What is the best gnat repellent? Before we discuss what we can kill fungal gnats and even other biting gnats, let’s learn what these flying critters are and what you can do to get rid of these flying pests and avoid gnat bites.
Fruit flies and biting gnats are attracted to the sugar in fruit, as well as other sweet things like candy or syrup. They can quickly become a problem in your home, especially if you have ripening fruit out in the open.
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Things You Can Do to Repel Gnats and Fruit Flies
There are several things you can do to repel fruit flies and gnats, however, so that you can keep your home free of these bothersome insects:
Keep Fruits in the Fridge
One way to repel fruit flies and gnats is to keep your fruit in the refrigerator. This will prevent them from being attracted to the sugar in the fruit, and they will be less likely to come into your home.
You can also try covering your fruit with a paper bag or plastic wrap to keep the flies and gnats away.
Don’t Overwater Your Plants
Fungus gnats are commonly drawn to the moist soil found in houseplants. They love moist habitats like compost piles, thick mulch, grass leaves, and other debris.
Often they lay their eggs in these moist places, which are rich of organic material. Avoid overwatering your plant; instead, keep the soil just as moist as it needs to be to keep gnats at bay.
Making a gnat repellent spray for plants with dish soap and water is another way to avoid gnats and other insects from infesting your plants and your home. You can pour the dish liquid solution directly into the affected area of your potted plants.
Use Traps to Repel Gnats and Tiny Flying Insects
Another way to keep fruit flies and pesky gnats at bay is to use a fly trap. There are many different types of fly traps available, but they all work by using bait to attract the flies and gnats into the trap, where they then get stuck.
You can find effective gnat repellent and traps at most hardware, garden centers, or home improvement stores. You can even find repellents with non toxic active ingredients that can repel most gnats and other pests.
Create Your Own Trap to Kill Gnats
You can also make your own fly trap by using a plastic bottle. Cut the top off of a plastic bottle and invert it so that the opening is pointing down. Tape the bottle to the inside of a bowl so that it doesn’t tip over, then put some bait inside the bottle (fruit, syrup, etc.).
The bait will attract gnats and will fly into the bottle, but they won’t be able to get back out. Of course you can always get disposable traps, but they tend to have a strong odor, so place them away from busy or common areas in your home.
Trap Gnats with Bananas
Another simple way to trap gnats or fruit flies is to mash a banana and lay it in a basin and place a plastic wrap over it. You can use a cling wrap to cover the container.
Gnats are suckers for ripe bananas – and they are available in most grocery stores.
You must throw this gnat trap out the same day or it will attract more gnats, but it is an excellent gnat trap if you are suffering from gnat infestation.
Create a Homemade Gnat Spray
If you’re looking for a way to get rid of gnats without using harsh chemicals, you can make your own hand crafted formula, a homemade bug spray. All you need is some water, dish soap, and rubbing alcohol. Just mix these ingredients together in a spray bottle and spritz away.
A few drops of soap will trap the gnats, and the alcohol will kill them. This gnat spray is safe to use around people and pets, so you can use it inside your home without worry.
Just be sure to avoid spraying it directly on surfaces that could be damaged by the alcohol, like wood or upholstery. And don’t forget to empty out the spray bottle regularly so it doesn’t overflow.
With this homemade gnat spray, you can keep your home gnat-free all season long.
Create an Apple Cider Vinegar Trap
You can make a gnat trap using apple cider vinegar. To do this, you will need a bowl, some apple cider vinegar, and some plastic wrap.
First, pour the apple cider vinegar into the small bowl. Then, cover the bowl with the plastic wrap. Place a rubber band around the neck of the container, making sure that it is tight around the edges. Poke some small holes in the top of the wrap.
Then, set the trap where you have seen gnats and wait for them to be drawn in by the vinegar scent. The gnats will fly into the bowl through the holes in the plastic wrap and will be trapped in the vinegar.
This trap is not 100% effective, but it can help to reduce the number of biting gnats, drain flies, biting midges, sand flies, and other insects in your home. It’s a natural solution for pest control.
Use Essential Oils
You can also use essential oils like rosemary, witch hazel, citronella, clove, tea tree, cedar, and geranium essential oil for your gnat spray.
Essential oils are quite effective in killing gnat larvae and even healing gnat bites. You can use a tea tree essential oil to create your gnat traps and prevent gnats from overtaking the moist areas in your home.
Best Gnat Repellents
We will discuss the best gnat repellent for humans In 2022. Gnat repellents are one of the best ways to keep you and your kids protected from biting gnats, sand flies, biting midges, and other insects.
However, it is indeed true that spending time in nature is very soothing and relaxing, but it is also very important to take proper safety measures to protect yourself from your gnat problem, especially in the summers.
Use the Best Gnat Repellents
Bug bites can cause different problems such as itchiness, red bumps, and sometimes it can also spread harmful diseases. That’s why it doesn’t whether you are just going for a walk in the park or spending time outdoors with your kids, you must use gnat repellents.
The only problem is that there are different gnat repellents available on the market and it can be difficult to choose the best pest control for humans for every situation.
So if you are in the market for a gnat repellent, then here you will get a list of best repellents for humans in 2022. After completing this article, you will have complete information regarding gnat repellents, so make sure to read it till the end.
Now before jumping into the main deal, let’s have a look at the different types of gnat repellents:
Repel Gnats and Fruit Flies Fast!
Natural Gnat Repellents are getting popular day by day and the main reason behind their huge growth is that they do not have any major side effects.
However, they are less powerful but they are also safer for human beings. These types of Gnat repellents are also eco-friendly and they evaporate quickly.
Chemical Gnat Repellents
Chemical Gnat Repellents are the most powerful and they also provide maximum protection against different bugs and pests. As compared to other insect repellents, DEET solutions are the most effective and they keep you safe for a long period.
However, DEET solutions are available in different concentrates but you should always opt for a repellent that contains less percentage of DEET (30% to 35%). Anything more than this percent can be dangerous to health and cause severe side effects.
Ultrasonic Repellents
Along with the natural and chemical repellents, some companies also provide ultrasonic repellers. These repellers are considered a safer alternative and are also odorless, and pet-friendly. They keep the bugs away by sending ultrasonic waves, that’s why they can only be used indoors.
After discussing the different types of gnat repellents, it’s time to talk about the top gnat repellents for humans in 2022. So let’s get started.
1- Sawyer Products Fungus Gnats Repellent
- Safe for use on the whole family, long-lasting insect and tick repellent lotion deters a wide variety of pests — up to 14 hours against mosquitoes...
- Fragrance-free topical insect repellent with 20% Picaridin — more effective at repelling biting flies than DEET; repels disease-spreading ticks...
- Very comfortable to wear on your skin, it's ideal for all your outdoor adventures, from camping, backpacking, hunting, and fishing to backyard BBQs,...
This is one of the most popular insect repellents currently available in the market. It contains 20% Picaridin, which provides good protection against different bugs and pets such as mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, etc.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all products containing the active component Picaridin to be registered, and Picaridin is on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended ingredient list for keeping gnats, black flies, and other insects at bay.
The best thing about this product is that it is fragrance-free, which makes it perfect for everyone. From kids to adults to older people, everyone can use it without any problems.
This lotion protects against mosquitoes for 14 hours and more than 8 hours against gnats, flies, sand flies, and chiggers. It is completely safe and won’t damage your clothes, watches, and sunglasses
Features:
- Does not produce any odor
- Lasts-long (12 hours)
- Non-DEET
2- Repel Insect And Gnat Repellent
- REPELS: Creates a barrier against mosquitoes, including those that may transmit the Zika, West Nile, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses.
- CONTAINS 40% DEET: Provides long-lasting protection in the great outdoors.
- DEVELOPED FOR OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS: Especially for campers, backpackers, golfers, hunters, bikers, hikers, joggers, ball players and others who are...
Repel is a leading company that is known for providing high-quality products. And this Repel insect repellent has increased their standards even more. It is a DEET-based insect repellent that provides excellent protection against gnats and mosquitoes up to 8 hours.
This repellent creates a barrier that prevents the bugs from reaching your body, which makes it perfect for people who love going to outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, biking, etc.
The best thing about this insect repellent is that it can be used with sunscreen. So if you love chilling under the Sun, then this is the perfect option for you.
Features:
- Specially made for outdoor enthusiasts
- Easy to apply
- You can use it with sunscreen
3- Repel HG-94108 100 Insect Repellent
- REPELS: Create a barrier against mosquitoes, including those that may transmit the Zika, West Nile, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses, ticks, gnats,...
- FORMULATED FOR SEVERE INSECT CONDITIONS: Contains 98.11% DEET for protection in heavily infested conditions.
- PROTECTS FOR UP TO 10 HOURS: Enjoy the outdoors without the bite – provides long-lasting protection, so you don't have to limit your adventure...
This insect repellent from Repel is one of the strongest insect repellents. It contains 98.11% DEET, which makes it perfect for highly infested conditions. This repellent keeps you safe from all the harmful gnats and also makes sure that you don’t get any bug bites.
It stays active for 10 hours and creates a strong smell, that’s why it is recommended that you should not use it on pets and kids. This is a perfect repellent for hardcore adventure lovers. It comes as a spray, which makes it very easy to store.
You can easily keep it in your pocket and use whenever you need it. You can use it in damp areas in your home or your outdoor space, which is filled with organic material.
Features:
- Provides excellent protection
- Uses traditional DEET
- Best for adventure lovers
4- Bug Protector All Natural
- Plant-based active ingredients - geraniol, peppermint, lemongrass and clove
- BUGGINS NATURAL is a pleasant-smelling fragrance spray that reduces bites from gnats, buffalo gnats, turkey gnats, no-see-ums for up to 2 hours.
- DEET-free for people who don't want to use DEET
As the name suggests, this insect repellent is all-natural and specially formulated to fight against gnats, biting flies, black flies, and mosquitoes.
It is made with plant-based ingredients and essential oils, which makes it a good option for people who have pets. This bug repellent is DEET-free, and it is free of chemicals like phthalates, parabens, preservatives, and petroleum, dyes, and alcohol. This spray is eco-friendly and won’t cause any kind of side effects.
This insect repellent also contains many other natural ingredients such as peppermint, lemongrass, and cinnamon. These ingredients increase their effectiveness and provide a soothing smell.
Features:
- No added chemicals
- It is eco-friendly
- Perfect for dogs, kids, and everyone
- Leaves a natural smell
5- REPEL Plant-Based Repellent
- MADE WITH OIL OF LEMON EUCALYPTUS: This DEET-free insect repellent provides you with protection during adventures in the backyard and on the go.
- REPELS MOSQUITOES FOR UP TO 6 HOURS: This repellent keeps you and your family protected for hours, so the fun doesn't have to end.
- REFRESHING SCENT: This DEET-free personal repellent leaves you with a cool, refreshing scent so you don't have to put up with the usual bug spray...
This is another great repellent from Repel but unlike their other products, this one is plant-based and does not contain chemicals. It provides 6 hours of protection from mosquitoes, gnats, and other types of pests.
It is an all-rounder insect repellent, so if you love going for walks with your dog, then you can use it to protect yourself as well as the dog from bug bites. Made of lemon eucalyptus oil, this insect repellent has a refreshing smell that you won’t get with other options.
Along with this, it doesn’t feel greasy and sticky and won’t damage your premium clothes. It comes in a spray bottle, which reduces the wastage and makes it more compact.
Features:
- Protection up to 6 hours
- Both human and animal friendly
- Comes with a great fragrance
- Not sticky or greasy
6- Buggins Natural Insect Repellent
- Plant-based active ingredients - geraniol, peppermint, lemongrass and clove
- BUGGINS NATURAL is a pleasant-smelling fragrance spray that reduces bites from gnats, buffalo gnats, turkey gnats, no-see-ums for up to 2 hours.
- DEET-free for people who don't want to use DEET
This Buggins Natural Insect Repellent is also a great option for people who are more inclined towards natural products. No chemical is used in its making and it only includes natural ingredients like clove, lemongrass, and peppermint.
The main thing that sets this insect repellent from others is its smell. Along with good protection against gnats, it also smells like natural vanilla, which is very soothing.
This insect repellent can also be used on young babies, so if you have a 1 or 2-year-old baby, then this will protect him from all the harmful bugs and pests.
Features:
- DEET-free
- Baby-friendly
- Long-lasting smell
7- Sawyer Products Ultra 30% DEET Insect and Gnat Repellent for Humans
- Liposome-based repellent with 30 percent DEET -- great for use in the backcountry or backyard
- Effective against mosquitoes, ticks, flies, chiggers, fleas, and no-see-ums
- Non-greasy, odorless, non-staining, and sweat-proof
Just like other Sawyer Products insect repellents, this one is also very popular. It comes with 30% DEET, which is very powerful and will provide you extra protection against biting flies, mosquitoes, Gnats, and other bugs.
The best thing about this insect repellent is that unlike other chemical products, it doesn’t stick or feel greasy. Along with this, it is odor-less and also sweat-proof. This product is made to repel the pest populations found in tropical areas including the southern United States.
So if you love traveling to hotter areas, then you should consider this insect repellent. It will protect for 11 hours and you won’t have to reapply it frequently. You can even apply it on your plastic, spandex, or rubber gear without worrying about oily residue.
Features:
- No odor and sweat
- Very powerful
- Lasts up to 11 hours
Buying Guide to Getting a Repellent That Gnats Hate
These were some best repellent for humans that you can buy. As you know that all insect repellents are different, that’s why you should only choose one that is best for you. So here are some things that you should know before buying an insect repellent:
- Avoid Heavy Concentrated Insect Repellents-
- Avoid Sunscreen-Insect Repellents
Best Gnat Repellent for Humans in 2022 – Conclusion
Gnat repellents are very effective in keeping bugs and pests away from your body. They provide full protection and works as a great defense against bug bites, which makes it perfect for people who love spending time outdoors.
One thing you have to keep in mind is that not all gnat repellents are created equal so you must research properly before choosing one. Apart from this, you should only choose a Gnat repellent that is suitable for your skin.
This is very important to protect yourself from side-effects and skin infections. Therefore, we hope this article will solve some of your doubts and provide you some valuable information in order to find the best gnat repellent for humans.
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