There are several ways to repel gnats naturally, including:
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Citronella: Citronella is a natural bug repellent that can help ward off more than just gnats. You can use citronella candles or lemon or vanilla sprays to keep gnats at bay.
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Peppermint: Gnats don’t like the scent of peppermint, so you can use peppermint essential oils, dish soap, and water to create a mixture that discourages gnats. You can spray this mixture near plants or on the soil of containers to discourage fungus gnats.
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Lavender: Lavender is another plant that can repel gnats. You can use the plant indoors and outdoors, and it’s especially effective during spring and summer when gnats are most active.
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Vanilla: Gnats can’t stand the scent of vanilla, so you can use vanilla extract as an insect repellent. Apply a bit of vanilla extract to your face to keep gnats away.
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Vinegar: Gnats are attracted to the smell of vinegar, but you can use it to trap them. Mix apple cider vinegar in a bowl with dish soap. These tiny bugs will fly into the bowl attracted to the scent, but get stuck with the soap and drown.
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Herbs or spices: You can sprinkle herbs or spices like cayenne pepper, garlic, pepper, salt, or cinnamon around your space to deter gnats. Shake 1-3 tablespoons of the spice on the ground around you.
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Gnat traps: You can make a simple gnat trap using a mixture of red wine (or vinegar) and dish soap. Place this mixture in a bowl and set it out in an area where you have seen gnats active. The gnats will often land in the mixture in hopes of getting a meal but, because the dish soap affects their surface tension, they will sink and drown.
By following these natural remedies, you can repel gnats and enjoy your outdoor space without being bothered by these pesky insects.
