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How to Get Rid of Gnats in the Kitchen

| Updated November 01, 2017

Gnats are unwanted flying pests that are mostly seen during the summer months. Learn how to combat these pests and keep your sanity. All you have to do is to keep positive and follow these steps to take back your home.

Remove all fruit and veggies that you may have out on your kitchen table or counter. Gnats love to feed off these foods, especially if they are rotting. When you buy fruits and vegetables, clean it immediately and store in the fridge. This will keep your produce fresher and gnat free.

Clean your garbage can and make certain that it is free from old food debris and sweet smelling liquids. Gnats love the smell of sweet foods. Limiting this gnat buffet will allow you to enjoy your kitchen. Remove all trash bags full of old food and such out of the house. Gnats are attracted to garbage because it’s filled with all sorts of rotten goodies.

Remove any old plants from around your home. Get rid of dead ones right away. If gnats are annoying your house plants that are still living, there are a few options. Try to keep your plants watered just enough to where they are not dripping with water. Make sure they are kept damp and not saturated with water.

Clean your kitchen sink or disposal with any bleach and rinse with hot water. The gnats love water areas and love the smell of garbage disposals. The bleach will freshen up their sink home. These fruit flies also love the scent of vinegar so place a jar with half water and half vinegar and keep it near the sink. Be sure to place the lid back on the jar and punch small holes in it. The gnats will be able to enter but not exit.

Buy gnat killer at your local all-in-one store. Read the instructions carefully especially if you have animals. Most of these pest killers can be used outdoors. Check the label to be sure that you can use it in and outdoors.