How to Make a Soda Gnat Trap

The gnats that you see inside your home are commonly referred to as fruit flies.The gnats feed on a variety of organic materials, and are often seen in the kitchen. Gnats can continue to multiply and swarm unless you deal with them properly. Commercial pesticides contain harmful ingredients that can contaminate food and harm your health. Remove the annoying gnats with a homemade soda trap to keep the pests under control. The soda trap attracts gnats with bait and prevents them from escaping.

Things You'll Need

• 2-liter bottle
• Sharp knife
• Bait
• Ice chest, filled with ice

Instructions

1. Rinse a 2-liter soda bottle out with water and remove the label.

2. Cut the top 1/3 off the empty 2-liter soda bottle with a sharp knife.

3. Turn the cut off section over and insert it into the bottom half of the bottle. The pointed top of the 2-liter will now point toward the bottom.

4. Place bait inside the 2-liter bottle to attract the gnats. Apple cider vinegar, sugar water or a ripe banana all attract the gnats. Put the bait into the bottom of the 2-liter bottle, but do not let it touch the inverted top piece.

5. Place the 2-liter bottle trap where you see the most gnats. Let it sit for one or two days and check on it regularly.

6. Release the gnats outdoors if you desire. Kill the gnats by placing them into an ice chest for two to three hours. You can stun the gnats by leaving them in the ice chest for only one hour and then release them outdoors.

Tips & Warnings

• Add only two to three ounces of liquid bait to a soda bottle trap if you do not want to drown the gnats.

• Store the gnat trap in a location away from children and pets to prevent any dangerous accidents.

References

• The University of Kentucky; Fruit Flies; Michael F. Potter; January 1994
• The University of Arizona: How to Make a Fly Trap;
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Flies in the Home; Barb Ogg, PhD, et al.