They may be tiny, but gnats are very difficult to remove once they’ve settled in your home.
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These small, bothersome flying insects, collectively known as gnats, manifest in various types, with fungus gnats, fruit flies, and drain flies being the most common home invaders.
But they all have one thing in common: a love for organic food waste and humid conditions, turning your kitchen into an unwitting breeding haven.
Beware of the kitchen sink
Drains can indirectly contribute to gnat infestations, as their attraction to the odour of decaying matter can lead them to build up around sinks. Gnats, with a hankering for damp environments, may also be drawn towards wet towels, dishcloths, or sponges left in the sink or on the counter as potential egg-laying sites.
What do gnats look like?
- Fungus gnats present as dark grey or black, resembling small mosquitoes, and enjoy the damp soil of overwatered houseplants.
- On the other hand, drain flies exhibit a small, light grey or tan, moth-like appearance, characterised by a somewhat hairy exterior and a distinctive humpback.
- Fruit flies are exceedingly tiny, measuring about 3mm, displaying hues from tan to light brown, with large red or dark eyes and translucent wings. While the rotting matter in your sink will attract fruit flies, they lay their eggs on overripe fruit.
How to get rid of gnats from your drain
- Regular drain cleaning: Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or a commercial drain cleaner to maintain clean drains. Consistent cleaning eradicates the organic material attracting gnats.
- Drain screens: Install drain screens or filters to bar food particles and debris, acting as a deterrent to gnats seeking breeding grounds.
- Boiling water flush: Disrupt gnat breeding habitats by pouring boiling water down drains, flushing out any accumulated organic matter. Be careful when doing this; too much hot water can be a bad thing for your pipes.
- Regular maintenance: Wipe down sinks and countertops regularly to ensure they remain dry, minimising the allure of drains to gnats.
- Natural repellents: Consider the use of natural repellents like citrus peels or essential oils (e.g., lemon or eucalyptus) to dissuade gnats from the drain area.
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