Tiny black gnats buzzing around your plants or kitchen can drive anyone crazy—but with the right tricks, you can stop them fast.

Summer brings sunshine and warmth, but it also invites some unwelcome guests—house flies, mosquitoes, and gnats. If your potted plants have been swarmed by small black flies, you’re likely dealing with fungus gnats. These pests are drawn to the potting soil, decaying leaves, and organic debris at the base of your plants. Learning how to get rid of gnats is key to keeping them from multiplying inside your home. The good news? You can eliminate them with simple, effective, and mostly natural methods—similar to proven ways used to eliminate ticks from your home and garden.

source: Flickr

While gnats rarely bite, their constant presence is irritating. Aside from plants, they are also attracted to fruit, food scraps, sink drains, and garbage bins. Here are the most effective ways to banish them:

1. Diatomaceous Earth

source: Reddit/u/sophiaplants

Sprinkle a layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth over the soil of your houseplants. This powder kills gnats by dehydrating them and prevents their return. Keep it dry, as moisture reduces its effectiveness.