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Though they don’t typically bite or act as vectors of disease, gnats can be a nuisance when they invade a home or garden. There are a few DIY solutions for getting rid of gnats, but off-the-shelf gnat traps are easier to set up and don’t require leaving bowls of wine or apple cider vinegar around.
Choosing a gnat trap might seem like a simple decision, but there are several considerations to weigh. Before making a purchase, learn some of the most important features to consider when shopping for gnat traps—and discover some of the best options available.
- BEST OVERALL: Katchy Indoor Insect Trap
- RUNNER-UP: Safer Brand Houseplant Sticky Stake Insect Traps
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Faicuk 20-Pack Dual-Sided Yellow Sticky Traps
- BEST FOR HOUSEPLANTS: Gideal 12-Pack Dual-Sided Yellow Sticky Traps
- BEST SMALL: Stingmon 12-Pack Sticky Traps Gnat Trap
- BEST OUTDOOR ZAPPER: Klahaite Bug Zapper for Outdoor and Indoor
- BEST INDOOR ZAPPER: Aspectek Powerful 20W Electronic Bug Zapper
- ALSO CONSIDER: Livin’ Well Bug Zapper
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Gnat Trap
Though it’s easy to assume that all insect traps perform similarly, several factors affect their functionality. The best gnat traps are affordable, effective, and unobtrusive. Keep reading to learn about some of the most important qualities to consider when shopping for the best gnat trap.
Type
There are several different styles of gnat traps. Each has its benefits, and some types will work better inside a home than others. Most gnat traps fall into two categories: physical traps and electric traps.
- Physical traps are the simplest and most affordable option. They typically consist of a sheet of sticky paper that is placed in an area where gnats are congregating, and the gnats then get stuck to the paper. Each sheet is disposable and cannot be reused. Because of this, they’re typically sold in multipacks.
- Electric traps and zappers use electricity to lure in and kill gnats. Some are solar-powered or rechargeable, but many plug in for power. Some feature a bright light that attracts gnats and zaps them with an electrical current that kills them instantly. Other versions feature fans that suck the insects inside. Electric traps must be cleaned periodically but are reusable.
Environmental Friendliness
There are several options for insecticides designed to target gnats and other pests, but those products contain toxic chemicals that could be harmful to members of a household.
Most popular sticky traps on the market are made with nontoxic materials, but both physical and electric gnat traps should be kept out of reach of small children and household pets.
Disposable sticky traps are less environmentally friendly than electric traps because they get discarded after use. One downside of electric traps placed outdoors is that they may attract and kill beneficial insects—such as beetles and fireflies—while targeting gnats.
Inside and Outside Use
Both physical and electric gnat traps can theoretically be used either indoors or outdoors to reduce gnat infestation. Typically, however, electric traps are used outdoors to kill gnats before they invade a home. If gnats seem to be entering a home through the back entrance, for example, it’s best to hang an electric trap near the door.
When purchasing an electric gnat trap for outdoor use, be sure to choose a waterproof model to ensure it’s protected from the elements. Physical traps are the better choice for indoor use because they’re less obtrusive and don’t make the whirring or zapping noises of electric traps.
Our Top Picks
Now that readers have learned more about gnat traps, it’s time to start shopping. These recommendations for gnat traps consider type, environmental friendliness, whether it’s appropriate for indoor or outdoor use, and additional features. The following top picks include some of the best gnat traps in an array of different categories.
Best Overall
Katchy Indoor Insect Trap
Although bug zappers can technically be used indoors, the zapping sound that gives them their name can be a bit off-putting. This electric trap from Katchy, however, uses a fan to draw in flying insects, which become stuck on the glue board inside the device. The glue board is disposable, and Katchy sells replacement ones.
It’s designed to eliminate mosquitoes, gnats, moths, and fruit flies, but it won’t kill larger insects such as blackflies or houseflies. Simply turn on the machine and choose from two power modes: standard and low. Make sure there are no lights on in the room for the best results.
Product Specs
- Type: Electric
- Reusability: Yes, but must purchase more glue boards
- Size: 5.5 inches in diameter, 9 inches high
Prosv
- Compact design
- Modern aesthetic
- Easy to clean out
- Available in 2 colors
Cons
- Glue boards must be continuously replaced
Get the Katchy gnat trap on Amazon.
Runner-Up
Safer Brand Houseplant Sticky Stake Insect Traps
These physical traps use sticky paper like many of the other models on the market, but they have a unique design that makes them look ornamental rather than purely functional. The kit includes seven stakes, each of which has four clips for attaching small, petallike pieces of sticky paper. They can be easily inserted into potted plants either indoors or outdoors.
This trap is designed to attract whiteflies, fungus gnats, thrips, and fruit flies because of its yellow color. The traps are disposable, but the stakes can be reused over and over.
Product Specs
- Type: Sticky tape
- Reusability: Stakes are reusable, tape is discarded after use
- Size: Stakes are 5.375 inches long
Pros
- Very simple to use
- Affordable
- Includes multiple traps
Cons
- Discarding old traps can be messy
Get the Safer Brand gnat trap at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Faicuk 20-Pack Dual-Sided Yellow Sticky Traps
These dual-sided sticky traps from Faicuk come in an economical 20-pack and include wire ties so they can be placed wherever they’re needed. For indoor plants, simply affix the trap to a stick and place it in the planter. The adhesive surface is waterproof, so they’re usable either indoors or outdoors. Each trap is 8 inches long by 6 inches wide, though they can be cut into smaller pieces as needed.
These traps attract gnats as well as other insects, including aphids, leaf miners, thrips, whiteflies, blackflies, mosquitoes, and midges. The manufacturer recommends one trap per 25 square feet for the best results.
Product Specs
- Type: Sticky tape
- Reusability: Single use
- Size: 8 inches long by 6 inches wide
Pros
- 20 traps per pack
- Nontoxic solution
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Disposal is messy
Get the Faicuk gnat trap on Amazon.
Best for Houseplants
Gideal 12-Pack Dual-Sided Yellow Sticky Traps
Many physical traps simply consist of sticky sheets of paper that need to be attached to something, but these traps from Gideal feature triangular spikes at the bottom. They don’t require any additional setup and can be inserted into a planter or directly into the earth outdoors. The material can be used outdoors year-round and resists moisture, UV rays, and heat.
Each trap is 5.3 inches long by 3.2 inches wide, and this set includes 12 butterfly-shaped sheets, though larger multipacks also are available. They’re useful for infestations of whiteflies, fungus gnats, blackflies, thrips, fruit flies, and midges.
Product Specs
- Type: Sticky tape traps
- Reusability: Single use
- Size: 5.3 inches long by 3.2 inches inches wide
Pros
- Attractive design
- Double-sided sticky surface
- Suitable for most crops and weather conditions
Cons
- May be ineffective at attracting bugs
- Users must touch the old trap to discard
Get the Gideal gnat trap on Amazon.
Best Small
Stingmon 12-Pack Sticky Traps Gnat Trap
If the goal is to find a more subtle option for indoor houseplants, this 12-pack of traps is a great choice. Each one is 5.5 inches long and 4 inches wide, so they are small enough to be easily tucked away out of sight. The tops are shaped like flowers and butterflies, adding a cute, decorative touch. The sharp bottoms allow them to be easily inserted into the soil without any wires or ties.
Although they’re an excellent pick for indoor use, they work just as well outdoors because they’re waterproof and UV-resistant. They are meant to attract both gnats and fruit flies.
Product Specs
- Type: Stick trap
- Reusability: Single use
- Size: 5.5 inches long by 4 inches wide
Pros
- Several traps included
- Simple to use
- Nontoxic pest control
Cons
- Users must touch the trap to discard
Get the Stingmon gnat trap on Amazon.
Best Outdoor Zapper
Klahaite Bug Zapper for Outdoor and Indoor
This bug zapper is completely waterproof, which is ideal for outdoor use. It is designed to attract mosquitoes, moths, flies, and gnats using a 15-watt light bulb and covers an area as large as 1,500 square feet.
Although the plastic housing prevents accidental contact with the electrical grid, it’s still best to place this zapper in a location where it can’t be accessed by pets or young children. A ring at the top allows it to be attached easily to a tree or overhang, though it can also be placed on any flat surface. Additionally, this model is safe to use indoors.
Product Specs
- Type: Electric UV light trap
- Reusability: Fully reusable
- Size: 7.68 inches long by 6.54 inches wide by 12.36 inches high
Pros
- Can be hung at varying heights
- Can be used again and again
- Wide coverage
Cons
- Can be quite noisy
Get the Klahaite gnat trap on Amazon.
Best Indoor Zapper
Aspectek Powerful 20W Electronic Bug Zapper
Bug zappers are often used outdoors to stop flying insects from making their way inside, but sometimes it’s too late for preventative action. This model is designed for indoor use and features a mesh screen that prevents household members from making accidental contact with the electrical grid. It will kill gnats as well as mosquitoes, flies, and other insects.
It can be hung using the included mounting system or simply placed on a shelf, table, or another flat surface. A removable plastic tray collects the dead bugs and is easy to clean as needed. The zapper comes with two replacement UV bulbs.
Product Specs
- Type: Electric UV light
- Reusability: Fully reusable
- Size: 15.16 inches long by 11.02 inches wide by 3.15 inches high
Pros
- Covers up to 5,000 square feet
- Wide coverage
- Easy to clean out
Cons
- Bright light is less suitable for sleeping areas
Get the Aspectek gnat trap on Amazon or at The Home Depot.
Also Consider
Livin’ Well Bug Zapper
When dealing with more significant gnat infestations, sometimes the standard yellow stick- tape traps prove ineffective. That’s where a device such as this bug zapper from Livin’ Well can help. The UV light attracts bugs within a 1,500 square feet area, luring them into the 4,000-volt trap inside. Once zapped, the bugs collect into a removable tray in the bottom, providing users a way to discard these pests without needing to touch them.
Hang this device either inside or outside the home or place it on a surface. These compact units are plugged in and operate with a bulb that can last up to 10,000 hours before needing to be replaced.
Product Specs
- Type: Electric UV light
- Reusability: Fully reusable
- Size: 6 inches in diameter, 13.5 inches tall
Pros
- Simple and effective design
- Protective grid keeps users safe from shocks
- Easy to discard dead bugs
Cons
- Quite noisy when trapping bugs
Get the Livin’ Well gnat trap on Amazon.
Our Verdict
For a simple yet effective pack of sticky-tape traps, consider the Safer Brand gnat trap, which is easy to set up and discard once full. Shoppers looking to step up their insect trapping game should check out the Katchy gnat trap, a compact and highly effective zapper suitable for both indoors and outdoors.
How We Chose the Best Gnat Traps
When gathering our top picks for gnat traps, we looked at the various types of traps available to collect the best-performing options. We ended up with several options to provide shoppers with options across two main categories: sticky traps and electric zappers.
Our sticky-trap options all include multiple traps in a single pack, ideal for users looking for quick solutions that can be discarded easily. Our research also showed us that some shoppers prefer not to have to touch old sticky traps full of bugs, so our recommended zapper units are the perfect alternative.
FAQs
Now that you’ve learned more about gnat traps, you may still have questions about how these devices work and how they should be used. The following are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about gnat traps to help shoppers get the most out of their purchases.
Q. What type of trap should buyers get?
If your gnat infestation is largely indoors, a multipack of sticky traps may be the best option. If gnats and other pets are present outdoors, consider an electric zapper.
Q. What attracts gnats to traps?
Electric traps use fluorescent light, which attracts bugs at night. Sticky traps are usually made from yellow paper, which is said to attract gnats and other bugs. Both kinds are supposed to be placed in areas where gnats are already assembling.
Q. How long does it take for gnat traps to work?
Once installed, both physical and electric gnat traps should start to work immediately.
Q. Are gnats and fruit flies the same?
Although gnats and fruit flies may look similar, they aren’t the same type of insect. The common fruit fly is technically called Drosophila melanogaster. A gnat, on the other hand, refers to a large collection of flying insects that come from the Mycetophilidae, Anisopodidae, and Sciaridae families.