- Gnats are attracted to the scent of fermented products, like vinegar.
- The dish soap breaks the surface tension, causing gnats to sink and drown instead of flying away.
Ingredients
- 1 small bowl or cup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (white vinegar can work, but apple cider vinegar is more attractive to gnats)
- 1 teaspoon dish soap (mild)
Instructions
- Combine: In a small bowl, stir together the vinegar and dish soap.
- Place: Set the bowl near areas where gnats gather (kitchen counters, fruit bowls, houseplant soil).
- Monitor & Refresh: Replace the mixture every couple of days or once it’s full of gnats.
(For extra attraction, add a piece of ripe fruit or a sprinkle of sugar.)
2. Wine or Beer Trap
Why It Works
- Gnats are lured by the fermented aroma of wine or beer.
- Similar to the vinegar trap, the dish soap breaks the liquid’s surface tension.
Ingredients
- Leftover red wine or beer
- Dish soap
- Small jar or bowl
Instructions
- Fill: Pour a small amount of wine or beer into a jar/bowl (around ½ inch deep).
- Add Soap: Stir in a drop or two of dish soap.
- Place: Set near gnat hotspots—such as near fruit bowls, trash cans, or damp sinks.
- Replace: Discard and refill when you see the trap has caught several gnats or when it becomes cloudy.
3. DIY Sticky Traps
Why It Works
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