Gnat Problem in Your Basement?

Gnats are nuisance pests that lay eggs, spread diseases, and die. They are of different species and require moisture in order to lay their eggs, so it is vital for you to minimize the moisture that creates a hospitable nursery for them. Overwatered patches of grass and leaking pipes underneath the house both create ideal breeding environments for gnats to lay eggs. The effects of these elements seem to, commonly, converge in the basement areas of many homes. 

If you found a gnat breeding ground in your basement, it should be washed with a disinfectant solution comprised of approximately 10% Clorox and 90% water. You may also sprinkle some borax over the affected area and common areas of sanitary concern such as garbage cans. It would be wise to supplement the cleanliness of your home interior and exterior areas, such as the gutters, and ensure your garbage can is always clean and sealed with tight fitting lids. Should you observe heavy gnat activity in these problem areas, you should concentrate your efforts on removal of the species.

A very practical way to remove gnats from the affected area is to make use of a trap.  Gnats, commonly known as fruit flies, have garnered quite the reputation as a nuisance, giving way to countess trap and removal options. One such item comes from a reputable company, TERRO, and is aptly named a “TERRO Fruit Fly Trap.” Traps can also be made from cedar and wine, with the addition of dish soap, to help reduce the surface tension of the solution. The reduced surface tension will not allow the gnats to gain a foothold on the mixture, causing them, instead, to plunge straight through and drown.

UV Bug Zappers effectively free a problem area of all species of the gnat. As it stands, with UV Bug Zappers, all you likely need to do is plug it in and turn it on. As the bugs are then attracted to the UV light and directly to the light’s scalding surface to meet their end, this may be the most practical way to combat the presence of gnats.
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Another very useful option is a spray or mist where the general purpose is to coat the problem area in an anti-gnat solution to disperse them for extended periods. Citronella oil is a common element in anti-animal sprays that also works very well with gnats. You can spray it around your home, near your plants or near garbage cans. Diluted rubbing alcohol can also be a very powerful agent in the fight against gnats as gnats tend to die rather quickly following contact with the alcoholic solution. 

Other options include repellents such as “Deet,” which some deem to be very effective. The issue with these repellents, however, is that they pose a significant threat to all living things in the immediate area as prolonged exposure to these substances can be poisonous. Physical barriers between gnats and the problem area can be quite useful, except that it can be terribly difficult to erect them with the capacity to deter an adversary so small. Of the many existing options, do what you can to assess your unique situation and choose the item or items best suited for the job.  

Though we understand gnats as a common and casual pestilence, we need not accept them as such. Though they may be difficult to remove, we should be confident that it is not impossible. As long as you remain well informed of the gnats’ congregation points and the tools at your disposal, gnat removal from a basement area can be a simple and gratifying experience.