Few things can ruin an outdoor party like a cloud of gnats. Don’t be mistaken, these small flying insects are not fruit flies or mosquitoes – these small insect has narrow, tiny bodies with long legs, and their wings usually meet to form a Y-shape on the back of the insect, and they can be some irritating party crashers. If you’re looking for how to get rid of gnats outside (or “fnats”), then look no further.
Act quickly when it comes to outdoor pest control. “All gnat species are oval, shapeless eggs with reproductive habits that are quite prolific,” says entomologist Trent Frazer.
Here, our pest control pros offer up some advice for how to recognise a gnat infestation, and better yet, how to get rid of gnats and prevent them from returning.
Signs and Causes of a Gnat Infestation
Hot and humid conditions are ideal for gnats, particularly in the mornings and evenings. If you see them buzzing over compost piles, trash containers, or overwatered flower beds, they have found a breeding habitat.
Gnats thrive in warm, damp, and wet conditions. So, if you have an infestation in your yard, you’ve probably got a lot of moisture going on,” Forman said. Yard gnat invasions tend to spike in the spring and summer when warmer and dryer weather comes into play.
“That means any stagnant puddles, birdbaths, clogged gutters or even pet water bowls can become gnat hotspots,” says Brad Guerrera, who owns Expert Pest Control. “Watering your lawn or your garden too much can be a draw for them as well, particularly if you have thick mulch, or potted plants that don’t drain well.”
Gnats also are attracted to piles of rotting leaves, animal waste, or uncovered food and trash outdoors,” says Yesenia Soto, a manager in research and development at P.F. Harris.
How to Get Rid of Gnats Outside
Remove Moist Materials
The first step to eliminating gnats is to rob them of water and decaying matter,” pest control expert Nicole Carpenter says. “But it’s not enough to eradicate breeding sites like clogged gutters or standing water. Once you’ve gotten the breeding sites, you also have to kill the adult gnats that might still be flying around.”
Make a Gnat Trap
As for getting rid of gnats, Guerrera has an easy fix: “For immediate relief, a simple homemade gnat trap works wonders,” he says. “Put a shallow dish of apple cider vinegar and drop of dish soap. Vinegar attracts the gnats and soap makes it impossible for them to escape.”
Use Cinnamon for Plants
For plants placed outside, Guerrera sprays cinnamon on the soil to kill fungus gnat larvae, naturally. “Neem oil is another good pick that kills off gnats’ breeding ground but is not harmful to beneficial insects.”
Methods to Avoid
While bug zappers may seem like a good idea, they won’t work for gnats. “The majority of these kill harmless insects, and do little to actually manage the problem,” says Guerrera.
“Out of concern that many of the over-the-counter remedies can be harsh chemical sprays, which can also disrupt the natural ecosystem in your yard and kill off lots of our helpful pollinators and predators that keep gnat populations in check, to be honest,” Guerrera says.
How to Prevent Gnats Outside
There are many ways to naturally repel gnats. These will put the kibosh on swarms before they have a chance to start, so you have less of a chance of gnats ruining your outdoor fun this season.
1. Fix any moisture issues. Allow your garden soil to dry out between waterings, fix any drainage issues, and move any bird baths or other water features.
2. Clear up yard debris. Clear away leaf piles or too much mulch in your yard.
3. Tightly seal waste bins. To eliminate gnats and keep them from coming back, remove organic waste in a timely manner and make sure compost is stored in tight containers.
4. Switch your outdoor lights. “You could have bright white lights around entrances that are drawing gnats to your home,” says Carpenter. “Use yellow bulbs to cut down on gnats.”
5. Get an outdoor fan. Guerrera recommends a fan on your porch or patio because gnats are poor fliers and will stay away from areas with a good breeze.
6. Planting herbs that repel gnats. Other plant species, such as lavender, rosemary, and basil, can be a natural deterrent to these buzzers. Scatter them throughout seating areas for added effect.