How To Avoid A Gnat Infestation

Many people are disgusted by small insects, so when a gnat infestation shows up in your house or your yard, you will want to do whatever you can to get rid of it. Even better would be avoiding an infestation in the first place. These small buzzing insects are annoying and disruptive, and no one wants them around. They feed on plants, fruits, and vegetables, and they tend to swarm. They are also prolific. A female gnat can lay up to 400 eggs during the course of her life, and those eggs can survive just about anywhere. Most gnats live about four or five months. The best thing to do is to kill them as soon as you notice them. You do not want eggs to be laid, otherwise you will have a larger infestation that you originally thought.

Keep all of your fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator. It can look nice to have a fruit bowl displayed on the kitchen table or the counter, but you will soon notice these tiny bugs showing up. Sometimes the food scraps that are processed in a garbage disposal can cause a gnat infestation. If you notice them coming out of your drain, pour a small amount of vegetable oil down there. This will kill the existing gnats and any of their eggs. Run the disposal frequently to keep it clear of food that might attract the bugs.

These tiny insects might like to gather around any potted plants you have in your house or on the patio. If you notice gnats gathering around your plants, give them some new soil. Try re-potting the plants to avoid any breeding that could be taking place. The fresh soil will eliminate any infestation that had been a problem. You will also want to be careful not to water your plants too much. That wet environment is attractive to gnats, especially if there is standing water. Infestations often occur in moist places.

There are other creative ways to eliminate a gnat infestation, and prevent one from happening. Some people have reported that fly paper works well. You will be surprised at how many little gnats you find attached to the sticky side. Others have found success with a homemade concoction of apple cider vinegar and water. Mix the two liquids together and keep it in a bowl near your plants, fruits, and vegetables. The substance will prevent the bugs from gathering anywhere near it. Neem oil can also be used anywhere you notice the gnats. Simply rub it onto any surface where you see them, and be sure to reapply it a few times every week.

Discovering a gnat infestation in your home or garden can be upsetting. While the small bugs cannot harm you, they are a nuisance, especially when they congregate around your plants, fruits, and vegetables. Try to keep your fresh produce in the fridge and dry, and remember to keep your potted plants in fresh soil that is not too moist. Be sure to kill any gnats that you find so you can prevent them from breeding.