7 Natural Tips to Get Rid of Midges in the Kitchen
Midges in the kitchen can be incredibly frustrating. These tiny flying insects seem to appear out of nowhere, hovering around fruit bowls, sinks, trash cans, and drains. While they are generally harmless, their presence is unpleasant and often a sign that something in the kitchen is attracting them.
The good news is that you don’t need harsh chemicals or expensive products to get rid of midges. With a few natural methods and some consistency, you can eliminate them and prevent them from coming back.
Here are 7 effective natural tips to help you get rid of midges in the kitchen for good.
1. Remove Their Food Source
The most important step in eliminating midges is removing what attracts them in the first place. Midges are drawn to moisture, sugar, and decaying organic matter.
Common attractants include:
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Overripe fruit
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Open food containers
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Sticky spills
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Dirty dishes
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Food scraps in the trash
Make it a habit to wipe down countertops daily, wash dishes promptly, and store food in sealed containers. If you keep fruit on the counter, consider moving it to the refrigerator until the midge problem is under control.
Without a food source, midges won’t stick around.
2. Use Apple Cider Vinegar Trap
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most effective natural midge traps.
How to Make It:
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Fill a small bowl or glass with apple cider vinegar
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Add a few drops of dish soap
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Place it near areas where midges gather
The vinegar attracts the midges, and the dish soap breaks the surface tension, causing them to sink. This method is simple, inexpensive, and surprisingly effective.
For best results, leave the trap out overnight and replace it every couple of days.
3. Clean and Treat Kitchen Drains
Kitchen drains are a common breeding ground for midges because they collect moisture and organic residue.
What to Do:
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Pour boiling water down the drain daily for several days
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Follow with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar
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Let it fizz for 10–15 minutes
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Rinse with hot water
This natural cleaning method helps break down buildup inside pipes where midges lay eggs. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage pipes and are unnecessary for this purpose.
4. Dispose of Trash Properly
Trash cans, especially those containing food waste, are major midge magnets.
To reduce attraction:
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Empty kitchen trash daily
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Use trash bags with tight seals
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Clean the trash bin regularly with hot water and vinegar
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Keep the lid closed at all times
If possible, store food waste in a sealed container or compost bin and remove it frequently.
5. Use Natural Repellents
Midges dislike certain natural scents, which makes them useful as repellents.
Effective natural options include:
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Lemon
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Cloves
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Basil
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Mint
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Lavender
Simple Repellent Idea:
Cut a lemon in half and stick several whole cloves into it. Place it on the kitchen counter or near problem areas. The scent helps repel midges naturally without chemicals.
You can also keep small pots of basil or mint in the kitchen as a long-term preventative measure.
6. Control Moisture and Humidity
Midges thrive in moist environments. Reducing moisture can significantly reduce their numbers.
Helpful steps include:
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Wipe down sinks and faucets after use
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Fix leaking pipes or faucets
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Avoid leaving wet sponges or cloths on the counter
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Use a fan or open a window to improve air circulation
Dry environments make it harder for midges to survive and reproduce.
7. Keep Surfaces Clean with Vinegar Solution
A simple vinegar cleaning spray can help eliminate lingering odors that attract midges.
Natural Cleaning Spray:
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1 cup water
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1 cup white vinegar
Use this solution to wipe down:
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Countertops
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Sink areas
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Garbage can lids
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Window sills
This not only cleans surfaces but also removes scent trails that draw midges back into the kitchen.
How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Midges?
With consistent effort, most people see improvement within 2–5 days. However, completely eliminating midges may take up to a week, especially if eggs were already present.
The key is consistency. Missing even one food source or moisture spot can allow midges to return.
Prevention Tips
Once the midges are gone, prevent them from coming back by:
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Regularly cleaning drains
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Storing food properly
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Keeping the kitchen dry
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Taking out trash frequently
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Cleaning produce as soon as you bring it home
Conclusion
Midges in the kitchen are annoying, but they don’t require harsh chemicals to eliminate. By using natural methods like vinegar traps, proper cleaning, moisture control, and natural repellents, you can remove midges safely and effectively.