2023-04-29 10:03:24
Invasion of midges: some precautions to take
Gnats in the house – Source: spm
Above all, we strongly advise you to protect your fruits and vegetables well. Especially now that the temperatures are starting to rise and the hot weather is fast approaching. Just let them hang outside to accelerate their maturation. And, fermented foods are a real treat for gnats! That is, keep them cool and after the meal, do not leave them on the table for too long. The simple smell of ripe fruit attracts them like a magnet. Likewise, never leave the trash can uncovered. You can guess that food waste is very attractive to insects. Moreover, if you do not have the opportunity to empty your trash cans frequently, it is better to leave them outside, otherwise you will quickly have an invasion at home.
Another important point: strangely, midges concentrate en masse around stagnant water. It is even there that they reproduce most often, who knows why. So, a word of advice, when you water your plants or flowers, avoid over-watering, otherwise you will cause water stagnation. This is the best way to attract midges. Same refrain on the side of the pipes, remember to clean them regularly to avoid the accumulation of water.
Read also: How to keep pests away from home with tea bags?
Go easy on industrial insecticides!
Now let’s get to the heart of the matter. At the moment, it is fashionable to install mosquito nets, it is the case in most homes. Because it is also the favorite period of the cursed mosquitoes! But hey, let’s admit that we often fail to close them properly. As a result, many insects, including gnats, end up bypassing our traps and prowling inside the house. Never mind, we still have resources to fight against this scourge.
So, obviously, your first instinct would be to use traditional insecticides, especially if you are the victim of a massive infestation. But, between us, it’s not the healthiest or most economical choice for eliminating midges. You know full well that these products contain chemicals that are harmful to both your health and that of your pets. Not to mention that they greatly pollute the environment. So, if possible, it is better to limit their application, and even less in bad conditions. Never spray these sprays without good ventilation: the air must always circulate sufficiently to avoid inhaling these substances!
What smell do gnats hate the most?
So what would be the alternative to conventional products? Have you ever considered using essential oils? They are excellent repellents against gnats. As a bonus, only a few drops are enough to get rid of it. The only catch is that they aren’t cheap either, especially if you buy good quality ones from herbalists. You are therefore forced to use it sparingly. But, don’t worry, we are going to offer you an infallible home remedy, both eco-friendly and not expensive at all! You can abuse it without moderation to banish the presence of these parasites. Your key ingredients: lemon and vinegar. This duo is perfect for repelling gnats!
Here are the steps to follow:
- Take two lemons and gently grate all the zest.
- Put all the bark in a bowl and add a liter of white vinegar. Cover and let sit all day.
- After 24 hours, take a small sieve and strain the lemon zest.
- You are now armed with a natural insecticide: all you have to do is pour this solution into a plastic bottle fitted with a spray bottle.
- Now you can start spraying the areas where midges flock. If you see them running off right away, then you’ve done a great job!
Noticed : as long as you do, do not hesitate to spray this solution along the exterior walls of your balconies and windows. The advantage is that its smell will discourage other insects, such as flies or mosquitoes. You will be really surprised by its effectiveness, especially since it is totally natural and therefore has no contraindications.
Drain Flies: What Are Grandma’s Best Remedies?
It almost seems like an endless fight! So many pests come to disturb your peace of mind. And those tiny drain flies that continually buzz around your drain, you can’t stand them anymore! Don’t panic, we won’t leave you in the lurch. Here are other remedies to adopt to make them disappear from your sight.
A bowl of white vinegar – Source: spm
Normally, if you plan ahead, drain flies shouldn’t even give you a problem. You still have to follow a few rules of use: regular cleaning, impeccable cleanliness, a polished bathroom… everything must shine, from the sink to the bathtub, including the shower and the floor drain. It is also necessary to banish rotten fruit, move the garbage can away from the house, ventilate the interior well, and ensure that there is no water leak or mold in the area. Of course, if you haven’t followed these golden rules to the letter and you are the victim of an invasion, there are still solutions that will save you the day. Starting with the use of white vinegar combined with other ingredients.
Here’s how to apply it: mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1/2 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of baking soda. Pour it all down the drain and let it sit overnight. In the morning, pour boiling water down the drain. And, voila, you can say goodbye to pests!
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With baking soda
Whenever there is any problem in the house, very often, baking soda comes to your rescue. He has the art of solving many problems and bringing hygiene back where he goes. Here, let’s take the case of gnats, for example. Since they love humidity, especially the kind found in garbage cans, all you have to do is clean them as often as possible with a little baking soda mixed with water. Nothing could be simpler and the result is guaranteed!
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With sugar water
Sugar – Source: spm
Small clever trap: dissolve a little sugar in a bowl with water. This mixture will attract gnats in no time. And hop, here they are stuck inside! This trick also works with fruit juice.
Read also: How to make an insect repellent to repel gnats and cockroaches?
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With mint or oregano
Oh, let’s not forget the aromatic herbs! Strangely, some have smells that midges hate. That’s good: install small pots of mint or oregano on the windowsills. It’s an unexpected barrier against these nasty insects!
Normally, with all the remedies offered today, you should have peace for quite a while. However, if you notice the drain fly infestation lasting longer than 20 days, despite your best efforts to drive them away, then it might be time to call in a professional exterminator.
Read also: Forget the pitfalls. There are much smarter ways to get rid of mice
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