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[qualityshopper]

I know this has been talked about before on here, but I'm bringing it up again in my attempt to get help. My mom discovered some rotten potatoes in the kitchen, and ever since then, we have been plagued with gnats. My usual method to deal with the critters is to turn off all the lights, open the back door, and then stand with a magazine to swat them with as they fly to the storm door. Of course, this makes a lovely mess on the door which has to be cleaned off later, but has been the easiest method for me to get them. Usually, I only have to do this a couple of days to be free of them, but this time, their number is greater. I'm making headway, but am still encountering more of them than I want.

So, I decided to make a gnat trap using apple cider vinegar and some Dawn in a mason jar and covered with plastic wrap with holes punched in. It doesn't seem to be working. I even added a ripe strawberry tonight, but still nothing. Can't figure out why they're not attracted to it. Am wondering if, perhaps, I've added too much Dawn to the amount of vinegar. Would appreciate any recommendations. Thanks.

[HangingTen]

My parents love fresh fruit but never seem to notice when they start to become overripe. Lately we've gotten lazy and completely skipped the detergent and just put apple cider vinegar in a shallow dish.  It's amazing how many fruit flies end up in the vinegar.  Highly recommend.  If you prefer a cute container, Lowes sells a set of little apples and liquid in their bug section.

[RedTop]

I use about 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 2 drops of Dawn in a pint jar covered with plastic wrap, with a slit.   The vinegar smell is what draws them.   The soap helps weigh them down so they cannot fly out, and drown.

[AngelPuppy1]

I have done what RedTop has done and it has worked very well.  Good Luck!  This can really get on your nerves!!!  

[software]

DD and I have complained they seem worse this year.    I've had to keep everything sealed.   Some of it stored in the refrigerator, some of it stored in the basement.

It's been a battle this summer,

[qualityshopper]

Thanks everyone for answering. I don't know what the problem is with my trap. I dumped my first batch about an hour ago and made a new one. This time, I only put a few drops of soap in (as I said previously, maybe I had too much soap). Am wondering also if using expired apple cider vinegar might be the problem. The only bottle we had expired back in 2016. Doesn't seem like that should make a difference, but who knows. I just want to be rid of the aggravating things!

[ID2]

I find that the apple cider trap only works for fruit flies not gnats.