Gnats are basically teenagers—they live for easy snacks and damp hangouts. So, step one is brutal honesty: clean your kitchen like your mother-in-law is coming over. That means wiping down counters, taking out the trash nightly, and checking your produce for bruises or mold. A single overripe banana is a gnat condo with a free bar.
For fungus gnats, the buffet is your overwatered plant soil. They love that moist, organic goodness. Let the top inch of soil dry out completely between waterings. I know, your pothos looks thirsty, but trust me—it’s better than a gnatsplosion. Stick a finger in the dirt. If it feels wet, walk away from the watering can.
The Dirty Secret: Your Drain
Here’s the part nobody tells you: gnats also breed in your kitchen sink drain. That gray gunk? It’s a five-star hotel for gnat larvae. Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain once a week. Or use a baking soda and vinegar volcano for fun and functionality. Yes, it fizzes like a science fair project, but it also kills the eggs. And you get to feel like a mad scientist. Win-win.
20 Ways to Outsmart Gnats and Keep Them Away From Houseplants
