Gnats are tiny flying insects that can quickly become a big annoyance inside your home. While they may seem harmless at first, they can multiply rapidly and appear in swarms around your sinks, fruit bowls, and houseplants. These pests are not only irritating—they can also signal underlying issues like excess moisture or decaying organic material.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about gnats, including why they show up, how to spot an infestation, and most importantly—how to get rid of them for good.

What Are Gnats?

“Gnat” is a general term that refers to several types of tiny flying insects. In homes, the most common types include:

Fungus Gnats

These slender, mosquito-like insects are drawn to moist soil and are often found buzzing around houseplants. Their larvae feed on fungi and decaying organic matter in the soil. While generally harmless to people, they can damage plant roots if populations grow too large.

Fruit Flies

Smaller and rounder than fungus gnats, fruit flies are attracted to fermenting produce, sugary spills, and alcohol. They breed in overripe or rotting fruit, dirty recycling bins, or open food containers left on the counter.

Drain Flies (a.k.a. Moth Flies)

These fuzzy, grayish gnats breed in the slime that builds up in drains, particularly in kitchen sinks, bathtubs, and shower drains. They’re most active in the evening and often rest on walls near plumbing fixtures.

Why Do I Have Gnats in My House?

Gnats thrive in damp, organic-rich environments, so any of the following could be attracting them into your home:

Overwatered plants with wet, decaying soil
Uncovered fruit or vegetables ripening on countertops
Dirty garbage disposals or sink drains harboring food buildup
Compost bins kept indoors or near entrances
Trash cans with food residue or liquids
Pet food bowls left out too long, especially if moist or sticky

In short, gnats are drawn to places where organic material and moisture meet—making kitchens and bathrooms prime real estate.

Signs of a Gnat Infestation

Not sure if you’re dealing with a random fly or an actual infestation? Here are some telltale signs you have a gnat infestation:

Tiny black or brown flies hovering near windows, sinks, or plants
Clumps of gnats flying in circles near drains or trash cans
Sticky residue or gnats stuck to windows and light fixtures
Larvae in potting soil or in drain scum (small white worms)
Sudden increase in activity after bringing in new plants or produce

Catching an infestation early is key to minimizing the work it takes to control it.

How to Get Rid of Gnats in the House

Here’s a step-by-step action plan to eliminate gnats from your home:

1. Eliminate Breeding Grounds

First, cut off their ability to reproduce. This means removing access to moisture and food:

Throw away overripe fruit and vegetables
Empty and clean trash cans daily
Rinse recycling containers before placing them in the bin
Clean out compost pails and keep them sealed
Wipe down kitchen surfaces and mop up spills promptly
Don’t leave dirty dishes or pet food out overnight

A clean, dry kitchen is your first defense.

2. Fix Drain and Moisture Issues

If gnats are coming from the sink or shower, tackle your drains:

Boiling Water Flush: Pour boiling water down the drain daily for a few days to kill larvae.
Baking Soda + Vinegar: Pour ½ cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of white vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
Drain Gel Enzymes: Use a commercial drain-cleaning gel that’s safe for pipes but tough on organic gunk where drain flies breed.

Also check for leaky faucets or pipes, and use a dehumidifier if your kitchen or bathroom is humid.

3. Treat Houseplants

Fungus gnats love damp, organic soil. Here’s how to reclaim your plants:

Let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry between waterings
Repot with fresh soil if infestation persists
Sprinkle the soil surface with diatomaceous earth or sand to deter egg-laying
Use hydrogen peroxide solution (1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide to 4 parts water) as a soil drench to kill larvae
Place yellow sticky traps near the plant to catch adult gnats

Switching to self-watering systems or bottom-watering can also help reduce surface moisture.

4. Use DIY Gnat Traps

Traps are a great way to control adult gnat populations while you address the root cause:

Apple Cider Vinegar Trap

Fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap.
Leave uncovered on counters or near sinks.
The gnats are drawn in by the vinegar and trapped by the soap film.

Red Wine Trap

Use leftover wine and dish soap in a jar.
Cover the jar loosely with plastic wrap and poke a few holes.
Gnats enter, but can’t find their way out.

Overripe Fruit Trap

Place a piece of overripe banana or apple in a jar.
Cover with plastic wrap and poke holes.
Replace the fruit every few days.

How to Prevent Gnats from Coming Back

Once you’ve removed the gnats, prevention is key. Here’s how to prevent gnats from coming back into your home:

Store produce in the fridge
Rinse out bottles and cans before recycling
Keep houseplants on a watering schedule
Run the garbage disposal regularly
Clean sink drains once a week
Don’t let standing water collect in sinks or trays under plants
Keep trash and compost sealed

Routine maintenance and good habits go a long way in keeping your home gnat-free.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried multiple solutions and gnats keep returning, or if you suspect they’re coming from hidden sources like wall voids or plumbing systems, it’s time to call in the professionals. Pest-X provides targeted gnat control treatments tailored to your specific infestation. Our licensed technicians will inspect your home, identify breeding areas, and apply eco-friendly, long-lasting treatments to eliminate gnats at all stages of their lifecycle. Don’t let gnats take over your home. With a proactive approach and professional help when needed, you can enjoy a clean, pest-free space.

Ready to reclaim your kitchen and plants? Contact Pest-X today for fast, effective gnat control.

How to Get Rid of Gnats in Your House: A Complete Guide