What can be worse than finding out your Bellingham rental house has a gnat problem? While it is true that gnats don’t bite or carry diseases, they have no business in a clean home. Ripe fruit, trash bags, and even potting soil are favorites for these pests. You wouldn’t have any idea where they come from and it can be difficult to remove them. But if you know some good tricks, you can keep these gnats out of your house for good.
Apple Cider Vinegar: One of the best ways to eliminate gnats without harsh chemicals is to use a mixture of apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and dish soap. The sugar attracts while the soap traps the gnats. Strategically, place a small bowl of this mixture where you see gnats flying around. Next thing you know, they’ll be gone.
Fly Paper: Looking for an effective and low-cost method of getting rid of gnats? Flypaper is the answer. These sticky flypaper ribbons may not be the best looking option but it is very effective in trapping these pesky insects in your home.
Bleach the Drains: If there are gnats gathering around your sink drains, you may have drain flies. To rid your drains and house of these pests, pour a mixture of bleach and water in the affected drains. Soon, your sink will be gnat-free again.
Rotten Fruit: Having ripe fruit in your house is an invitation for gnats since these insects like them. We can use this fact about gnats to our advantage. Put a piece of ripe or rotten fruit in a bowl and cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Using a toothpick, poke a few small holes in the plastic. The flies are lured by the scent of the fruit and get trapped inside the bowl using the holes. Once it’s full, remove the bowl from the house.
Wine Trap: If you have some expired wine handy, you can use it to trap pesky gnats the same way. Using this wine, mix it with dish soap in a small bowl and leave it near the gnats. Lured by the scent, the gnats get trapped in the wine solution. All you have to do next is remove it.
Bug Zapper: If you wish to be aggressive, use a bug zapper device. There are different kinds of bug zappers and they use electricity to zap flies, mosquitoes, and other flying insects. Strategically place the zapper in an out-of-the-way spot and plug it there.
Chemical Spray: If all else fails and the gnat problem persists, you might just have to use insecticides. Foggers and sprays can remove gnats quite well but should be used with caution. Also, always follow the manufacturer’s directions when using chemical insecticides.
With a bunch of ways to remove gnats, you should be able to find one that works best for your pest problem. Are you interested in learning more about how to keep your rental house pest-free? Visit Real Property Management Teyata’s website for more information and contact us online to speak with one of our property managers!
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