Gnats In Your Bedroom: How Do They Get In?

Gnats are small winged insects that can be a common pest in homes. They breed frequently and are attracted to salt, moisture, and ripe fruits and vegetables. Gnats can enter your bedroom in several ways, including through open doors and windows, or by flying inside from overwatered houseplants. They can also be brought in on produce or flowers, or even from infested potting soil. Once inside, they can be a nuisance, buzzing around your face and landing on food. While some species of gnats can bite, those commonly found inside homes are more of a pest than a danger.

Gnats are attracted to moisture, rotting food, and sweet scents

Preventing Gnats:

• Minimise moisture: Gnats are attracted to moisture, so it's important to reduce humidity in your home, especially in damp areas. Running a dehumidifier can help keep the relative humidity below 55%, which is when gnats start to thrive.
• Keep a clean space: Take out the garbage daily, don't let old fruit or food accumulate on counters or in the fridge, and clean counters and sinks regularly. Gnats are attracted to decaying organic matter and moisture, so a clean space will help deter them.
• Maintain houseplants: Gnats, especially fungus gnats, are attracted to overwatered houseplants. Avoid overwatering plants, and let the soil dry out between waterings. Remove dead leaves and other debris from the top of the soil, and replace the potting soil if there are signs of mould or fungus.
• Seal entry points: Gnats can enter your home through open doors and screens. Seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent them from coming inside.

Getting Rid of Gnats:

• Identify the type of gnat: The most common types of gnats in homes are fruit flies, fungus gnats, and drain flies. Identifying the type of gnat will help you target their specific attractions and breeding grounds.
• Use traps: There are various DIY traps that can be effective in trapping and killing gnats. Apple cider vinegar traps, for example, use the attraction of the vinegar's scent to lure gnats into a container from which they cannot escape. You can also use ripe fruit, wine, or beer as bait in traps.
• Bug zappers: Plug-in bug zappers attract gnats with UV light and then trap and collect them. These are safe for indoor use and can be placed near problem areas.
• Sticky traps: Gnats are attracted to bright colours, especially yellow. Sticky traps can be hung near problem areas or placed in plant pots to catch and trap gnats.
• Treat drains: Gnats, such as drain flies, thrive in moist areas with decaying organic matter, like sink drains. Pouring boiling water, drain cleaner, or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda down the drain can help eliminate their breeding grounds.

They enter from outdoors through cracks and holes

Gnats are attracted to salt and moisture, but more specifically to produce, fresh flowers, houseplants, spilled food, and overflowing garbage cans. They can enter your home in a variety of ways, including through open doors and screens, or as eggs and larvae on produce. They can also enter from outdoors through cracks and holes in your walls, doors, and windows.

Sealing these entry points is a crucial step in preventing a gnat infestation. Caulking and other sealants can be used to fill in any gaps or cracks that may be present. This creates a barrier that makes it more difficult for gnats to find their way inside your home.

In addition to sealing entry points, it is important to address potential sources of attraction for gnats. Gnats are attracted to moisture and damp environments, so it is important to minimise moisture in your home. This can be achieved by using a dehumidifier, especially in areas with high humidity such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Taking out the garbage daily and not letting old fruit or vegetables collect on the counter or in the fridge can also help prevent gnats. Gnats are attracted to decaying organic matter, so proper waste management is essential.

Another way to prevent gnats from entering your home is to treat your drains periodically to prevent food build-up. Gnats, especially drain flies, thrive on moisture and decaying food matter in sink drains. By using drain cleaners or pouring a cup of bleach down the drain, you can eliminate their food source and make your home less inviting to these pests.

In summary, to prevent gnats from entering your bedroom through cracks and holes from outdoors, seal any gaps or cracks with caulking or other sealants. Additionally, minimise moisture, take out the garbage regularly, treat drains to prevent food build-up, and avoid overwatering houseplants to reduce the attraction of gnats to your home.

They breed in rotting fruit, damp soil, and plants

Gnats are attracted to moisture, rotting food, and water. They breed in rotting fruit, damp soil, and plants.

Fungus gnats, for example, are often found buzzing around overwatered houseplants. They infest soil and feed on decaying or damaged plant roots, as well as fungi found in the soil. They are attracted to damp soil and usually get into homes by flying inside or from infested houseplants brought inside the house.

Fruit flies, on the other hand, are attracted to fruit, or even spilled soda drinks. They breed in over-ripened fruits and vegetables, poorly cleaned drains, and moist places containing decomposing organic matter.

If you have houseplants, you can stick one or two matches (head first) into the soil to kill the larvae. Alternatively, you can use cinnamon in the soil as a natural fungicide. Gnat larvae feed on the fungus commonly found in the soil, and cinnamon powder effectively kills that fungus.

Use vinegar traps to catch them

Gnats are attracted to scents such as rotting food, overripe fruits, and fermentation. A vinegar trap is an effective way to catch gnats as it mimics the smell of fermentation. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a vinegar trap:

Step 1: Prepare the Vinegar Mixture

For the mixture, you will need vinegar, sugar, and dish soap. The vinegar can be white or apple cider vinegar, depending on what you have available. Mix the vinegar with a small amount of sugar and add several drops of dish soap. The sugar and dish soap are crucial as they will lure the gnats into the trap and prevent them from escaping.

Step 2: Prepare the Container

Take a bowl or a jar and fill it about two-thirds of the way with the vinegar mixture. If you are using a jar, you can cover it with plastic wrap and poke a few small holes in the top. Alternatively, you can use a paper cone with a small hole in the bottom, placed in the jar without touching the mixture. This cone will allow the gnats to enter but make it difficult for them to escape. If you are using a bowl, you can simply leave it uncovered.

Step 3: Place the Trap

Place the trap near the area where you have spotted the gnats. Common places for gnats to gather include trash cans, plants, and areas with moisture and organic matter, such as drains and under the sink. You may want to place multiple traps in different locations to increase your chances of catching the gnats.

Step 4: Maintain the Trap

Remember to check the trap regularly and replace the mixture as needed. You will know it's time to replace the mixture when you notice that it has lost its potency and the gnats are no longer being attracted to it. Maintaining the trap is important to ensure the continued effectiveness of the vinegar trap.

By following these steps, you can effectively use vinegar traps to catch and get rid of gnats in your bedroom. It is important to be patient as it may take a few days for the traps to work, and you may need to experiment with different types of vinegar and trap setups.

Seal entry points with caulk

Gnats are small winged insects that can enter your home in various ways. They are attracted to moisture, garbage, food, and ripe or rotten fruit. They can also enter your home through open doors and screens, or as eggs and larvae on produce.

One way to prevent gnats from entering your bedroom is to seal entry points with caulk. Caulk is an inexpensive and effective way to patch small cracks and seal gaps around window frames and air intake and exhaust grilles.

To start, you'll need to identify any potential entry points for gnats. Inspect your window frames, door frames, walls, and any other areas where gaps or cracks may be present. Once you've identified the entry points, you can begin the process of sealing them with caulk.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to seal entry points with caulk:

• Clean the surface: Before applying caulk, make sure the surface is clean and dry. Remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the area to ensure the caulk adheres properly.
• Choose the right caulk: Select a caulk that is suitable for the surface you're sealing. There are different types of caulk available, such as acrylic, silicone, or latex caulk. Acrylic caulk is easy to work with and suitable for most indoor applications. Silicone caulk is more flexible and ideal for areas that may be exposed to water. Latex caulk is also versatile and can be painted over.
• Prepare the caulk gun: Cut the tip of the caulk tube at a 45-degree angle, creating an opening that is slightly smaller than the gap you're filling. Load the tube into the caulk gun and practice dispensing a small amount on a scrap surface to get a feel for the flow.
• Apply the caulk: Starting at one end of the gap, slowly and steadily dispense the caulk while pulling the gun along the length of the gap. Apply a smooth and consistent bead of caulk, ensuring it fills the gap completely.
• Smooth the caulk: Use your finger or a damp cloth to smooth out the caulk and push it firmly into the gap. This will help create a tight seal and a neat finish.
• Allow the caulk to dry: Follow the instructions on the caulk packaging for the recommended drying time. Do not disturb the sealed area during this period to ensure the caulk sets properly.

By following these steps, you can effectively seal entry points and prevent gnats from entering your bedroom. Remember to inspect your home regularly for any new cracks or gaps, as these can provide entry points for pests.

Frequently asked questions