Do You Really Have Gnats?
The word "gnat" is used to describe a number of small, swarming, pesky creatures. These pests include non-biting fungus gnats, midges, biting flies, punkies and the always popular "no see um" insect of lore and fame. These annoying creatures relentlessly bother you with buzzing, bumping into your head, with a tenacious non-stop assault on your sanity. Gnats, however, can be controlled and repelled with a few simple remedies.
Slow Moving Gnats in Your House?
The fungus gnat and the related fruit fly are drawn to your home because it is a welcoming environment. Also known as vinegar flies, these gnats love the smell of rotten food, vinegar and overwatered plants. These gnats live for about four months and spend most of that time laying eggs for future generations of gnats. It is important to employ measures to get rid of gnats as soon as they appear in your house.
Can I Trap Indoor Gnats?
The fungus gnat can be trapped with an easily made home remedy using vinegar. Gnats and fruit flies are attracted to the smell of vinegar. Place some vinegar and sugar (dish washing detergent and vinegar also works) in a jar with a screw on cap. Punch holes in the cap like your childhood firefly jar large enough for the gnats to enter. Most gnats will not be able to get out and will drown in the vinegar. Several traps will work better than one. It's not the best smelling solution, but it is effective.
Keeping Indoor Gnats Away
Once you have made an attack on the existing swarm of gnats, you need to take steps to making your home less hospitable to them. Immediately discard of any food that has potential of being rotted, over-ripe or moldy. Check your garbage cans and the surrounding area to make sure no rotting food has accumulated in a corner. Your sink drain should also be checked thoroughly. Place any over-watered plants outside to dry out before returning them to an inside position.
Detestable Outdoor Gnats
These are the gnats that drive people crazy. These irritating, swarming, biting, annoying pests can really ruin an outdoor gathering. Other common terms for these insects are midges, biting flies, punkies and no see ums. DEET, the always outdoor companion, is an excellent way to repel them. Yes, products that contain DEET leave an unpleasant odor and a bit of a greasy feeling, but it really works very well. Citronella candles also deter gnats oo a lesser extent.
You Can Repel and Trap Gnats
You can trap and kill indoor fungus gnats and the related fruit fly with a simple homemade vinegar trap. It is important to do so before they lay their eggs. You should also eliminate any decaying and rotten food and check other areas that food may accumulate. Outdoor gnats, known by several other names, are virtually impossible to trap. The flying range of midges, biting flies and their like preclude a satisfactory trapping environment. It is best to simply repel these gnats with commercially available products containing DEET.