How to Make an Easy Gnat Trap

An empty glass jar makes an effective trap for gnats.

Gnats or fruit flies are tiny insects that invade your home through window screens and other openings. The insects are annoying because they are so difficult to catch. It is possible to make a simple and inexpensive trap to get rid of these pests. They are attracted into the area by fermenting fruits and vegetables inside your home. Unrefrigerated produce such as onions, potatoes and bananas attract them as well. Gnats are approximately 1/8 inch long, have black and tan bodies and red eyes.

Things You'll Need

• Clean glass jar with a lid
• Apple cider vinegar
• Sheet of paper
• Ice pick or sharp knife blade (optional)

Instructions

1. Pour a couple of inches of apple cider vinegar into a clean glass jar.

2. Start at one narrow end of a sheet of paper; roll it loosely to form a cylinder shape.

3. Twist one end of the cylinder with your hand to form a cone shape.

4. Stick the narrow end of the cone down into the jar, but not far enough to touch the apple cider vinegar.

5. Set the jar and cone in an area where gnats are a problem. The scent of the apple cider vinegar attracts the gnats and the cone prevents them from escaping. They eventually drown or you can release them outdoors.

Tips & Warnings

• Slice a 2-inch piece of banana, place it into the bottom of the jar and then add the paper cone. It works in the same way as the vinegar. Another option is to poke holes in a screw-type jar lid with an ice pick or a sharp knife. The gnats enter the jar and cannot easily escape; release them outside, if preferred.

References

• University of Kentucky; Fruit Flies; Michael F. Potter