These sure-fire tips to say goodbye to gnats in your kitchen!
Gnats, those annoying little insects, always seem to find their way into our kitchens, especially during the summer months... Attracted by ripe fruit, food waste and humidity, they can quickly become a nuisance. However, there are many effective methods for keeping them away, and some are surprisingly simple to implement, you'll see ;-)
A spotless kitchen: the key to keeping gnats away
The first step towards a gnat-free kitchen is to maintain impeccable cleanliness. It may seem obvious, but flies are attracted by decomposing food and food residues. So it's essential to clean all surfaces regularly. Use a disinfectant to wipe down worktops, sinks and tables.
Also remember to take out the rubbish frequently, especially if it contains fruit or vegetable scraps. Another simple tip is to keep your fruit refrigerated or covered to prevent it from ripening too quickly in the open air!
Natural repellents: your best weapon against gnats
In addition to cleaning, certain natural repellents can be particularly effective in repelling these unwelcome intruders. For example, a mixture of cider vinegar and washing-up liquid can attract and trap gnats. Place this solution in small containers around your kitchen for maximum effectiveness.
Similarly, essential oils such as citronella, peppermint or eucalyptus can act as natural repellents. Diffuse them in your kitchen for a long-lasting effect. You can also use plants like basil or spices like cloves to repel flies :-)
Protect your sinks: a gnat's nest to avoid
Sinks and drains are perfect places for gnats, as they often find organic residues. To keep them away, regularly pour boiling water down your sinks to remove debris. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar is also effective for disinfecting and degreasing your pipes, preventing flies from settling in.
The infallible trap of the cut bottle
A simple and effective way to catch flies is to make a trap from a plastic bottle. Cut a bottle in half, pour a bait such as cider vinegar or syrup into the lower part, then place the upper part upside down to form a funnel. Attracted by the bait, the gnats will enter the bottle, but will have a hard time getting out!
