Gnats are some of the most annoying insects that you can have in your house. Their sound alone is grating, not to mention their painful and irritating bites. Luckily, using essential oils to get rid of gnats is 100% safe for people and pets in the house. Read on for more information on how to best use them.
Unfortunately, keeping off gnats, especially during winter, is easier said than done. This is because they migrate to houseplants during winter. While pesticides help eliminate such and other insects and pests, they may not be the best to eliminate gnats in your house since they contain harmful chemicals.
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What are Gnats?
Gnats are small, annoying flies. They feed on decaying organic matter such as fruit and vegetable scraps, fungi, and bacteria. They may lay eggs in standing water or soil which hatch into larvae. To control gnats there are insecticides, traps, and biological controls. Prevention is key – eliminate potential breeding sites and maintain proper sanitation to prevent infestations.
Using Essential Oils to Get Rid of Insects
Essential oil has a history of helping humans eliminate gnats and other bugs. They contain high levels of highly aromatic chemical composition which makes it an ideal gnat repellent. These oils have an appealing aroma which we all enjoy.
How Do Essential Oils Get Rid of Gnats?
Unlike artificially made pesticides, most essential oils do not work by killing the gnats. Instead, they have other effects on them that make the gnats fly to a different location.
For instance, some essential oils make the insect irritated in the eyes, nose, or throat. When the gnats have a hard time breathing, they fly out of your house to a more favorable environment or even succumb to a lack of air.
Other oils may affect the gnats’ sight or make them blind, making them fly away. This is why when you use essential oils; you get rid of gnats without posing any health risks from chemicals.
Gnat Repellent Essential Oils
What gnat repellent essential oils work? What oils can eliminate fungus gnats? Some of the recommendable essential oils gnat repellent:
Tea Tree Oil
- 100% PURE & NATURAL TEA TREE OIL - Handcraft Blends oils are exactly that! Many oils being sold make that claim but are in fact made of natural...
- PREMIUM THERAPEUTIC GRADE & PREMIUM QUALITY – All Handcraft Blends Essential Oils are tested by an independent lab to test the efficacy of each oil....
- HIGH QUALITY GLASS BOTTLE AND DROPPER – Our essential oil comes in an amber glass bottle to keep out UV rays and protect the oil against sunlight....
The tea tree oil is an antibacterial and antiseptic which affects the gnats’ ability to breathe. It has insecticidal properties that kill adult gnats, fungus gnat larvae, and eggs. Additionally, the smell of tea tree oils keeps gnats from entering the house. However, the smell is good and completely safe for humans.
To prepare the tea tree oil gnat to repel, you use:
- 12 drops of tea tree oil
- One cup of water
- ½ teaspoon of natural soap
You mix the ingredients to come up with the gnat repellant solution. Put it in a bottle and spray it directly on the gnats to kill them. You can also spray other areas in your house where you suspect to have adult gnats even if you cannot see them, such as crevices and cracks. You are more likely to find gnat eggs here. Continue using it until you can no longer spot a gnat in your house.
Peppermint Oil
- 100% PURE, PREMIUM QUALITY, UNDILUTED, AROMATHERAPY ESSENTIAL OIL: 100% Pure Peppermint Essential Oil; Steam Distilled; Great for Aromatherapy and...
- HIGH QUALITY GLASS BOTTLE PLUS FREE EURO DROPPER CAP: The Oil is shipped in high quality glass infused with a UV colored coating to protect essential...
- NATURAL ESSENCE - AMAZING BENFITS OF PEPPERMINT OIL: Natural Sinus Care and Respiratory Benefits, peppermint oil relieves muscle and joint pain,...
As its name suggests, peppermint oil is a minty essential oil that can help get rid of gnats indoors and outdoors. Gnats hate the strong scent in the peppermint oil, which is why they will fly away. Additionally, the oil kill fungus gnats eggs and larva.
To prepare a homemade peppermint spray, you need:
- ½ teaspoon of liquid dish soap
- One cup of water
- 15 drops of peppermint oil
- Spray bottle
Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and spray the solution directly on the areas that are most gnat affected. For instance, you can spray at the base of the houseplant where the gnats live and in the soil where they lay eggs. When preparing peppermint oil, remember that it can be harmful to your skin when raw. Therefore, ensure that you properly dilute it to avoid such issues.
Neem Oil
- 100% Cold Pressed & Unrefined - All natural with absolutely no chemicals or additives included to ensure that the neem oil retains its original...
- Cosmetic grade - The oil is high in antioxidant compounds that soothe the skin
- Organic gardening uses - used in organic gardening to keep plants looking healthy
Neem oil is one of the oils with innumerable anti-bacterial properties, making it ideal for repelling gnats.
The oil creates a burning sensation on the gnats, which makes them fly away. Additionally, if the gnats are indoors, neem oil kills them.
On humans, neem oil has a fresh and pleasant smell. It is also ideal for healing any skin rashes that you may have had from the gnats, among other skin problems.
You can also have homemade neem oil, which you spray to kill gnats and their eggs. This spray also affects the ability of gnats to lay eggs.
To prepare this solution, you need:
- Two spoons of neem oil
- Spray bottle
- One cup of warm water
- One tablespoon of castile soap
Mix the ingredients in the spray bottle and spray the solution at the roots of the plants affected by the gnats.
You can also spray on the leaves to eliminate the gnats that could be here. The neem oil will help repel not only the gnats but also other unwanted insects on your plants.
Eucalyptus Oil
- 100% PURE, PREMIUM QUALITY, UNDILUTED, AROMATHERAPY ESSENTIAL OIL: 100% Pure Eucalyptus Essential Oil; Great for Aromatherapy and Relaxation.
- HIGH QUALITY GLASS BOTTLE PLUS FREE EURO DROPPER CAP: The Oil is shipped in high quality glass infused with a UV colored coating to protect essential...
- NATURAL ESSENCE - AMAZING BENFITS OF EUCALYPTUS OIL: It is ideal for clarity of mind, relaxation and clear breathing. Enjoy the scents of nature with...
Eucalyptus oil is another essential oil that you will love since it repels gnats and makes your house smell nice.
Gnats hate it due to the strong smell that makes it hard for them to breathe. Therefore, it chases the gnats in the house and prevents any of those outside from coming in.
You can make DIY eucalyptus oil using ingredients that include:
- ½ a cup of distilled white vinegar
- Ten drops of eucalyptus oil
- ½ a cup of distilled water
- A spray bottle
Mix the ingredients and put the solution in the spray bottle. Spray the area where gnats live or where you suspect to find gnat eggs. This will help keep the gnats away and kill the eggs.
Rosemary Oil
- Essential Oils for Hair - Cleansing essential oils like rosemary can help improve your hair care by working as a dry scalp oil exfoliator scalp...
- Pure Essential Oils - Rosemary is one of the top essential oils for diffusers for home because aromatherapy essential oils for diffusers and other...
- Rosemary Oil for Skin - Rosemary is one of our favorite essential oils for skin use as a natural cleansing oil with antioxidants great for beauty DIYs...
The rosemary essential oil has a wonderful smell for humans, but it is completely different for gnats.
It contains a tinge that makes gnats run away. With a rosemary herb in the house, you do not expect any gnats to come close to it.
Additionally, you can prepare a spraying solution that eliminates gnats, especially around the garden, and prevent more from entering the yard, not to mention your house.
Geranium Oil
- Geranium Essential Oil-Pelargonium graveolens, Floral & Herbaceous
- 100% Pure geranium oil, undiluted, no additives, no fillers.
- Variety Uses & Applications - Simply add a few drops geranium essential oil to your diffuser or humidifier to create calming and balancing...
Geranium oil is an effective gnat repellent. It’s better than other types of repellents and, best of all, it won’t damage your plants or skin. Give it a go – you could soon be using it as your primary homemade bug spray. These essential oils can repel gnats and gnat infestation quite effectively.
Lavender Oil
- 100% PURE & NATURAL LAVENDER OIL - Handcraft Blends oils are exactly that! Many oils being sold make that claim but are in fact made of natural...
- PREMIUM THERAPEUTIC GRADE & PREMIUM QUALITY – All Handcraft Blends Essential Oils are tested by an independent lab to test the efficacy of each oil....
- HIGH QUALITY GLASS BOTTLE AND DROPPER – Our essential oil comes in an amber glass bottle to keep out UV rays and protect the oil against sunlight....
Finding the right gnat repellent can be tricky, and many people opt for chemical options to deter gnats. But did you know that lavender oil can be a great natural solution? Not only is it effective in keeping gnats away, but it’s also a potent insect repellent against other insects as well.
Avocado Oil
- Avocado Oil known to be naturally rich in vitamin E and the essential fatty acid Oleic Acid (C18:1) referred by botanical name Persea gratissima.
- It is truly unrefined high quality Avocado oil that carries a dark green color with a characteristic odor.
- Extraction method: Cold-pressed. Improves Skin. Many other benefits. You can apply avocado oil directly to your skin or mix it with your favorite...
Avocado oils might be something you use to make delicious guacamole, however did you know it also doubles as a natural insect repellent? The essential oil can actively repel gnats and other insects while being gentle on the skin. And who doesn’t want an easy, effortless way to keep the pesky bugs away?
Lemongrass Oil
- 100% Pure and Natural: Majestic Pure essential oils are 100% pure and natural, therapeutic grade oils. This means they are free from toxins,...
- Refreshing Aromatherapy: A few drops of this citrusy fresh and earthy oil in your favourite diffuser will add a refreshing vibe in any atmosphere and...
- Feel Good Massage: Once mixed with a carrier oil for dilution, Majestic Pure Lemongrass essential oil can be enjoyed as a massage oil as well....
If you’ve ever run out of bug repellent, don’t worry – essential oils can come to the rescue! Lemongrass oils are one such essential oil that makes a great gnat repellant. Just a few drops in strategic areas of your home can keep those pesky bugs away.
Even better, it’s 100% natural and while its effectiveness may not be on par with commercial insect repellents, it’s still quite capable at keeping these little flying nuisances away from your space.
Coconut Oil
- Premium Grade Coconut Fragrance Oil - Good Essential only provides the highest quality fragrance oil. Our Coconut scented oil is absolutely amazing!...
- Bottled In A 1 Ounce Amber Glass Bottle - Our Coconut oil is bottled in a durable amber glass bottle for easy dispensing. Also all our oils are...
- Just Add A Few Drops To Any Diffuser - Simply add a couple drops to any aromatherapy diffuser (steam or reed) and fill your entire room with that...
Coconut oil is a well-known natural ingredient that can be used as an effective gnat repellent. Infused with essential oils, coconut oils can not only repel gnats, but various other insects like mosquitos and flies.
The essential oils found in coconut oils are especially pungent when it comes to getting rid of pesky critters. Not only is this natural remedy free of harsh chemicals, but it’s also quite cost-effective as a gnat repellent solution.
Cedarwood Oil
- Premium Quality Cedarwood Essential Oil; pure and natural cedarwood oil; non-toxic,
- Premium Quality Cedarwood Essential Oil; pure and natural cedarwood oil; non-toxic,
- Made in USA Cedarwood essential oil is extracted through the process of steam distillation from wood pieces of the cedar wood tree. The major...
Cedarwood oil is an all-natural way to repel gnats and other pests. This oil, derived from the cedarwood tree, is a powerful agent in repelling pests like gnats and repels them quickly. It does much more than repel insects.
Its soothing aroma makes it an attractive choice for natural insect repellent. Not only will it repel gnats and other pests but also can be used to repel other bugs as well.
Cedarwood oil is a great alternative to using toxic chemicals in pest control; with its natural ingredients, pleasant fragrance and ability to repel pesky bugs.
Witch Hazel Oil
Who knew that witch hazel, best known for its facial care abilities, could also be used to keep pesky gnats away? This magical liquid can be sprayed outdoors to instantly repel fruit flies, biting midges and other gnats from gathering on your property. Don’t let these summer bugs ruin your outdoor gathering or barbeque.
How to Use Essential Oils as Gnat Repellents
There are several ways through which you can use the above and other gnat repellants to repel and eliminate gnats. These ways include:
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Gnats Repel Spray
As seen above, spraying is the easiest and most commonly used method when using essential oils.
This is especially for the essential oils that you prepare at home. When preparing this gnat spray repellant, you can also use more than one essential oil to make the solution most effective for killing insects.
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Essential Oil Diffuser
While using an essential oil diffuser, you use a burner that diffuses the smell of the essential oil around the house.
You hold the essential oil in the holder and lit the burner below it. The oil diffuses in your house, providing a good smell to the people inside while eliminating gnats and other unwanted insects in the house.
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Body Creams with Essential Oils
- This rich, non-greasy body cream with vitamin E and shea butter provides deep conditioning and 24-hour moisture. 8 oz package.
- Pick your favorite Scent!
- Fragrance Notes: Sleep California lavender oil inspires tranquility. Sage oil promotes mental balance. Geranium oil soothes the mind. Fragrance Notes...
Body creams with essential oils act as repellants by keeping gnats away and protecting you from getting a bite.
All you need is shea butter that you mix with the essential oil of your choice. The shea butter will help keep you moisturized while the essential oil repels the gnats.
However, it is best to buy the body cream instead of making them yourself, especially if you are not sure how to do it. Additionally, watch out to confirm whether you could be allergic to any essential oils and avoid them.
You Will Need a Carrier Oil
Creating a natural insect repellent with a great essential oil is easy. Choose a carrier oil, such as almond, coconut or olive for the base of your blend. Pick one that has a mild scent so it won’t overpower your chosen essential oil. You can also burn these oils in candles or use them in humidifiers!
Mix distilled water, alcohol and vodka together to create an aerosol spray. Add in the natural gnat repellents until the desired potency is reached for maximum protection.
Best Essential Oils to Get Rid of Gnats – Wrap Up
Gnats are annoying and embarrassing insects to have in your house. And so are flies like black flies, fruit flies, drain flies, biting midges, and other pesky bugs.
Luckily, with the proper use of the best essential oils, it is possible to eliminate pesky gnats and most insects without having to risk using harmful chemicals. Use any of the essential oils above and have a gnat-free house and garden.
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