GNATS IN THE KITCHEN: 7 Tips to Get Rid of Them
Nothing is more frustrating than finding tiny gnats buzzing around your kitchen—especially near your fresh produce, sink, or trash. These pesky insects can multiply quickly and are tough to eliminate once they've made themselves at home. Fortunately, there are effective ways to deal with them.
Here are 7 proven tips to get rid of gnats in the kitchen—and keep them from coming back.
1. Identify the Source
Before you can eliminate gnats, you need to find out where they’re coming from. Kitchen gnats typically fall into three types:
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Fruit flies – attracted to ripened or rotting fruit and vegetables
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Drain flies – breed in the gunk inside drains
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Fungus gnats – often found near overwatered houseplants
Understanding which type you're dealing with will help you choose the most effective treatment.
2. Clean Your Kitchen Thoroughly
Gnats are drawn to food debris, moisture, and organic matter. A deep clean can make your kitchen much less appealing to them. Focus on:
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Wiping down counters and cabinets
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Cleaning under appliances
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Taking out the trash daily
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Washing dirty dishes right away
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Sealing or refrigerating produce
Even small crumbs or spills can attract gnats, so be meticulous.
3. Use Apple Cider Vinegar Traps
This is a classic home remedy that really works. Here's how to make a DIY gnat trap:
You’ll need:
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A small bowl or jar
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Apple cider vinegar
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A few drops of dish soap
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Plastic wrap (optional)
Steps:
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Fill the bowl with apple cider vinegar.
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Add a drop or two of dish soap (this breaks the surface tension so gnats can’t escape).
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and poke small holes in it (optional, but helps trap them).
Place the trap near gnat-infested areas. You’ll start seeing results within hours.
4. Clean and Treat the Drains
If gnats are hovering around your sink or garbage disposal, you might have drain flies. Here’s what to do:
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Pour boiling water down the drain daily.
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Follow up with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to break down organic build-up.
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Use a drain brush to scrub inside the drain if needed.
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Avoid letting food particles sit in the drain or disposal.
5. Take Care of Your Houseplants
If you see gnats around your indoor plants, overwatering is likely the cause. The moist soil creates a perfect breeding ground for fungus gnats.
Tips to reduce gnats in houseplants:
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Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings.
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Add a layer of sand or gravel on top of the soil to deter egg-laying.
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Use yellow sticky traps near the plant to catch adults.
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Consider repotting the plant with fresh, sterile soil.
6. Empty and Clean Trash Bins Regularly
Your trash can is like a buffet for gnats if not managed properly. Keep bins sealed and clean by:
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Taking out kitchen trash daily
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Washing the trash bin with soap and water weekly
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Using trash bags that fit properly and don’t leak
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Sprinkling a bit of baking soda in the bottom to absorb odors
7. Seal Entry Points and Monitor Humidity
Gnats can sneak in through screens, cracks, or open doors. Prevent entry by:
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Fixing window and door screens
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Sealing gaps or cracks around windows
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Keeping doors closed as much as possible
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Using a dehumidifier to keep kitchen humidity low (gnats love moisture)
Bonus Tip: Try Commercial Gnat Sprays (With Caution)
If home remedies aren’t enough, look for gnat sprays labeled safe for indoor use—especially around food areas. Opt for non-toxic or plant-based options, and always follow label instructions carefully.
Final Thoughts
Gnats in the kitchen are annoying, but with consistent effort and the right approach, you can reclaim your space. Start by identifying the type of gnat, clean thoroughly, and use traps or natural deterrents. With these 7 tips, your kitchen can be gnat-free in no time.
Got gnats again? Prevention is key. Keep your kitchen clean, dry, and well-ventilated to stop them from coming back.
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