How to Make a Gnat Trap

Image
fruit bowl in the kitchen susceptible to gnats

Making a homemade gnat trap is simple and requires only a few household items. To keep gnats out of your kitchen or anywhere else in your home, follow these instructions!

Homemade Gnat Trap

This specific homemade gnat trap works by attracting the gnats with the scent of vinegar or wine, and once they enter the trap, they become trapped in the soapy liquid. It's an effective and environmentally friendly way to control gnats in your home. Here are the materials you need: 

  • Small shallow dish or bowl
  • Apple cider vinegar (or red wine)
  • Liquid dish soap
  • Plastic wrap
  • Rubber band
  • Toothpick or fork

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Trap: Pour a small amount of apple cider vinegar into the shallow dish or bowl. You can also use red wine as an alternative if you don't have apple cider vinegar.
  2. Add Dish Soap: Add a few drops of liquid dish soap to the vinegar. This will break the surface tension of the liquid, making it harder for the gnats to escape once they land in the trap.
  3. Cover with Plastic Wrap: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Use a rubber band to secure the plastic wrap around the edges of the dish. Make sure the plastic wrap is taut.
  4. Poke Holes: Use a toothpick or fork to poke several small holes in the plastic wrap. Gnats will be attracted to the scent of the vinegar or wine and will enter through these holes, but they'll have difficulty escaping once inside.
  5. Place the Trap: Put the trap in an area where you've noticed a lot of gnats. Typically, near sinks, trash cans, or areas with ripe fruit are good locations.
  6. Replace as Needed: Check the trap regularly and replace the vinegar and dish soap mixture as needed. Empty any trapped gnats into the trash.

Other Tips for Getting Rid of Gnats

In addition to creating a gnat trap, there are several other methods you can use to get rid of gnats. Here are some effective options:

  • Remove Breeding Sites: Gnats breed in moist areas, so eliminating sources of standing water can help reduce their population. Check for and fix any leaks in pipes, faucets, or appliances. Ensure that flower pots, drains, and other areas where water can accumulate are kept dry.
  • Clean Surfaces: Keep kitchen counters, sinks, and other surfaces clean and free of spills. Gnats are attracted to organic matter, so regularly wipe down surfaces to remove food residues and spills.
  • Dispose of Overripe Fruit: Rotting fruits and vegetables are a major attractant for gnats. Dispose of overripe fruits and vegetables promptly, and store fresh produce in sealed containers or in the refrigerator.
  • Fly Paper Strips: Hang fly paper strips near windows or other areas where gnats are entering your home. The sticky surface of the paper will trap the gnats when they land on it.
  • Ventilate and Dehumidify: Gnats thrive in humid environments, so improving ventilation and reducing humidity levels in your home can help deter them. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and consider using a dehumidifier in areas where humidity is high.

Professional Pest Control Services

When faced with a gnat infestation, swift and reliable action is essential. At A-Action Pest Control, we offer a hassle-free solution to your pest problems. Our highly trained exterminators provide guaranteed treatments, ensuring that gnats are eliminated swiftly and effectively. With our flexible scheduling and continuous treatments, you can trust us to keep your home gnat-free year-round, saving you the time and effort of DIY methods. Don't let gnats disrupt your peace of mind—hire A-Action today for reliable and affordable gnat control!

Get a Free Estimate
Name
Contact Info
Address
By submitting this form, you are agreeing to the privacy policy.
Validation
Submission