. Moreover, it also breeds in decomposing organic matter.
How do gnats enter the house?
Gnats are comfortable in a musty and warm environment. They breed mostly across plants and stagnant water. However, in many conditions, gnats can enter your house.
Some of the common ways through which gnats can enter your house include the following:
Moist soil
If you have moist soil around your house, there is a high chance that gnats will enter. Moist soil can be an effective breeding ground for fungus.
Moist organic matter
Moth flies are very easily attracted to moist organic matter and vegetables. If the fruit is left uncovered, insects will swarm all around it.
Decomposing organic matter
Sewage and waste can cause drainage issues. It will also lead to the accumulation of waste matter in the drain and soil. As a result, it can become an easy breeding ground for gnats.
How to get rid of gnats without using Apple cider vinegar?
While apple cider vinegar is an effective method for getting rid of gnats, other methods are too. It would help if you considered following the home remedies to get rid of gnats. Some of the most commonly used methods include the following:
Fruity Fly Traps
Fruits are one of the best ways to trap insects. A fruit fly trap can be of great help for getting rid of gnats. While garbage is disposable, most of it can often trap insects.
Fruity fly traps are great. These are disposable so you can easily get rid of them. Once you prepare a fruit fly trap, you can open the lid and trap the insects. Within one day, if you follow the method properly, you will be able to capture a lot of insects.
However, you may have to deal with a lot of mess. As a result, it can turn out to be a gross experience. If you don’t want to indulge in cleaning, you may want to avoid it.
Stale wine traps
If you’re a wine lover, you may enjoy doing this step extensively. Well, you’re honest, your favorite wine can turn out to be an effective solution for getting rid of gnats.
Comparatively, stale wine provides better solutions. The stale wine traps occur in the same manner as wine traps. You need to pour some wine on the gnat infested area. The scent of wine eventually attracts gnats. As a result, you can store it in the container.
Gnats will come and eventually drop in the container. To improve the effectiveness of the trap, you should consider adding a few drops of dish soap. All you need is some wine and dish soap.
Most of us throw away plastic bottles. In many cases, a bottle will work in a similar manner as a trap. Therefore, it can be an effective model for trapping gnats.
The best way to prepare stale wine traps is by using beer bottles. Apart from that, you can consider using beverages that can cause fermentation. If the scent has a tinge of fruity smell in it, the gnats will be attracted. As a result, it will kill the gnats.
Candle Traps
If you don’t want to get involved in messy situations, you should consider using candle traps. However, these can be slightly messy, so you need to be prepared for it.
During the evening, after the setting of the sun, you should light up the candle. Make sure to place the candle in a bowl or tray filled with water. It would be best if you placed the bowl close to the area where there is fruit flies infestation. You should make sure to keep it in the dark area.
The candle trap is one of those traps that can work in different manners. If the gnats appear next to the flame, the wings will be burnt off with heat. Furthermore, after the wings are crippled, the wings will fall in melted wax, resulting in death.
Similar to the previous step, you can use a few drops of dish soap too. If you use dish soap, it will make it impossible for the gnats to escape.
Essential oil sprays
Essential oils are great. If you have a lot of pests around your house, you should consider using essential oils. Most people consider using essential oils to get rid of gnats as compared to other steps.
You can prepare a gnat spray all on your own. If you have essential oils in your house, you need to add water to them. The best essential oils that can help prepare the spray include peppermint, rosemary and lemongrass.
You must prepare the essential oil spray properly. At the same time, it is crucial to mix everything thoroughly. If there is no smell, no gnats will be attracted. As a result, you won’t be able to get rid of gnats.
Final Thoughts
Prevention is the key to getting rid of gnats. While you can’t get rid of it completely, you should consider using these methods. Once you know how to get rid of gnats without apple cider vinegar, things will become easier for you.
Several food sources can turn out to be an attractive solution for getting rid of gnats. If you don’t want swarms around your door, you should make it a point to apply the steps thoroughly.
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