What do gnats hate

Reverse psychology at its finest, right? The Department of Environmental Protection for Massachusetts thinks so. They note that nearly 99 percent of fruit flies should be inside your trap within 24 hours of placement. A toothpick works best for this part, but move it around a little to make sure that the opening will be the right size for the gnats to enter.

To ensure that the gnats do not escape though it is unlikely that they will , add a few drops of dish soap to make the trap sticky. A similar method to the banana trap above, apple cider vinegar is another scent that can be used to draw in, and then kick out, gnats who have already made their way into your space.

You will first fill a clear container again, think bowl, glass, Tupperware, anything really with apple cider vinegar. Add some dish soap to make the liquid sticky enough to trap the gnats before sealing the container. Grab your plastic wrap this sounds familiar and seal the edges with a rubber band before poking tiny holes on top with… you guessed it, a toothpick!

There are so many powerful scents that can be used to prevent gnats from becoming an issue, but with these solutions comes the game of chance. To avoid putting the future of your ideal gnat-free property in jeopardy, follow some extra steps around the house and backyard and worry less about all kinds of insects and other pests. Not only will habitat modification help with this specific concern, but it could also be the difference between preventing and eliminating other, larger creatures such as raccoons, skunks, and other pesky animals.

Additionally, while scented mixtures and liquid repellents are very effective, smells fade and reapplication will always be a necessity. Banking on one prevention or one solution? A backup plan almost always pays off at some point in time and helps give you peace of mind.

Follow some of these quick, simple steps for a long-term addition to all of your newfound gnat-repellent knowledge. Sweet smells, damp areas, and food scraps are the perfect breeding ground for not only gnats, but other insects, animals, and unwelcome visitors. To ensure that all of your other efforts are not in vain, be sure to always cover your waste bin upon adding any type of garbage.

Another tip that is not only beneficial for avoiding insects is to wipe down your garbage bins at regular intervals. Spilled sodas and other sugary drinks, sauces from takeout containers, melon rinds, candy, and even soggy paper towels can attract insects of all sorts.

Gnats, of course, are no exception. Food compost piles, while fantastic resources to have, can attract these flying critters. Since compost piles are typically moist and contain food peels and other products, they may attract both fungal gnats and fruit flies.

This, however, does not mean you should give up on your compost pile. Maintenance is magic and here is how:. If possible in your location, keep your compost in a covered area. If this is not possible, opt to place your items for compost in a pile that is at least a few feet from your home. It is another highly recommended method of prevention. This, paired with covering garbage and compost, is a huge step in the direction of keeping your indoor space protected from gnats and any creatures that may be roaming around your outdoor space.

Be sure to keep not only fruit contained, but also sodas or any sweet-smelling items. Unless your banana is sitting partially unwrapped to contain an already-occurring gnat issue, it should be unpeeled, sealed, or composted out in a field.

This step will not only ensure that gnats stay away from your indoor space, but will also help you get in the habit of avoiding ants and other insects. While these methods are all proven effective, there are so many factors to take into account when dealing with any sort of pest, wildlife, and nature in general. Once in a while, a home remedy may just not cut it and that is okay.

Remember, you can always contact a professional by locating them via our free service to find a professional exterminator near you. They like sweet smells but hate vanilla. Say yes to essential oils, especially those containing citronella. Properly store your food and gnats will be much more likely to avoid you. On top of these gnat-specific practices, avoid leaving produce skins and other scraps indoors after consumption and get those out to the compost instead!

Also, remember to check the water levels in the soil of your house plants to not only avoid fungus gnats but to keep your plants adequately watered and thriving. Brown, M. Insect repellents: an overview.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 36 2 , Cloyd, R. Ecology of fungus gnats Bradysia spp. The insect control invention folks seemed to create something for stink bugs pretty darn fast, perhaps if we make as big of fuss about gnats as the country did about stink bugs they might invent something sooner rather than later. Is there a treatment that can be put on the yard as a whole? I think gnats are just about THE most annoying of all outside bugs because they do get in the mouth, most, eyes, ears, etc.

Good luck everyone! I had a really bad problem with these gnats for a while. No more swarms of gnats. There a couple that linger but i am going to do another dose and get rid of them all. Also you can use it on all types of plants and fruit trees. Wow, ok so read all comments posted and some I have tried. I live in Carrollton,tx now. Which I tried n really seemed to work. Then last night I went outside and I had my porch light on and I had a swam of gnats surrounding my light.

But tonight I had the same problem all over again, so I tried apple cider vingar because it had helped me at another time with indoor gnats from my sink, and no luck. I have realized the are attracted to my patio light,and I kill them but they keep coming back. I need to find something to keep them away, plus I have a dog so need something that will not harm her at the same time.

And all else fails ill just buy a fan. So any for sure suggestion to help with my specific problem are much needed. Thank you! We just bought a home, interior lot on Lake Conroe, TX. Our back porch is infested with gnats when we go out there. Today I turned on the outside garage lights and they swarmed all over them. Please HELP!!!

They have a hard time keeping this product on the shelves here! Unfortunately for me, I must smell wonderful. To those of you interested in keeping the gnats out of your yard, you can buy beneficial nematodes from Amazon. They go into a sprayer which attaches to your garden hose.

They will penetrate the ground and eat the eggs and larvae of many insect pests, including gnats. I believe they have to be applied under certain conditions, like in the a. I have 25 chickens. They are constantly pecking and scratching at the gnats. I figured the chickens would take care of a good portion of the bug problem. They do Great on june bugs. But the gnats are a whole different story.

Last season, I had 40 chickens. Lost 5 to gnats getting in their noses and chocking them out. This season just started and I have already lost 10 chickens. I have 50 jars of the apple cider vinegar, soap and water traps scattered out throughout the yard. I need a better solution. I was even considering nematodes. Any input anyone? Its lemongrass and patchouli essential oils mixed together… Its the only way to be outdoors in southwest Georgia!

I put it on like lotion before I take one step outside. Listerine mouth wash.. I saw this on a show about Alaska and tried it and it works! Hope this helps. It smells like root beer I work at a papermill in the woodyard and this stuff works. Apply frequently. Dryer sheets work great scented of course! I put pieces in my hair tie sometimes.

Replace as you sweat the scent off. Vicks vapor rub works. I also put a vaporizer with liquid Vicks on the patio. Helps for sure. Amber romance from Victoria secrect also works but smell like a brothel to me. I am allergic and swell badly from bits. Flies bugs, and stuff is attracted to soda pop, wine, and anything people drink. Keeping all drink container openings covered is a trick that reduces things from finding people.

Gnats and fruit flies swarm to it! They love coffee. It works much better than apple-cider vinegar which did not work very well for me. You dont need to cover the mug with anything. They simply love coffee! In 16 hours I have a cup full of over 70 and two are hovering at the moment.

I thought I only had a few in my house. I discovered this by chance after leaving my freshly brewed morning coffee for less than a minute only to answer my phone. I returned to find two gnats swimming in my coffee. Guess what……..? Good luck with your gnat problem. The story about the dead chickens compelled me to respond to this. Since it continues to work even with room temperature coffee, perhaps you can put a cup of coffee in an area nearby that will deter them away from your chickens.

Let me know if it helps. All the best! No natz out of Dublin ga keeps gnats,mosquitos and yellow flies away. I raise chickens, lost quite a few from buffalo gnats, I almost gave up the chickens because of the bites on me and the chickens were suffering from and some die from the bites. Get some milk jugs, paint them red, lay them all over your yard, put chain oil on them, do this every 3 days until you get rid of them all.

Just moved to the gulf coast an in the town of Pass Christian the gnats are consuming. I cant be outside but i am concerned from my lil grands who want to play outside. They are 2 to 6 yr old. Their dad is vondumed by the gnats because he is outside with the kids an he is standing still. Not really the ideal summer look. And interestingly, as PennLive points out, fungus gnats are surprisingly a common pest during the winter — they are often attracted to houseplants because they like the moist soil.

Not only is a DIY option going to be more natural and contain less potentially harmful chemicals than a conventional spray, but it will also most likely cost you less money and create less waste!

Wellness Mama has similar suggestions — the blog recommends doing the same with any of the following essential oils: citronella, clove, lemongrass, rosemary, tea tree, cajeput, eucalyptus, cedar, catnip, geranium, lavender, or mint. Drop all the essential oils into a spray bottle. Add the rubbing alcohol or vodka, and shake thoroughly to combine. Then, add in the witch hazel, and give another thorough shake.

And finally, pour in the water or vinegar and give the mixture a final shake.