How to Get Rid of Gnats

You'll often find gnats swarming around houseplants and fruit or sticky food. Thankfully, there are many ways to get rid of them.

Step 1: Water and spray with soap mixture If you have an infested plant, water it with a mixture of 2 tablespoons liquid soap per gallon of water, thoroughly drenching the soil. Then spray the leaves with the mixture.
TIP: Try a mixture of ½ cup vodka and 1½ cups water or 1 cup rubbing alcohol and 1 quart water. Test a small leaf to make sure that the mixture is not harmful to the plant.
Step 2: Make a gnat trap Put 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar in a small cup or bowl, filling the rest with water. Place it near a gnat-infested area. The gnats will be attracted to the scent and will drown.
TIP: You can place additional traps throughout your home.
Step 3: Scatter tobacco Scatter tobacco around the area. The nicotine in the tobacco will kill the gnats.
: Tobacco should not be used on food, herbs, or plants that produce food and should be used with caution if you have pets or children.
Step 4: Insert sticky trap Insert a yellow sticky trap into the soil of an infested plant or near an infested area. Gnats will be attracted to the color and will get stuck on the trap.
Step 5: Use a gnat fogger Use a gnat fogger to eliminate gnats in an outdoor area.
Step 6: Light citronella candles Light citronella candles to keep gnats away from outdoor areas.
FACT: Mediterranean fruit flies can infest and destroy an entire citrus crop. Females can lay up to 300 eggs in their lifetime.