How to Get Rid of Gnats in the Bathroom

Have you noticed small flies in your bathroom? If so, your bathroom may be infested with tiny pests known as Gnats.

If you don’t take action soon, the small flies can quickly multiply in the bathroom.

A female gnat can lay up to 300 eggs within a few days. So, you need to get rid of them before they take over your bathroom. Not only are gnats annoying, but they can also carry harmful bacteria and fungi.

Moisture in the shower, sink, and drain create the perfect breeding ground for gnats.

Gnats mostly take up residence in the bathroom sink. Getting rid of gnats from the sink is difficult since you cannot reach for them directly.

In this blog post, you will learn about some effective tips to get rid of gnats using natural ingredients.

Table of Contents

Use Vinegar Solution

But there is an easier way to get rid of gnats from the bathroom sink.

Pouring boiling vinegar down the sink will get rid of gnat infestations.

You should simply boil apple cider vinegar in a pot and then pour the hot liquid into the sink.

This will effectively get rid of a gnat infestation in your bathroom.

Make Gnat Traps

Another effective way to get rid of gnats in the bathroom is to make gnat traps.

Apple Cider Vinegar Trap

They are easier to trap when you use sugar. You can create a gnat trap by mixing a tablespoon of sugar, a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap in a cup of water.

Place the mixture in the bathroom next to the sink or drain area.

Gnats will be attracted to the sweet liquid mixture but will die due to the apple cider vinegar present in the mixture.

The dish soap will prevent the gnats from sitting on the water.

Red Wine Trap

Another effective gnat trap utilizes dish soap and red wine. Here’s how you can set this up:

Pour a small amount of red wine into a container.
Add a few drops of liquid dish soap.
Place the container in your bathroom, where you notice the most gnats.

Similar to the vinegar trap, gnats are attracted to the aroma of the red wine and get trapped by the dish soap.

Fruit Fly Trap

Another way to create a gnat trap is to place rotting fruit in a can.

Cover the lid of the can with plastic wrap and make small holes. The small flies will be attracted by the smell of the fruit but won’t be able to get out once inside the can.

Candle Trap

The candle trap is another simple but ingenious solution for getting rid of gnats. Follow these steps:

Fill a shallow bowl or saucer with water.
Add a few drops of liquid dish soap.
Light a candle and place it in the middle of the water-filled container.
Turn off the lights.

Gnats are attracted to the light from the candle but end up getting trapped in the soapy water when they fly close to it.

Yellow Sticky Traps

You can also try using yellow sticky traps to catch gnats in your bathroom. These traps are available at most home improvement stores and are easy to set up:

Place the yellow sticky traps near areas in your bathroom where you notice gnats.
Replace the traps when they become full of gnats.

The bright yellow color attracts the gnats, and the sticky surface ensnares them, helping you control their population.

Use Ammonia Solution

Add about 3 cups of ammonia in a gallon of steaming hot water to create a mixture for killing gnats in the bathroom.

When using this method, you need to open the doors and windows of the bathroom as the fumes of the mixture can be toxic. Moreover, you should cover your eyes and ears when pouring ammonia into the water.

Gnats that will come in contact with ammonia will not be able to mate. This will effectively get rid of gnat infestation from the bathroom. You should clean the drain and bathtub using the method.

Leave the liquid for about five minutes and then flush it clean.

You can also use a scrubber to apply ammonia solution at the base of the toilet. Next, you should add boiling water to kill the gnat eggs.

Make sure that you wait about 3 minutes before pouring the hot water around the toilet base. Lastly, you should wipe the area using a dry cloth to remove dampness.

Use a Spray Bottle

You can also create a spray bottle to get rid of gnats in the bathroom.

Mix vinegar, water, and dish soap in a spray bottle.

This method will not kill gnat eggs but is effective in dealing with individual flies.

You should combine this method with other methods to get rid of gnat infestation from the bathroom.

Use Finger Nail Polish

Fingernail polish is also effective in killing gnats.

The chemical found in nail polish can effectively kill gnats.

Stick pieces of cotton in a transparent glass using glue. Now put nail polish remover on the cotton.

The gnats that will sit on the cotton will die instantly.

Use Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda solution will not just kill the gnats but also clean the pipes and drains.

You can easily create a baking soda paste to get rid of gnats.

You will need half a cup of baking soda and one cup of water to kill the gnats.

Mix the baking soda until a paste consistency is achieved. You should next coat the surface of the tiles and bathtub with the paste.

Make sure that you wear gloves when applying the paste.

Let the mixture sit there until it turns dry. It will take about six minutes for the baking soda to dry.

Now, turn on the water and use a rubbing brush to wash the tile and bathtub. You should clean the area thoroughly to remove gnat eggs on the tile and bathtub surface.

Don’t allow children to come into the bathroom when using the paste. The solution may cause an allergic reaction.

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution

You can also use baking soda and vinegar to kill gnats in the bathroom.

Pour baking soda down the bathroom sink and then add vinegar. The mixture will fizz and bubble and may come out of the drain pipe.

Let the mixture remain in the drain for one hour. Next, you should pour boiling water down to kill the gnats once and for all.

A baking soda and vinegar solution will instantly kill the gnats including eggs and larvae.

It will also loosen the organic material inside the drain pipes that will get rid of the food source of the flies.

Moreover, the baking soda and vinegar solution is effective against ants, moths, cockroaches, and other insects.

You can kill just about any creepy crawlers in the bathroom using this method.

Use Bleach

Using bleach is another effective method to eliminate gnats from the bathroom. Bleach is a stronger pest removal solution as compared to vinegar or baking soda. But the bleach does not clean the pipes similar to baking soda solution.

You can create a bleach solution by mixing a cup of liquid bleach in about ten cups of water.

Pour the bleach mixture down the drain pipe and let it sit for about an hour. Use cold water to flush the drain pipe.

The benefit of using a homemade natural insecticide is that you don’t have to purchase costly commercial products to get rid of gnats.

You can use the natural method multiple times to get rid of the gnats from your bathroom for good.

The natural solution is also safe for the environment.

Use Commercial Drain Cleaners

Don’t hesitate to use commercial drain cleaners if you’re struggling to get rid of gnats in your bathroom. These products are specifically designed to eliminate pests and buildup in your pipes. Follow the instructions on the packaging for effective results:

Choose a suitable drain cleaner from your local store.
Carefully read the instructions on how to use the product.
Apply it according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Wait for the indicated time to allow the drain cleaner to work.
Rinse your drain with hot water as instructed to flush away any remaining residue and gnats.

By using these methods, you can effectively get rid of gnats in your bathroom and ensure a clean and pest-free environment.

Remember to take precautions when working with chemicals, such as wearing gloves and properly ventilating your space.

Professional Pest Control Options

Hiring a Professional Pest Control Company

If you’re struggling with a persistent gnat problem in your bathroom, it might be time to consider hiring a professional pest control company.

These experts have the experience and tools necessary to effectively eliminate gnats from your home.

When choosing a pest control company, keep the following tips in mind:

Ask for referrals from friends, family, or neighbors.
Check the company’s credentials and customer testimonials.
Request for a quote and compare prices with other service providers in your area.

Remember, investing in professional help can save you time and effort in the long run.

Developing a Treatment Plan

Together with the pest control company, you can develop a tailored treatment plan to address your specific gnat problem. The plan might include the following aspects:

Inspection: The professionals will first inspect your bathroom to determine the cause of the gnat infestation and identify any breeding grounds.
Treatment: Based on the findings, the company will apply appropriate treatments, like using targeted gnat sprays or setting up traps to eliminate adult gnats and their larvae.
Prevention: After treating the infestation, the company will offer guidance on how to prevent future gnat problems in your bathroom. This can involve steps like:
- Regularly cleaning drains with diluted bleach or a drain cleaner.
- Keeping bathroom surfaces dry and free of moisture.
- Addressing plumbing issues that can lead to stagnant water.
- Removing any organic materials that attract gnats, such as wet towels or cleaning rags.

By following these steps and working closely with a professional pest control company, you’ll be well on your way to a gnat-free bathroom.

Types of Gnats in the Bathroom

There are several types of gnats that you may encounter in your bathroom. Understanding the differences between them can help you target the right methods for eliminating them. Here are the common types of gnats found in bathrooms:

Fungus gnats: These gnats are small, dark, and often lay their eggs in moist soil. They are attracted to decaying plant material, like potted plants in your bathroom. They don’t bite, but their presence may indicate over-watered plants or other moisture issues.
Drain flies: Drain flies, also known as moth flies, are tiny, fuzzy, and grayish in color. They breed in the organic matter that accumulates in your drains, feeding on bacteria and decaying material.
Phorid flies: Phorid flies, sometimes called humpbacked flies, are small, dark brown, and have a distinct hump on their back. They are attracted to decaying organic material, such as the buildup in drains and pipes.
Midge: Midges closely resemble mosquitoes but do not bite. They may be attracted to stagnant water, such as standing water in a glass or plant saucer, which provides a breeding habitat.
Biting gnats: Biting gnats, also known as no-see-ums or sand flies, are tiny, blood-sucking insects. While they typically breed outdoors in damp, organic materials, they can find their way inside and bite you. However, they are less likely to be found in bathrooms than other types of gnats.
Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are a well-known nuisance and can potentially carry diseases. They lay their eggs in standing water and can sometimes breed in areas with high humidity, making bathrooms an attractive environment.

Now that you’re familiar with the types of gnats commonly found in bathrooms, you can better address the issue and take steps to prevent infestations.

Causes of Gnat Infestations

Gnats are attracted to your bathroom for several reasons. Understanding the causes of gnat infestations will help you take the proper steps to prevent and eliminate them.

Here are some of the main reasons why gnats find their way into your bathroom:

Moisture and dampness: Gnats thrive in moist and damp environments. The bathroom is one of the most humid areas in your home, making it an attractive breeding ground for these pesky insects.
Stagnant water: Standing water such as in a sink, bathtub, or even a toilet bowl can attract gnats. Make sure you’re not leaving water to stagnate in your bathroom fixtures.
Leaky pipes: A tiny leak in your bathroom’s plumbing can create damp areas that are excellent habitats for gnats. Check your pipes for leaks and fix them as soon as possible.
Houseplants: If you have houseplants in your bathroom, the moist soil can be a perfect breeding spot for fungus gnats. Be cautious with over-watering and consider using traps or other methods to keep gnats away.
Food and organic material: Rotting food, soiled towels, and other organic materials can attract gnats. Keep your bathroom clean by regularly washing and drying towels, and avoid leaving food out.

Preventing a Gnat Infestation in the Bathroom

Gnats are attracted to the bathroom due to moisture.

Dampness and moisture along with organic material in the drainpipe create the perfect breeding ground for gnats.

Prevention is more effective in keeping gnats out of the bathroom.

Here are some tips to prevent a gnat infestation in your bathroom.

Keep Bathroom Clean

You will most likely stumble upon gnats around the shower, bathtub, and sink area in the bathroom.

To avoid a gnat infestation, you should keep these areas dry.

Check the area near the bathtub and sink for stagnant water.

You should mop water immediately to avoid giving gnat flies a chance to breed.

Shower curtains should also remain dry. Flies can lay their eggs on the curtains if they remain wet most of the day.

Clean Drains

Dirty drains are one of the main reasons that gnats infest the bathroom.

You should make it a habit to clean the drains at regular intervals. Use baking soda and a vinegar solution to clean the drain pipes each week.

You can also use a metal pipe brush to clean the drains.

The metal pipe brush is available in most hardware stores. Push the metal brush as far as you can inside the pipe. You should move the brush back and forth to remove gunk build-up inside the pipes.

Once you have cleaned the drain, you should pour boiling water down the pipe.

Hot water will flush the organic material down the drain. Removing the food source will prevent gnat fly infestation in the bathroom.

Fix Leaky Pipes

You need to fix any and all leaky pipes to prevent gnat infestation in the bathroom.

Leaks create a puddle of water that creates an ideal breeding spot for flies.

Check the pipes regularly for a leak. You should get the pipes repaired even in case of a tiny leak. Replace worn-out seals in the shower, faucets, and pipes.

To prevent gnats from thriving in the bathroom, you need to keep the bathroom perfectly dry.

Reduce Humidity

Reduce humidity levels by opening windows to improve ventilation.

You can also use a dehumidifier or an exhaust fan to remove excess moisture.

Store Towels in Lidded Hamper

Gnat flies can lay eggs in wet towels. You must store towels in a lidded hamper to prevent female gnats from laying eggs.

In addition, you should keep the curtains and blinds open to let sunlight inside.

Sunlight can dry wet towels thereby preventing a gnat infestation.

Properly Maintain Houseplants

Houseplants can provide a breeding ground for gnats, especially when the soil is consistently damp. To keep gnats from infesting your houseplants:

Allow the soil in your houseplants to dry out between waterings.
Remove any dead leaves or plant debris that might attract gnats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are there gnats in my bathroom?

Gnats are attracted to standing water, dampness, and decaying organic matter which can be found in bathrooms. They can breed in drains, cracks, and other small crevices.

To avoid gnats in your bathroom, it’s essential to maintain proper hygiene, seal cracks, and eliminate water sources where they can breed.

What is the fastest way to eliminate gnats in the house?

One of the fastest ways to eliminate gnats is by using vinegar traps. Fill a small container with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap.

The gnats will be attracted to the vinegar smell and get trapped in the liquid. Place these traps in areas where you see the most gnats and replace them as needed.

How can I get rid of drain flies?

To get rid of drain flies, you need to clean your drains. Pour boiling water down the drain to loosen debris, followed by a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda.

This will help break down organic matter and kill any fly larvae. For persistent infestations, consider using specialized drain fly treatment products or calling a professional exterminator.

What are some home remedies for getting rid of bathroom gnats?

Some home remedies for getting rid of bathroom gnats include:

Vinegar traps: As mentioned earlier, apple cider vinegar and dish soap in a small container can help trap gnats.
Baking soda: Create a paste with baking soda and hot water and apply it to the inside of your bathtub. Let it stand for five minutes to deter gnats.
Essential oils: Use essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or lemongrass with water in a spray bottle and spray it around the bathroom to repel gnats.

Can I use bleach to kill gnats in the drain?

Using bleach to kill gnats in the drain is not recommended, as it can harm your plumbing system and the environment.

Instead, use a combination of white vinegar and baking soda, which is a safer alternative to eliminate gnats and clean drains.

How can I quickly remove gnats from the bathroom?

To quickly remove gnats from the bathroom, follow these steps:

Clean up: Clean your bathroom surfaces thoroughly, especially around drains, faucets, and pipes.
Ventilation: Ensure your bathroom is well-ventilated to reduce dampness, which attracts gnats.
Traps: Place vinegar traps around the bathroom to catch the gnats.
Regular maintenance: Regularly clean drains and pipes to prevent gnats from breeding and returning.

By implementing these steps, you will effectively reduce and eliminate gnats from your bathroom.

Final Remarks

Gnat flies are a nuisance in the bathroom. You can eliminate the pests from your bathroom using natural homemade solutions.

Dampness is the main reason gnats thrive in the bathroom.

To avoid a gnat infestation, you should keep the bathroom dry at all times.

You need to kill gnats at all stages of their lifecycle. Using a spray to kill gnats will not be enough to get rid of gnats from the bathroom.

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