Gnats Bugging You? Here’s Some Tips for Getting Rid of Them

SAN ANGELO, TX – It's usually around this time of year when gnats, fruit flies, and mosquitoes come out to bother us humans. 

According to information from the U.S. National Park Service, Gnats are active mostly during the day, especially around mid-morning and dusk.

Biting usually peaks during three weeks in late spring or early summer, and is usually more severe following droughts, the information states. 

For those seeking relief, here are some effective tips:

Vinegar Trap: Combine apple cider vinegar and a little dish soap in a bowl. Covering the bowl with plastic wrap with tiny holes can prevent the gnats from escaping.

Beer or Wine: Fruit flies are attracted to the smell of beer or wine. Leaving a small amount of beer or wine in a bottle can help lure them in.

Boiling Water or Bleach: Gnats are drawn to moisture, often coming from drains. Pouring boiling water or a bit of bleach down the drain can kill their eggs and clear out debris.

Candle Trap: Place a tall candle in a small pan filled with soapy water, light the candle, and turn off the lights. The flame attracts the gnats, causing them to either fly into the flame or fall into the soapy water. Never leave the candle unattended.

Sticky Traps: Inexpensive sticky traps are available online and can effectively catch insects.

Natural Solutions: Products like "Aunt Fannie's FlyPunch Fruit Fly Trap," which uses plant-based ingredients, are safe around people and pets. Various sprays safe for indoor use are also available.

Bug Zappers: If other methods fail, investing in a bug zapper may be worthwhile. These devices typically use UV light to attract and kill gnats and fruit flies.