6+ things you can do at home to help get rid of gnats

Those pesky, little black flies with long legs that like to hover around your fresh produce and sinks can drive you insane. If too many are in the house, you may be left with the feeling that bugs are crawling on you.

Although gnats really won't cause any harm to humans, they can be really annoying. Once you have an infestation, waiting for preventive measures to kick in isn't an option. You want to get rid of them now and fast. Here are 6+ ways to remove gnats from your home.

1. Bananas. Ripe produce is the gnat's heaven, according to Bob Villa. You can make that produce work for you instead of against you. Take an overripe banana and mash it up. Place it in a small container and cover it with plastic wrap. Poke a couple of holes in the top so the gnats can get in, but it's difficult for them to get out. Place it on the counter or in the pantry and let the gnats get trapped.

2. Apple cider vinegar. Good Housekeeping shares that gnats love the smell of apple cider vinegar. Place some raw vinegar in a small glass or container and spread plastic wrap on top. Poke a hole in the top that the gnats can get in by, but not out through.

3. Apple cider vinegar with a twist. Bob Villa adds to the straight apple cider vinegar. This is great if you don't have any plastic wrap. Place 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass. Add 1 liter of water, 1 tablespoon sugar and a few drops of soap. The gnats will come to the sweetness, but the soap coats the wings and traps them in the solution.

4. Red wine. No apple cider vinegar? That's not a problem for Bob Villa. Place a glass of red wine out with a few drops of dish soap added. This works like the above remedy, coating the wings and keeping them from escaping.

5. Clean. Good Housekeeping gives a rather common sense tip. Produce may have eggs or larva on them when they are bought. As soon as you get home, clean your produce and place it in the refrigerator or in airtight containers. This is more of a preventive remedy.

6. Bleach. Often, gnats will hover around the sink drains in your home, enjoying the moist atmosphere. Bob Villa says to pour a solution of 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water down your drains, getting rid of gnats and eggs and any rotting food to which they may be attracted.

7. Dryer sheets. If the gnats are coming in from the outdoors, Today's Homeowner recommends using dryer sheets to repel them.

Gnats can be a nuisance, but you might find relief through these home remedies.