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7 Natural Tips to Get Rid of Midges in the Kitchen
If you’ve ever dealt with tiny flying insects buzzing around your kitchen, you’re likely familiar with the nuisance of midges. These little creatures, also known as fruit flies or gnats, can quickly multiply and become a real headache, especially in warm, damp environments like kitchens. While commercial insecticides can sometimes do the trick, they’re often filled with harsh chemicals that may not be ideal for a space where food is prepared.
Fortunately, there are plenty of natural methods you can use to get rid of midges in your kitchen without resorting to chemicals. In this article, we’ll share 7 natural tips to help you reclaim your kitchen from these tiny pests.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar Trap
Apple cider vinegar is a well-known natural attractant for fruit flies and midges. They are drawn to its sweet, fermented scent and will fly into a trap set up with this common kitchen item.
How to use:
- Pour a small amount of apple cider vinegar into a bowl or glass.
- Add a few drops of dish soap. The soap breaks the surface tension, causing the flies to sink into the liquid and drown.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and poke a few small holes in it, or leave it uncovered if you want the midges to fly directly into the trap.
- Place it near where you’ve seen midges or where they tend to gather.
2. Make a DIY Fruit Fly Trap with Wine
Just like apple cider vinegar, wine (especially red wine) is another great attractant for midges and fruit flies due to its fruity and fermented smell. You can easily create your own wine trap to draw in and capture these pesky insects.
How to use:
- Pour a small amount of leftover wine (red or white) into a small jar or glass.
- Add a drop of dish soap to break the surface tension.
- Cover the jar with plastic wrap, poke a few small holes, and place it near the kitchen area where midges are a problem.
- The midges will be attracted to the scent of the wine and will get trapped inside the container.
3. Use Essential Oils as Repellents
Certain essential oils are known for their ability to repel midges and other flying insects. Essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and lemongrass work as natural deterrents and can help keep midges out of your kitchen.
How to use:
- Mix 10-20 drops of your chosen essential oil with water in a spray bottle.
- Shake well and spray the mixture around your kitchen, focusing on entry points such as windows, doors, and kitchen counters.
- You can also place a few cotton balls soaked in essential oils around the kitchen to act as natural repellents.
4. Create a Banana Trap
Midges love overripe fruit, and bananas, in particular, are a favorite. You can use this to your advantage by making a banana trap to catch them.
How to use:
- Place a piece of overripe banana or banana peel in a bowl.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and poke small holes in the top, allowing midges to enter.
- Once trapped, they’ll be unable to escape and will eventually drown or get stuck.
This is a great way to recycle your old bananas while keeping your kitchen free from pests.
5. Keep Your Kitchen Clean and Dry
Midges are attracted to decaying organic matter, which is often found in food scraps, rotting fruit, or spills. By keeping your kitchen spotless and dry, you can prevent them from setting up shop in the first place.
How to use:
- Clean up any spilled liquids or food crumbs immediately.
- Regularly empty your trash and compost bins, ensuring they’re tightly sealed.
- Wipe down countertops and cutting boards to eliminate any organic matter that might attract midges.
- Check for any ripe or rotting fruit in fruit bowls and remove it promptly.
By creating an environment that’s unappealing to these insects, you’ll help discourage their presence.
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