I have a problem with gnats, those tiny flying bugs.?

Question

I live in S. California and it's hot during the day. I don't have any kind of a/c, so at night I have been sleeping with my windows open in order to cool the place down. Turns out these little gnats can crawl right through the screens. I eat a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables and they started getting in my trash even though I put things like pits and empty cantaloupe shells in plastic bags before tossing them in the trash. How can I stop this infestation while keeping my windows open at night for the cooler air? My friend said to hang those fly strips in my windows, but those things are so gross. If I close the windows at night my place won't cool down and will get even hotter than it already gets during the day.

Answer 1

Just put about an inch of fruit juice in the bottom of a  bowl and spread those out through out the house. the bugs go to drink it and then they drown.

Answer 2

You must live in my area of SoCal.  There was just a number of articles in the North County Times about the gnat problem.  If you are in San Diego county, make a report to the vector for your location because they are studying the problem and trying to come up with a solution.  They are a bit of a problem because they do spread conjunctivitis and pink eye.  Here is what they suggest:  Try putting a shallow dish of cider vinegar on the window ledge.  The apple smell attracts them like fruit and they drown in the vinegar.  They also don't like moving air, so fans help.  Another tip from the NCT, is to spray or mist a solution of dish soap and water around the screens.

Answer 3

Kat,

I have the same problem with those little flying bugs. You can't see them most of the time, they are called "No Seeums" and they bite somewhat. I would say put some of that "Skin So Soft Bug Guard" on the screens. Bugs hate that stuff and if you would put some of that onto the screens it should pretty much keep them away. Also you could try spraying that "Off Deep Woods" onto the screens that may also keep them away or try using "Raid" on your screens even the fly strips would work wonders but you will have to decide which one works best for you. I hope that all of these suggestions work for you. Best of luck!!!