Fruit flies or gnats can be one of the most annoying pests in your home. They can come in to your home via the fruits, vegetable and plants you bring home and can be a complete pain to get rid of. The truth is, you can get rid of fruit flies fast with a couple of household ingredients in very little time!
I have to be honest, fruit flies have been an enemy of mine for many years. I usually start to notice them in early spring, and seem to fight them until late fall. They love to make themselves at home in my kitchen and bathroom sink drains, can be found buzzing around my indoor herb garden and fruit bowl, and have even taken a swim in my wine a few times...not cool!
I use THIS 3 Ingredient Gnat Killer to get rid of gnats and fruit flies, but it's super important to trap as many as you can first to really get rid of them.
How to Get Rid of Gnats Fast
Step 1 - Squirt 2-3 pumps (around 1 ½ tablespoons) of dish liquid into a small bowl.
Step 2 - Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. If you don't have any, you can use red wine vinegar instead.
Step 3 - Stir in some water, making sure that they suds up a little bit...the bubbles help to trap the fruit flies or gnats.
Step 4 - Place the fruit fly trap near any areas where fruit flies have been seen. You can use cute, decorative bowls like this one and place them by your kitchen and bathroom sinks, near a fruit bowl and even near an indoor herb garden if you have one. Nobody will even notice ;)
Within a half an hour, I noticed our first gnat was trapped in the solution...yay!
I typically change the solution out every couple of days for about a week, and then don't see any gnats for a while. When I notice any new gnats around, I just make it again! This is such an easy, natural, inexpensive way to keep those pesky gnats out of your home!
Looking for more ways to keep pests at bay? Check out the awesome ideas below!
Got ants? This Homemade Ant Killer is a life saver...it works really quickly and will keep ants at bay!
Did you know that you don't have to buy expensive, toxic solutions to keep ants away? Make my Homemade Peppermint Ant Deterrent Spray and keep ants from coming into your home. Bonus...it keeps spiders away too!
Finding ants in your pet's food is a major bummer, especially since it means you have to toss it! Try this super Easy Trick to Keep Ants Out of Your Pet's Food, and never waste pet food again!
Notice fleas on your beloved pets? Make this easy Non-Toxic Flea Killing Pet Shampoo with a couple of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen and banish fleas in minutes!
And...I've saved the best and easiest for last! Want to keep bugs out of your drinks? Just pop a cupcake liner on top of your glass or cup and poke a straw through...the bugs don't stand a chance!
Jody says
I have a whole folder of your recipes. On Pintetest you have your own section. I have done the fanged fruit flies with just apple cider and it works but I have a fly swatted glued in my hand Spring thru Fall. I have done your ant spray,spider spray. The dog flea shampoo, which kills what’s on but sometimes think I am losing the battle. But thank you for all the things you share.
Jessica says
Thank you so much for the kind words, Jody! You made my morning, and make me feel like what I am doing is important...which is what keeps me going. Have a blessed day! ~Jess
esther says
need some thing for moths?? have done ever thing I know , but still have them !
Jessica says
I'm researching it now, and will post soon!
Monica says
How about something for Lady bugs?
Judy says
why lady bugs? they eat the aphids that destroy your plants
Monica says
Not when they are in your house
Laurie says
I would also like yo know how to get rid of moths in the house. They are the one thing I can't seem to get rid of. I've purchased the moth traps online and they worked for a little while, but the pesky moths keep coming back! I've also heard that they don't like the smell of lavender, so I went out and bought a whole lot of lavender air fresheners, but those only last so long and you have to throw them out. Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Jessica says
Hi, Laurie! My Grandmommy swore by Reefer Galler and it seemed to work for her. I don't really see moths here, but heard they also hate the smell of cedar! Good luck!
Susana says
As Jody said, I also have a a folder of your recipes. I am from Argentina and I share your comments with my friends. Your new recipe for ants is just fantastic!!!! It works!!! Thank You.
Jessica says
Thank you so much for the sweet words, Susana! I really appreciate you taking the time to leave me a comment!
bernice says
Your ideas are great. You're the best. I'm with esther - any solutions for moths?
Jessica says
Hi, Bernice! I've gotten several questions about moths today...I'm working on some research to find a helpful solution for you!
Kathi Brill says
I was going crazy I HATE fruit flies!! this got them all gone they are floating in the bowls!! THANK -YOU!!
Jennifer Grocke says
I also would love a permanent solution for moths in my pantry. Have cleaned and sprayed every corner and crevices of containers and still they come. Waiting for your answer. Keep up the great work. Jenny
Alie says
You maybe bringing them in with food in bags etc... I confess to using glass, well sealed jars only and freeze for at least a week anything I think might have moths before pantry storage. Takes a while to keep it clear but those moths are hardy too!
Norah Gammon says
I had the same problem and I bought some of those little wooden things that look like small hangers of wood and they hand up on your rod between clothes, they worked very well for me, I see the very odd one now but I also bought some moth balls and I put them in my off-season clothes that I have put away, work quite well. You can wash all year and never get rid of the babies, they just ever stop.
Good luch
Norah
Yvonne Kennedy says
Jessica, Hello. Not sure if it helps with all moths, But I used to get the moths and bugs in my pantry. I used to get them all the time and it drove me crazy because they would get into all of my dried foods. My mother called them mealy bugs. I researched trying to find anything that would help. I can definitely give everyone a few pointers on keeping them out of your pantry. I have found that cleaning the cabinets very well then spraying all the cracks and crevices with plain old white distilled vinegar helps: But since I was very tired of throwing food away every couple months that I kept researching. I actually found a wealth of information on keeping them out of your dried foods. BUT I stress "keeping them out". Once you have them the food should be thrown out and the pantry cleaned very well. But if someone doesn't mind a few bugs that is up to them. lol I have found that you can freeze everything to kill the bugs being brought in the dried foods but that is time consuming and a pain in the butt to try to freeze everything from puddings mixes to rice, pasta, etc., etc. to pets food every time you go to the store. So with that being said; the absolute best thing that I have found is Bay leaves and cloves! I sprinkled them on the shelves and I have not had any problems in years with them!! I have to be honest, after the last time I got them I also put as much stuff in glass jars as possible, But I still had a lot of stuff that it was impossible to do everything. I also put Bay leaves inside the jars to be extra safe. I would not use the cloves inside of the jars as it would affect the taste but have found that the Bay leaves do not. Good luck!!
Rosemary says
I have been using Bayleaves for as long as I can remember! As did my mother and grandmother! I always try to put everything in Tupperware and add a leaf and seal. I put a leaf in the bottom of a container and then add boxed pasta, cracker bags whatever I'm storing it that container and add a leaf in top.
I also put them on the shelves and under boxed foods and in between if I'm stacking foods together.
Julie says
The recipe for the gnats with the dish soap, that is what my mom used for ants as well when I was growing up! I saw later in the article that you have an ant killer and that made me smile and think of my mom as well! It really does work too! I love seeing all these DIY safe things on here! Instead of using harsh pesticides! Thank you for this!
fathima ismail says
ny ideas to remove marks from carpet..traffic area
fathima ismail says
how to clean a very dirty caŕpet
Lesley says
I love reading your recipes. Anything I can do to keep pests out without large expenses and keeping my family safe is always my first goal. You really have helped s lot of people so keep up the good work!
Jessica says
Thank you so much for the kind words, Lesley!
Cindy in GA says
LOVE your hints and tips! Here's my question...I live in the South...that means wasps and hornets and yellow jackets. My problem is worsened by the fact that my husband is allergic to these critters. Got a good solution?
Jessica says
We use a bee trap as I show in this post...it helps a ton!
Samie McLaughlin says
I enjoy using your recipes.I'm asthmatic & am allergic to the outdoors (or so it seems). My oven has always been a burnt on ugly disaster. It took me 5 months, but I now have a nice shiny oven.
I live in Pocatello, Idaho, in an 80 year old building, that has recently become infected with bed bugs. How can I keep them out once heat treatment is done on Monday? I don't want to do this kind of cleaning,red again.
Thank you for any help you can give me.
Samie McLaughlin+
Jessica says
Hi, Samie! I'm so glad that you got your oven all clean! Bed bugs are something I don't have any experience with, but I found this article from Real Simple that may help you... How to Prevent Bed Bugs
Good luck!
Jody says
Oh mam I am so sorry for you. I had them once. Don’t know how but son sat next to someone on the bus. It is not because you aren’t clean. I just saved an article about them and if you answer me with your email I can forward it to you. It was very helpful if ever happens again.
Jody says
Jessica just gave you the same article I had. Don’t let your blankets fall down on the floor. Put your bed posts in a paper cup and smear petroleum jelly on the outside of of the cup. Put your post right in the middle so they can’t get on it. Trying to go through the jelly they can’t. You should wash all your clothes in hot water in a hot dryer. Heat is only thing that kills them. Vacuum everywhere and take your vacuum out to empty the bag and seal it up and throw away. There are mattress covers that they cannot burrow through and in an apartment it might be wise to do that. Also a pillow protector. Hope this helps.
Jeanette Jacobs says
I also live in the South. Shoot the active yellow-jackets on their hives with a mixture of Dawn Soap (2-3 tsp.) in a spray bottle of water. This coats their wings, and they will literally "drop like flies." Saves lots of money on Hornet Sprays.
Yolanda Acevedo says
Thanks so much for this beautiful post! It's put together so well! I used the info. Right away with great results! I said some prayers for you in thanks.
YOLANDA
Jessica says
Thank you so much for the kind words, Yolanda! I'm so happy it worked for you! xoxo, Jess
Elaine Cary says
Love all your post! Used this for fruit flies & gnats, it really works!! The carpet stain remover, and the hardwood floor cleaner I use regularly! Beats anything else on the market! Thank you so much for all your post!! Love the new layout! THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO! Elaine
Trish says
Hi! I read Your recipe/ plan for fruit flies/gnats Most of the others I have read have said to cover up the solution with Saran Wrap or something and poke holes So this is not necessary? I tried your idea this morning and I’m hoping for the best Thank you !!!
Jessica says
It isn't necessary, because the soap helps to trap them.
Sandy mckinnon says
Ants. Because corn growers are decimating our bee population with spray, I find ants and put them in my garden to pollinate for me. It works!
Monica says
Do you have something for Lady bugs?
Jessica says
I don't yet, but I will definitely look into it for you!
Alie says
Aboid killing the real lady bugs- you need them outside- look at your state extension site and make sure of the type of insect !!
Amy says
Yes! This absolutely works. My grandmother taught me this trick years ago.
Ida says
Please find something for lady bugs.
Bridget says
The gnat solution was amazing!! After 1 night I had 13 in there! Thank you so much for posting it!!
Jessica says
You are so welcome...so happy it helped!
Jess
Carolyn says
These are great ideas. Thank you. However, just a heads up-- Peppermint essential oil is toxic to cats, so please be careful using it in areas where cats may lick it. It almost killed a family cat. It had her seriously foaming at the mouth
Patrice says
This fruit fly solution is the best thing ever. I’ve caught about 40 fruit flies within 2 days. I’m definitely using this every summer from now on.
Kristen D. says
For the fruit fly/gnat mixture, can I use distilled white vinegar? Or should it be apple cider vinegar? Just curious... These are all fantastic posts and VERY useful!!! Thank You!!!!
Jessica says
Apple cider vinegar is the best for this particular recipe because the gnats love the sweetness/sourness of it. Thanks so much for the kind words! xoxo, Jess
Sushila says
Hi been reading about all your interesting info and remedies. Please help with flies. Especially when there's meat or cut fruit. It's a terrible bother getting rid of it. I light incense. Is there another remedy. Thanks for info. Love from South Africa
Jessica says
HI, Sushila! Unfortunately, flies are the hardest thing to get rid of or keep away. We have a major issue with them here too! I'm doing lots of research to see if I can come up with some ideas that really work, so stay tuned! xoxo, Jess
Denise Crawford says
How do you get rid of bugs in your flour?
Jessica says
Unfortunately, if there are bugs in your flour, you need to start fresh with new flour. To keep weevils from infesting your flour, be sure to store it in an airtight container with an airtight lid. You can add a couple of bay leaves to your flour to help even more!
LinGlo says
Our Hired Killers pest control guy solved our recurring fruit fly problem! We had tried your suggestion (it helped temporarily) and even stopped buying fresh fruit. Nothing worked for long! When I told the pest control guy about our fruit fly problem, he asked how often I cleaned the rubber insert on the garbage side of the kitchen sink. When he pulled it out, it definitely needed cleaning. He told me that fruit fries lay their eggs there causing a recurring fruit fly problem. I started washing it once a week and have not had a fruit fly problem since.