After the winter has ended and the warmer months begin to make their appearance, there is something else that appears along with them. It is species of flies that are commonly referred to as either gnats or fruit flies. They may be different, but both can be a problem. Fruit flies tend to go for fruit and gnats love moist soil and indoor plants.
If you have ever had a problem with gnats or fruit flies, you already realize how quickly they proliferate. They are also quite annoying and when they take over a home, most people will run to the store to grab some type of toxic insecticide. Thankfully, there is another option.
These solutions use a variety of items that can be found in your pantry. Basically, they create a trap that is inescapable for these flying pests. The quick steps include filling a cup or jar with the solutions listed below and then covering it tightly with plastic wrap poked full of holes.
You can also create a funnel out of a paper towel by folding it into a cone shape and fitting it into the mouth of a glass jar. The bottom of the funnel should be no more than an inch wide and the tip should only be approximately 2 inches from the bottom of the jar. Use the bait of your choice and watch the bugs go in and never come out.
Red wine
Fruit flies and gnats love red wine and the smell of it will attract them from far away. Combine 1/2 cup of red wine with 1 1/2 cups of water and pour it in the trap.
Try to locate the jar where you see most of these flying insects and watch them disappear into the liquid.
Apple cider vinegar
More than likely, you have some apple cider vinegar at home but even if you don’t, it is a cheap purchase. Heat 1/2 cup or more of apple cider vinegar to increase the potency. You can also add a few drops of liquid soap and then mix it thoroughly.
The vinegar will attract the flies in and the liquid soap will kill them.
Overripe fruit
Both gnats and fruit flies will swarm to a piece of overripe or rotten fruit. Instead of using liquid, put the fruit in the trap and it will work quite well.
Just be sure to submerge the jar underwater to kill the bugs before you set up another trap.
Milk, pepper and sugar
This works quite well. You can heat 2 cups of milk with a tablespoon of sugar and 4 tablespoons of ground pepper. Allow it to simmer for 10 minutes and put it in a shallow dish.
The gnats and fruit flies will be attracted to the smell but they will drown when they try to get some of the solution.
Lemon sent
Along with using these traps, you can also spray the area with something that has a strong lemon sent. Do this by mixing 2 cups of hot water and up to 15 drops of lemongrass oil in a clean spray bottle. Spray any area where they are persistent.
You can also use 2 tablespoons of lemon scented dish soap with 4 cups of water.
Since these bugs have a short life cycle, it will take about a week before you can get rid of all of them.
Here is a video that shows you how to set up an Apple cider vinegar trap:
H/T: Top 10 Home Remedies, Apartment Therapy
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