To keep gnats away effectively, consider the following natural repellents, traps, and prevention strategies:
Natural Repellents
- Use scents that gnats dislike such as vinegar, vanilla, pine oil, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, and garlic. These can be applied as essential oils mixed with water in spray bottles or used in candles and oils outdoors
- Dryer sheets may also help repel gnats indoors
Homemade Traps
- Apple cider vinegar trap: Pour apple cider vinegar into a dish or jar, add a few drops of dish soap to break surface tension so gnats get trapped when they land
- Funnel trap: Place overripe fruit in a jar, insert a paper funnel with a small hole at the top. Gnats enter but cannot escape
- Sticky traps: Yellow sticky traps placed near plants or problem areas catch gnats effectively
Prevention Tips
- Avoid overwatering plants and allow soil to dry out to prevent breeding grounds for fungus gnats
- Remove standing water sources such as buckets, pots, gutters, and water toys
- Clean up fallen fruit, decaying leaves, and grass clippings promptly
- Keep compost aerated and covered if possible
- Cover garbage bins tightly and take out trash regularly to avoid attracting gnats
- Clean drains and use mild drain cleaners occasionally as gnats can breed in sewage drains
- Change potting soil if indoor plants are infested
Outdoor Specific Measures
- Use bug light bulbs or low-voltage lighting to reduce attraction at night
- Fix leaks and maintain proper drainage around the home to reduce moist breeding sites
- Use outdoor fans to keep biting gnats away, as they are weak fliers
By combining repellents, traps, and good sanitation practices, you can significantly reduce gnat presence indoors and outdoors
