How to Get Rid of Gnats Naturally (Home & Outdoors)

Gnats are one of the most annoying pests to invade your space.

They show up in the kitchen, buzz around your plants, and sometimes even cloud your backyard gatherings.

If you’re tired of swatting at them endlessly, the good news is: you can get rid of gnats naturally — no harsh chemicals required.

Here’s how to banish gnats from your home and yard using safe, effective methods that actually work.

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What Are Gnats and Why Are They Here?

Gnats are tiny flying insects, often confused with fruit flies or drain flies. They’re usually attracted to:

• Moisture (like overwatered plants or clogged drains)
• Fruit and sugary food
• Rotting organic matter

There are different types of gnats — fungus gnats, drain flies, and fruit flies are the most common — but all of them thrive in warm, damp environments.

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How to Get Rid of Gnats in the House (Naturally)

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Trap

This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to kill gnats in your kitchen.

What you need:

• A small bowl or jar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Dish soap
• Plastic wrap (optional)

How to use it: Mix vinegar and a drop of dish soap in the container. Cover with plastic wrap and poke small holes — or leave it uncovered. Gnats are attracted to the vinegar and get trapped by the soap.

2. Clean Your Drains with Baking Soda + Vinegar

Drain flies and gnats love gunk inside pipes.

Pour 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1/2 cup vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water. Repeat weekly for prevention.

3. Let Plants Dry Out Between Waterings

If you have fungus gnats, overwatering your houseplants is probably the cause.

Fix it:

• Stick your finger into the soil—only water when it feels dry at least an inch down.
• Repot plants in fresh, well-draining soil if infestation is heavy.
• Add a layer of aquarium gravel or sand to the top of the soil to deter egg-laying.

4. Use Wine or Overripe Fruit Traps

Put a chunk of overripe banana or pour leftover wine into a jar. Add a few drops of dish soap.

Cover with plastic wrap and poke holes, or leave open. Empty and refresh daily.

5. Essential Oil Spray (Non-Toxic Repellent)

Gnats hate the smell of essential oils like lemongrass, peppermint, or eucalyptus.

DIY Spray Recipe:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 10 drops essential oil (or a blend)
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• Spray around baseboards, trash bins, windows, and sink drains.

6. Take Out the Trash & Deep Clean the Sink Area

Gnats thrive around rotting food and garbage.

Actionable steps:

• Take out the trash daily, especially if it contains fruit or food waste.
• Scrub your trash bin once a week with baking soda and vinegar.
• Rinse recyclables (especially bottles and cans) before placing in bins.
• Clean the drain with a brush or drain snake to remove hidden gunk.

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How to Get Rid of Gnats Outdoors Naturally

1. Eliminate Standing Water

Dump and scrub anything that holds water, such as:

• Flower pot trays
• Birdbaths (refresh water every 2–3 days)
• Pet water bowls (clean daily)
• Check your gutters and drains for blockages

2. Use DIY Outdoor Gnat Traps

Set jars or shallow dishes filled with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap around garden beds, patios, or compost bins. Use multiple traps for larger spaces.

3. Burn Citronella or Use Citronella Plants

Light citronella candles or torches around sitting areas during dusk when gnats are most active. Plant citronella grass or lavender nearby to build natural protection over time.

4. Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth Around Soil

Use food-grade diatomaceous earth in garden beds and around potted plants.

Apply it when the soil is dry and reapply after watering or rain. It dehydrates gnats and other soft-bodied pests.

5. Grow Gnat-Repelling Plants

Strategically plant these herbs and flowers:

• Basil: Place pots near doors or windows.
• Mint: Keep it in containers to control spreading.
• Lavender: Adds beauty and repels multiple pests.
• Marigolds: Great for vegetable gardens.

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Bonus Tips: How to Prevent Gnats from Coming Back

• Store fruit in sealed containers or the fridge. Avoid leaving bananas and citrus on the counter.
• Cover trash cans tightly. Use bins with lids and clean them weekly.
• Clean the dishwasher filter. Food particles in the filter can attract gnats.
• Use window screens and seal gaps. Repair torn screens and caulk window edges.
• Run a fan. Air circulation makes it harder for gnats to land and lay eggs.
• Keep compost covered. Use lids or bury scraps under brown material like leaves.

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Final Thoughts

You don’t need chemicals to win the gnat battle. By cleaning up moisture, setting natural traps, and using essential oils and garden remedies, you can banish gnats for good — naturally.

Stay consistent with your efforts and combine indoor and outdoor methods for best results. With a little upkeep, your home and backyard can be gnat-free all season long.