If you notice any fruit flies or gnats flying around your home, you’re not alone. These tiny, winged insects often sneak inside through windows or doors that weren’t installed or sealed correctly. They may also enter through trash cans or cracks in your foundation.
Once these pests get in, they like to settle in your drains or hover in your kitchen. While they’re usually not dangerous, they can be a nuisance. They can breed frequently, too, which can quickly lead to an infestation.
Fortunately, with a little effort, you can eliminate them for good. Here are five tips on how to get rid of fruit flies or gnats in your house.
1. Set a Trap
A simple yet effective way to eliminate fruit flies is by setting a trap. To make your own trap, gather the following ingredients:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dish soap
- Sugar
Mix a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a couple of drops of soap, and a tablespoon of sugar in a bowl. Then, set it near the gnats. The vinegar and sugar attract the bugs, and the soap kills them.
2. Use a Spray
If you don’t want to set a trap, you can get rid of fruit flies with a DIY spray. You may either purchase a chemical spray or make one at home.
To create a DIY spray, pour a cup of water into a spray bottle. Then, add a tablespoon of vinegar, a tablespoon of baking soda, and a few drops of lemon-scented dish soap. When you’re done, simply spray the mixture on any area where gnats are lingering.
3. Get Rid of Gnat-Attracting Items
There are many things inside your home that could be attractive to fruit flies or gnats, such as the following:
- Spoiled food
- Overflowing trash cans
- Soil and household plants
Getting rid of these attractions can discourage gnats from entering your home. Make it a habit to properly discard spoiled food and take the trash out promptly. And, if you have plants, change the soil regularly.
4. Clean Your Sink
Some fruit flies are naturally drawn to moisture. After they enter your home, they often make a beeline to damp bathrooms, shower, and kitchen sink drains. If you notice gnats in these areas, the easiest way to eliminate them is by cleaning your sink with bleach.
Start by plugging your drain and filling the sink with warm water. Then, add bleach directly to the sink. You should use around 1/4 cup of bleach for every gallon of water.
5. Fortify Your Doors and Windows
One of the best ways to get rid of fruit flies or gnats in your house is by tackling the source of the problem: your home’s entryways. Most bugs get in because of improperly sealed or installed doors and windows. If you fortify these areas, it can help prevent fruit flies or gnats from entering in the first place.
At Thompson Creek, we offer high-quality home improvement replacement products, including top-of-the-line windows, designed to keep your home secure. In addition to premium products, we feature a team of in-house installers who properly seal all windows and doors. As a result, homeowners enjoy higher energy efficiency as well as protection against unwanted pests and that Mid-Atlantic chill.
All of our products come with a Thompson Creek No-Hassle Warranty and Buyer Protection Guarantee. Learn more about our energy-saving, well-installed products by contacting us today.