How to Get Rid of Gnats and Prevent Them From Coming Back

If you’ve noticed a sudden invasion of little flies on your window sill, in the kitchen, or buzzing around your houseplants, you’re likely dealing with gnats. While they may seem harmless, gnats reproduce quickly and can overrun your home before you know it. The good news? There are easy and effective ways to eliminate gnats inside the house — and keep them from coming back.

We'll walk you through what attracts gnats, how to kill gnats instantly using home remedies, and what to do if gnats keep coming back no matter what you try. Whether you're trying to get rid of gnats in the kitchen, in houseplants, or outside in the yard, this guide will help you take control.

Why Are There So Many Gnats in My House?

Gnats thrive in warm, moist environments with access to organic material. If you’ve got leaky plumbing, overwatered plants, or fruit left out, you’ve basically rolled out the welcome mat.

Common things that attract gnats include:

• Overripe or rotting fruit
• Damp soil in houseplants
• Food scraps or dirty dishes
• Standing water in drains
• Moisture on windows or in basements

Gnats may also appear near light sources and windows. If you constantly see little flies on the window sill or hovering in a room, there’s likely a breeding spot nearby.

Best Ways to Kill Gnats and Eliminate Infestations

To get rid of gnats in the house quickly, you’ll need a combination of traps, cleaning strategies, and ongoing prevention. Here are the most effective options:

Set DIY Traps That Work

Traps help reduce the adult gnat population so they stop laying eggs. Some easy options include:

• Vinegar and Dish Soap: Mix apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and dish soap in a jar. The scent attracts gnats, and the soap traps them.
• Wine or Beer Trap: Pour red wine or beer into a small bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and poke holes in the top.
• Fruit Trap: Place overripe fruit in a container with holes in the lid to trap gnats inside.
• Sticky Cards: Use yellow sticky traps near houseplants or problem areas.
• Candle and Water Bowl: Light a candle in a shallow bowl of water at night — gnats will be drawn to the flame and fall in.

Clean and Disrupt Breeding Areas

Traps alone won’t solve the issue if gnats keep breeding nearby. Find and treat the source. Start by:

• Flushing drains with boiling water or bleach
• Replacing old potting soil with fresh, dry soil
• Emptying and cleaning trash bins often
• Removing food scraps and crumbs from counters and floors

For houseplants, avoid overwatering and let the top layer of soil dry out. You can also sprinkle a layer of sand or diatomaceous earth to discourage gnats from laying eggs.

Use Natural or Chemical Sprays

To treat a room with gnats or kill gnats instantly on contact, try one of the following:

• A commercial insect spray like Raid or Zep for fast results
• A natural mixture of vinegar, water, and lemon dish soap
• Essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus in a diffuser or diluted spray bottle

Be careful with sprays near food or pets, and always ventilate the area after fogging.

How to Keep Gnats From Coming Back

Even after eliminating gnats, you’ll want to take steps to prevent them from returning. Prevention is easier than repeat treatments.

Everyday Prevention Tips

• Take out the trash frequently
• Wipe kitchen counters and clean up food spills right away
• Keep fruit in the refrigerator or sealed containers
• Rinse dishes immediately — don’t let them sit
• Fix leaky pipes and check for moisture under sinks
• Use a dehumidifier in damp areas

Gnat-Proof Your Home Fixtures

Sometimes, persistent gnats indoors are tied to older parts of your home. If gnats are showing up near windows or on wall corners, consider:

• Replacing old or damaged windows that trap moisture
• Installing or repairing mesh window screens
• Adding storm doors to block outdoor gnats
• Sealing cracks and gaps around window and door frames

Rotting wood or mold-prone areas are magnets for gnats. Replacing wood doors or windows with vinyl, fiberglass, or steel versions can go a long way in cutting off the moisture they love.

Don’t Forget the Outdoors

Gnats in the yard can also find their way indoors. To reduce outdoor breeding:

• Clean gutters regularly
• Rake leaves and remove damp mulch or compost
• Keep outdoor trash bins tightly closed
• Trim vegetation near your home’s foundation

Still Have Gnats? It Might Be Time for a Pro

If gnats keep coming back despite your efforts, it may be time to call in a pest control expert. A professional can identify hidden breeding grounds and offer stronger solutions to eliminate gnats once and for all.

Final Thoughts: Eliminate and Exterminate Gnats for Good

Whether you're battling gnats in houseplants, drains, or kitchen corners, the key is to act fast. Use traps, clean thoroughly, and create an environment that gnats no longer find appealing. With consistent effort, you can get rid of gnats in the house quickly — and stop them from coming back.

If old fixtures are contributing to the problem, Feldco can help. We offer high-quality windows, doors, and siding that help seal your home and ward off pests. Get a free quote now and enjoy a gnat-free home year-round.