How Do I Get Rid of Gnats Swarming My Yard?

Why are gnats swarming my yard and how do I get rid of them?

If you’ve ever tried to enjoy an afternoon in your backyard, only to be met with a face full of tiny, annoying gnats, you’re not alone. Gnat complaints are on the rise, and these tiny pests can quickly turn your outdoor space into a no-fly zone for humans and their pets. But why are gnats in your backyard in the first place. And more importantly, how do you get rid of these tiny terrors?

What Attracts Gnats to My Yard?

Small flying insects, gnats thrive in warm and moist environments. This is not unlike many other insects. Mosquitoes, for example, also thrive in these climates. But unlike mosquitoes, who lay their eggs in standing water, gnats also use the damp soil around your home to deposit theirs.

A Few Reasons Gnats Are in Your Yard:

• Overwatered lawns or flower beds - Gnats love damp soil. If your irrigation system is on overdrive or you’ve had a rainy stretch, you could be creating the perfect gnat breeding ground.
• Standing water – Birdbaths and decorative ponds, clogged gutters, and poorly draining areas can attract gnats looking to lay eggs.
• Rotting organic material - Compost piles, overripe fruit, mulch beds, or unbagged yard waste can serve as a buffet for gnats, as well as other types of flies!
• Dense vegetation - Shady areas with lush ground cover can harbor moisture and attract gnats by the dozens and dozens – and dozens.

DIY Gnat Control Tips

While gnats might seem inevitable, there are ways to create a backyard space that is less enticing to them, as well as other insects:

• Avoid overwatering your lawn and garden, set a reasonable irrigation schedule that doesn’t allow for an overly saturated lawn or spots with standing water.
• Move compost piles to areas farther away from your home and your favorite outdoor spaces.
• Check your gutters and downspouts and remove debris so water can flow freely.
• Consider replacing landscaping mulch with gravel or pine straw if exorbitant moisture is a recurring issue.
• Citronella candles might help deter them a bit in the immediate area but are not always a good long-term choice.
• Outdoor fans can also be helpful but often take up too much space when entertaining – not to mention, they can also be too noisy.

Gnat Control That Works, Mosquito Squad of Newton

At Mosquito Squad of Newton, we don’t just treat yards for mosquitoes. We are happy and eager to take on a variety of outdoor pests, and this includes gnats! Our barrier treatments are highly effective on gnats. They’re fast-acting, long-lasting, and our outdoor pest control technicians are adept at identifying and targeting hot spots throughout your property, where gnats, mosquitoes, and other pests live and breed.

Search for mosquito control near me and call Mosquito Squad for your special event spray!

Mosquito Squad of Newton provides tried and trusted mosquito control, tick control, and outdoor pest control near you throughout the Newton MA area. For additional information, or to schedule your free pest assessment and quote, get in touch with Mosquito Squad Newton by calling (857) 285-5727 or filling out our form here.