Getting rid of gnats using chemicals is no big deal. It may be that is the fastest and easiest way to remove them from your home, but if you have toddlers or pets, it can be a bit dangerous to use harsh chemicals; instead, go for natural essential oils, which are generally safe for everyone and have a pleasant smell.
You can spray the mentioned essential oils directly on the curtains, plants in the corner, or any such object that covers the infested area.
Peppermint Oil- It will not only repel the gnats, but its refreshing aroma is a stress reliever. In case you have pets at home, it may not be the ideal choice, as peppermint oil can cause vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory problems, skin irritation, and ulcers in the mouth of the pets if exposed in good quantity; however, if you use a diluted solution, it is safe to use.
You can also place a peppermint plant on your balcony or at the doorstep because of its strong odor; you’d be able to keep gnats, insects, and other pests, such as mice, away from your place.
Peppermint Body Spray- In a spray bottle, add water, 1 tbsp of vinegar or vodka as a dispersant, and 15-20 drops of peppermint oil should be more than enough; shake this mixture before every use. However, if you can’t tolerate the strong odor of peppermint, you must try other gentle essential oils such as vanilla, lavender, rosemary, cedarwood, etc.
Lemon Essential Oil- Unlike humans, gnats hate fresh lemon’s scent. It is effective in repelling tiny flying insects.
Here are some other smells that Gnats Hate; you can get them in the form of essential oil or try some DIY to make these; any of these essential oil can’t be applied directly to the skin as they can cause skin irritation of exposed in high concentration, try to dilute them with a carrier such as water or other combination of various solutions.
Lavender Essential Oil- Not only does lavender essential oil repel gnats but it can be used in the diffuser to have a pleasant and relaxing aroma in the room. Do not apply it directly to the skin or any surface, and always dilute it with other solutions.
Pine Oil- Pine oil is often used in a variety of market products such as odorants, insecticides, anti-foaming agents, wax preparations, detergents, emulsifying and wetting agents. It’s a natural mosquito repellent which also repels gnats. Besides these, it smells fresh.
DIY Gnat Repellents
Gnat infestation can get really bad. You may even suffer insect bites. You can keep them away from your rugs and couches using essential oils, but in order to keep them away from your body, you need a body spray; either buy one or make one at home using citronella and diluting it with the mentioned solutions-
- 30 drops of citronella essential oil
- 20 drops of lemon eucalyptus essential oil
- 30 drops of geranium essential oil
- 20 drops of lavender essential oil
- 10 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 1 tbsp of rubbing alcohol
- ½ cup witch hazel
- ½ cup either water or vinegar
- You can also add ½ tbsp vegetable glycerine (optional)
Add the mentioned essential oils in a spray bottle and add witch hazel; once appropriately mixed, add water or vinegar. Your body spray is ready; shake it properly before every use, as the oil and water will be separated every time the spray bottle is still. This DIY bug repellent won’t only keep the gnats but also mosquitos and other bugs away, too.
DIY Gnat Repellant With Pleasant Aroma
If you are sensitive to certain smells and need a DIY bug repellent, it won’t cause you trouble.
- Distilled water 150 ml
- Lemon essential oil 10 drops
- Eucalyptus essential oil 5 drops
- Peppermint essential oil 10 drops
Fill the bottle with 150 ml water and drop the essential oil in the mentioned quantity, shaking it well to mix the solution; you can also add 1 tbsp vinegar as a dispersant if you are not allergic to it. Also, try not to apply this solution on sensitive areas such as the face or wounds.
Gnat Repellent for House Plants
If your plants are the culprit of attracting gnats and bugs indoors, then you must get bug repellent for the plants, too. Do not overwater your plants, as the moisture attracts fungus gnats, which will kill your plants over time.
Conclusion
If you don’t have pets and toddlers, every essential oil mentioned in the article is safe to use; however, you can check the toxicity to pets and kids in case you need to. The essential oils are better than chemical filled bug repellent in terms of providing a calm and fresh environment while keeping bugs away.
