Top 7 Ways To Repel Gnats: Take Back Your Yard - The Pest Rangers

However, we’ve provided seven tips to get rid of gnats outside and inside your house so you can take back your yard and enjoy the warm weather once again.

Why Are Gnats Swarming My Yard

Gnat swarms are an important part of the gnat reproductive process, allowing gnats to mate and produce offspring.

However, gnats may be attracted to your home in particular for one of the following reasons:

• There is fungal growth in your garden due to overwatering
• Fruit and vegetables are overgrown and even rotting
• There is food spillage and garbage that is not properly sealed

Gnats are also attracted to body heat and water, making your sweat the ultimate resource for gnats to feast and dwell. This is why gnats swarm people, especially around tall and exposed areas, such as their faces and heads.

How to Identify Different Gnat Species

While most gnats are annoying regardless of their species, identifying what attracts certain gnats can help you identify the source of the attractant.

• Fungus Gnats (Sciaridae): Fungus gnats are commonly found in environments with high moisture levels, particularly around decaying organic matter. Their larvae feed on fungi and organic material in soil, making them a frequent indoor pest, especially in overwatered houseplants.
• Fruit Flies (Drosophilidae): Fruit flies are small insects often seen in kitchens and around garbage bins. They are attracted to ripe or fermenting fruits and vegetables. Despite their diminutive size, fruit flies can be a nuisance, especially in settings where food is stored.
• Eye Gnats (Chloropidae): Eye gnats thrive in areas with decaying plant material and manure. These tiny insects are attracted to moisture and can be particularly bothersome around the eyes. Their presence is common in outdoor spaces where organic matter is decomposing.
• Biting Midges (Ceratopogonidae): Biting midges, also known as “no-see-ums” or “punkies,” are small flies that can bite humans and animals, causing irritation. They are often found in various environments and can be particularly bothersome in outdoor settings, especially during certain seasons.

Be sure to spot the difference between gnats and mosquitoes, as mosquitoes can be harbingers of disease and illness.

Are Gnats Dangerous?

While most gnats are more annoying than dangerous, they can cause itchy bites that become swollen or painful. In particular, black flies, buffalo gnats, and sand gnats pack the meanest bite, though these are typically found in more exotic environments, such as near riverbanks or sandy regions.

For the most part, gnats are an unwelcome disturbance that can be dealt with easily by following a few prevention and treatment tips outlined below.

7 Ways to Get Rid of Gnats Outside

1. Follow the fungus.

Since gnats are so small and love to swarm around your head, it can be difficult to pinpoint their origin. The most common backyard gnats are fungus gnats.

These pesky invaders are found in areas of high humidity or moisture and can be found anywhere with a lot of water. This includes areas like creeks, rivers, ponds, and other spots close to water. Of course, their favorite place isn’t limited to bodies of water. They like to swarm near birdbaths, leaking pipes, puddles, and overwatered plants as well.

Once they find a place they like, they’ll lay their eggs in soul or dead matter, and they usually take about three days to hatch. With the right conditions, you may have a little gnat farm in your backyard.

Of course, there are other varieties of gnats, including the eye gnat, the buffalo gnat, and the sand gnat. The best way to tackle your situation is to find out what you have first, starting with following the fungus. Eliminate any areas with excessive moisture, and you’ll be one step closer to a gnat-free yard.

2. Draw them with Vinegar.

An easy way to draw gnats is by using a little vinegar and dish soap mixture. Gnats are drawn to the sweet scent, but the dish soap will keep them from escaping once they land. This is a great way to eliminate a gnat problem, especially if they find their way into your home or swarm around your deck. Just change out the bowls regularly.

3. Repel them with Scent.

Gnats are naturally drawn to fruity scents; in fact, your shampoo, body wash, or perfume may be what makes you a desirable target for these pesky flying pests.

An easy way to combat this is using unscented soaps or avoiding that spritz of cologne during the summer. Or, you can switch up your favorite scent with something they don’t like. Try Lighting citronella candles using lemon or vanilla sprays. While gnats are a fan of sweet-smelling fruit, they can’t seem to stand vanilla, lemon, or even lavender. A little spritz can at least keep them at bay.