A swarm of gnats can be frustrating especially when your trying to enjoy nature or a backyard picnic. When a swarm of gnats are observed from a distance the result is cinematic but, when you're caught up within the swarm it's not so enjoyable. So, just why do gnats swarm in the first place, and is it even possible to keep them away?
The terms, gnat, and midge are used to describe numerous small, biting and non-biting insects. The list includes, sand flies, phorid flies, black gnats, fungus gnats, fruit flies, and buffalo gnats. Truth is gnats only live about one month and in this short life span they only have enough time to mate and lay their eggs. Many don't even feed during this time.
What gnats, mosquitos, and midges like
For the gnat species that do feed during their life cycle, sweet scents and fruity odors are major influencers in determining where they will swarm. Fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and even some flower beds are common places gnats congregate to form swarms. As you open and close the doors and windows to your house, gnats, mosquitos and midges may find their way inside as they are attracted to ripening fruits, sweet scented veggies, and organic food matter. For the ladies to remember, these nuisance pests are especially attracted to scented shampoos, conditioners, skin creams, and soaps used for bathing and such. Gnats typically swarm around your face due to these scented products.
Ever wonder why gnats usually fly right into your eyes or land on your lips?
It's because they love heat and moisture too.
Both inside and out, gnats spawn in wet areas. Even moist soil is a breeding ground for certain types of gnats. Inside your kitchen and bathroom, and if gnats make their way inside, can fly into the drains and begin breeding. Before you know it and without warning you'll have a ghost - what many professionals refer to a gnat swarm by.
Keeping Gnats Away
1) Keep areas clean
Below you will find 3 steps that will help rid both inside and outside of your home from swarming gnats. Nature is nature with it's weather so remain calm and follow the 3 steps outlined to begin minimizing any swarms you may currently have. In no time at all, you'll begin to witness a reduction in swarming behavior.
Don’t allow fruits, candies or even ripening veggies to accumulate in your kitchen too long. Artificial sweeteners and sweet drinks left to sit out will be a lure for gnats to swarm. Clean any food or drinks that spill and keep lids sealed on all trash cans.
2) Eliminate moisture
Gnats love moisture and wet areas - this is where they breed so eliminate areas of moisture by preventing water from collecting around your home. This includes areas like your spouting and gutters, pet bowls, and birdbaths.. Any plumbing leaks should be repaired as quickly as possible.
3) Trap gnats
You can try capturing gnats using a simple and homemade gnat trap with a mixture of red wine (or vinegar,) and dish soap. Mix the wine and soap in a bowl and set it out in an area where gnats are active. More often than not, gnats will land in the mix and due to surface tension of the soap will usually drown. Depending on the type of gnat the success of this method will vary.