All-Natural Gnat Catcher

This all-natural gnat catcher uses common kitchen ingredients to safely and effectively trap gnats without chemicals. Perfect for indoor use around fruit bowls, houseplants, or compost bins.

Why It Works:

• ACV mimics the smell of fermenting fruit.

• Dish soap breaks the surface tension, so gnats sink instead of landing on the liquid.

• Sugar adds an extra lure for food-seeking gnats.

Author: Shannon Clarke

Print

With ImageWithout Image

All-Natural Gnat Trap

This all-natural gnat catcher uses common kitchen ingredients to safely and effectively trap gnats without chemicals. Perfect for indoor use around fruit bowls, houseplants, or compost bins.

Prep time: 10 MinTotal time: 10 Min

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (ACV)
• A few drops of natural dish soap (like Dr. Bronner's castile soap)
• 1 tablespoon sugar, honey or maple syrup
• Water (optional, to dilute if desired)
• A small jar, bowl, or cup
• Plastic wrap and a rubber band (optional but helps mask the ACV smell and trap them inside)

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small jar or cup, mix together the apple cider vinegar, a few drops of dish soap, and sugar.
2. (Optional) Cover It: Stretch a piece of plastic wrap over the top of the jar and secure it with a rubber band. Poke a few small holes in the plastic wrap with a toothpick. The gnats can get in but won’t be able to get back out.
3. Place the Trap: Set the trap near where gnats are most active — kitchen counters, near your compost, fruit bowl, or houseplants.
4. Replace as Needed: Change the trap every few days or when it’s full of gnats.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @clarkecroft on instagram and hashtag it #clarkecroft