How do I keep gnats away permanently?

Author: Bertram Yundt MD  |  Last update: Thursday, July 24, 2025

Natural methods like vinegar traps, sticky honey-coated paper, and homemade spray repellents can effectively eliminate gnats without the use of harsh chemicals. Prevent future gnat infestations by disposing of overripe produce, cleaning sink drains, and addressing mold or mildew on houseplants.

What smell do gnats hate the most?

Peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, vanilla, and lavender essential oils all have scents that gnats dislike. Place a few drops of any of these essential oils on cotton balls and set around entryways to your home or areas where gnats are a problem.

How do I get rid of gnats permanently?

How to Get Rid of Gnats in the House
  1. Make a Gnat Trap. Use a small saucer to mix a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a few drops of dishwashing soap and a little sugar. ...
  2. Use Flypaper. ...
  3. Clean Drains. ...
  4. Set a Fruit Trap. ...
  5. Use Leftover Wine. ...
  6. Spray. ...
  7. Call a Pro. ...
  8. Lure Them to Sticky Cards.

How do you stop gnats from flying around you?

Insect Repellent: Use a good-quality insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Apply it to your face and exposed skin, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Wear Light-Colored Clothing: Gnats are attracted to dark colors, so wearing light-colored clothing can help reduce their attraction.

Why do gnats keep coming back after I kill them?

Probably because you're not killing off enough of the larvae that live in the soil, so they just keep producing new adults.

The ONLY Way To 100% Kill Fungus Gnats

What is the best repellent for gnats?

Make your own natural version by combining a cup of water with a tablespoon each of vinegar and baking soda, adding in a drop of dish soap. Shake the mixture in a spray bottle, and spray where gnats seem to congregate in your house. The solution is even safe to use (sparingly) around houseplants.

How do I get rid of gnats when I can't find the source?

Fruit traps - Some homeowners use a jar of rotting fruit covered with perforated plastic wrap to lure and then trap gnats. Red Wine Traps Vinegar - Similar to a fruit trap, this option uses the gnats' attraction to these pungent liquids to trap them inside a jar.

Do dryer sheets keep gnats away?

Conclusions. Based on the results obtained from our study, it is evident that Bounce original brand fabric softener dryer sheets repel fungus gnats.

Does pine sol keep gnats away?

✌️ Did you know you can use baking soda and pine-sol to get rid of those pesky drain flies? #gnats #drainflies #hacks #cleaninghacks #cleantok #thingsishouldhavelearnedinschool.

How do I get rid of gnats in 10 minutes?

Homemade gnat killer spray: A mixture of half a cup of water, half a cup of isopropyl alcohol, and a teaspoon of dish liquid can be filled in a spray bottle. This mixture can be sprayed on the gnats directly to kill them.

What do gnats turn into?

In general, gnats go through the four life stages of egg, larva, pupa and adult, similar to other flies. The fungus gnats lay their eggs in moist organic debris or soil, which hatch into larvae. The larvae feed on organic matter such as leaf mold, mulch, compost, grass clippings, root hairs and fungi.

What repels gnats from your body?

Repelling Gnats Naturally
  • Cooking oil.
  • Essential oils.
  • 4 oz (118 mL) bottle, witch hazel, and water.
  • Vinegar.
  • Herbs or spices.
  • Soap.

What makes gnats worse?

Additionally, houseplants can harbor gnats, particularly fungus gnats, which lay their eggs in moist soil. The larvae then feed on organic matter in the soil, potentially harming plants and causing an infestation. Overwatering plants only makes this situation worse.

What spice keeps gnats away?

Yes! Cinnamon. Cinnamon naturally contains eugenol, an aromatic compound commonly found in traditional insect repellants.

What color do gnats hate?

Bugs are naturally attracted to bright colors like white, yellow or orange. Colors like green and blue won't register as vividly when seen in the UV spectrum, deterring bugs away from these colored objects.

What is a good homemade gnat repellent?

Fill a glass or a bowl with 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a half cup of warm water, and about 5 drops of liquid dish soap and stir well.

How can I stop being bitten by gnats?

You can prevent insect bites by wearing protective clothing, using insect repellants, and avoiding being outdoors during early morning or dusk when gnats are most active.

Why do gnats fly around my face?

Breath, Sweat & Tears

A gnat is always searching for moisture and salt, which are found in sweat and tears. Unfortunately, the pests are vectors for pink eye. They are also drawn to the smell of bad breath and to the carbon dioxide people expel when exhaling.

What do gnats hate the most?

Repel them with Scent.

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.

What can I wear to repel gnats?

Insect Repellent Hats

Help keep mosquitoes, flies, and other biting bugs away from your face, head, and neck with Insect Shield Bug Repellent Hats. Our insect repellent packable hat, brim hat, sun hat, and caps also repel gnats and midges (no-see-ums).

Does deodorant repel gnats?

Does Deodorant Repel Gnats? Deodorant may not effectively repel gnats as it is not specifically designed for that purpose. Gnats are typically attracted to scents, and deodorants often have fragrances that could attract them.

How do I get rid of 100% gnats?

Start by getting a jar and filling it with apple cider vinegar, sugar, dish soap and water. Mix it well and place the solution near the problem areas. The gnats will be attracted to the smell of apple cider and sugar but will die on contact because of the soap.

What does an infestation of gnats mean?

Inside the home, gnats can be attracted to unsealed produce, fresh flowers, houseplants, food spillage and open or overflowing garbage cans. Gnats may also live in sink drains where food residue can collect. Dirty kitchen sink drains can provide food, water, shelter and breeding sites to many fly species.

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