10 Simple Ways To Use Cloves To Keep Gnats Away

Gnats can be a real annoyance in and around your home. These tiny insects might seem harmless, but their persistent presence can quickly become a nuisance. One surprising solution to keep these pests away comes in the form of cloves. This common spice is not only a flavorful addition to your favorite dishes, but also a powerful gnat repellent.

Cloves owe their gnat-repelling properties to their strong aroma, which is highly unpleasant to these pesky insects. Cloves can be used in many different ways to keep these bugs where they belong – outside!

So, let’s delve deeper into the world of cloves and explore six creative ways to use the powerful and aromatic spice to keep gnats at bay and regain control of your home.

Types Of Gnats And Why They Need to be Repelled With Cloves

Identifying Gnats

Gnats are tiny flying pests that can become a nuisance to homeowners when they invade outdoor spaces or even make their way indoors. They mainly fall into three categories: fungus gnats, fruit flies, and drain flies. Let’s take a closer look at each of these pesky gnats!

Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats are small, dark-colored insects that thrive in damp areas where fungus and decaying organic matter are present, such as in plant soil.

Fruit Flies

Fruit flies, on the other hand, are slightly larger and are attracted to ripe fruit or unsealed food containers.

Drain Flies

Drain flies, also colloquially known as moth flies, are attracted to moist areas and can often be found near sinks, bathtubs, or kitchen drains.

Although some gnats can bite, most are more of a nuisance than a danger. They hover around your face or food, making them annoying and triggering a desire to get rid of them as soon as possible. Gnat infestations can become a serious issue when left untreated, leading to an influx of unwanted bugs in your living spaces.

6 Ways To Use Cloves To Repel Gnats

So, how do we keep gnats at bay using natural methods? The secret lies in the power of cloves!

Here are six creative ways to use cloves to keep gnats away:

1. Cloves and lemon: Slice a lemon in half and push a few cloves into the flesh. Place it near the infested area to deter gnats!
2. Cloth sachets: Fill small cloth sachets with cloves and hang them in areas where gnats are present. It’s best to use whole cloves for this method as opposed to oil or powder. Try SPICE TRAIN Handpicked Cloves Whole.
3. Cloves and candle: Make a decorative clove candle by embedding cloves into a pillar candle. Light the candle to release the scent and repel gnats.
4. Cloves and water: Create a clove-infused water spray by boiling some cloves in water, letting it cool, and then pouring it into a spray bottle. Spray it in areas where gnats are found.
5. Cloves and essential oil: Use clove essential oil in a diffuser to spread the scent throughout your living spaces and deter gnats from entering. MAJESTIC PURE Clove Essential Oil is my go-to!
6. Cloves and potpourri: Make a clove-infused potpourri by mixing cloves, cinnamon sticks, and dried flowers. Place it in a decorative bowl near gnat-prone areas.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any gnat infestation using cloves – a natural, effective, and chemical-free solution.

Why Gnats Hate Cloves

Cloves, scientifically known as Syzygium aromaticum, are prized for their strong aroma and flavor. Gnats, on the other hand, have a natural aversion to strong scents!

You might be wondering why gnats can’t stand the smell of cloves. It’s because the strong aroma confuses and overwhelms their olfactory senses, making it hard for them to locate food sources and breeding grounds. As a result, they avoid areas where cloves are present, making it an effective natural gnat repellent.

The Power Of Eugenol

Cornell University tells us that the main constituents found in cloves and clove oil are eugenol and carophyllene. Eugenol, in particular, is an effective insect repellent. Clove oil contains anywhere from 60%-90% eugenol, making it one of the most effective ways to use cloves to repel gnats.

Always remember that scientific reasoning backs the effectiveness of cloves against gnats. By incorporating these creative uses of cloves, you’ll be well on your way to repelling gnats from your living space. Best of all, you’re doing it naturally and enjoyably!

Other Ways To Use Cloves To Get Rid Of Gnats

Cloves, those tiny aromatic spice gems, can be your secret weapon against pesky gnats! Gnats be gone with these simple yet effective methods.

Here are some more ways to use cloves to get rid of gnats in your home.

7. Clove-Infused Oil: Make your own clove-infused oil by soaking cloves in a carrier oil like olive oil for 1-2 weeks. Strain out the cloves and use the scented oil to make homemade candles or reed diffusers.

8.Clove Tea: So, you thought cloves were just for cooking and gnats, huh? Prepare clove tea by boiling cloves with water for 10 minutes and let it cool. Fill a spray bottle with the cooled clove tea and spritz around doorways and windows to keep gnats off your property!

9. Planting Clove Plants: If you’ve got a green thumb, why not plant some clove plants in your garden? Not only will you have fresh cloves available, but you’ll also create an invisible (and aromatic) barrier against gnats! Win-win!

10. Clove Incense Sticks: Light some clove-scented incense sticks to create a serene atmosphere that keeps gnats out of the picture. TRUMIRI Clove Incense Sticks are an excellent tool to keep gnats away.

Give these clove-based methods a try to enjoy a gnat-free environment. Remember, cloves are a natural, non-toxic solution, making them an excellent choice for you and the environment.

Types Of Cloves To Use To Get Rid Of Gnats

Cloves are a versatile, natural method for repelling gnats. There are three main types of cloves that can be used to repel gnats: whole cloves, powdered cloves, and clove oil.

Let’s dive into the different types of cloves you can use to get rid of those pesky gnats that buzz around your home.

Clove Oil

Clove oil is a versatile method to rid your home of gnats. It can be used in various ways and is the most potent form of clove because it contains the most eugenol.

Here are a few ways to use clove oil to keep gnats away:

1. Diluted Spray: Mix a few drops of clove oil with water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray the mixture around areas where gnats are present, such as plants or windowsills. The strong scent of the clove oil will repel the gnats.
2. Diffuser: Add a few drops of clove oil to a diffuser and place it in the room where gnats are present. The diffuser will release the scent of the clove oil into the air, repelling the gnats.
3. Cotton Ball: Soak a cotton ball in clove oil and place it in a small dish or jar. Leave the dish or jar in areas where gnats are present, such as near windows or plants. The scent of the clove oil will repel the gnats.
4. Spray Bottle: Mix a few drops of clove oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it directly on gnats to kill them. The clove oil is a natural insecticide and will kill the gnats on contact.

Whole Cloves

Whole cloves are great for repelling gnats because they can be placed just about anywhere – in pantries, on the counter, in fruit bowls. There’s no messy oil to clean up and no powder to get in all the cracks and crevices of your home.

Here are some ways to use whole cloves to keep gnats away:

Method of Use	Description
Place cloves in a small dish	Place 10-15 whole cloves in a small dish and set it in areas where gnats are present, such as near windows or plants. The strong scent of the cloves will repel the gnats.
Hang cloves in a sachet	Place whole cloves in a small cloth bag and hang it in areas where gnats are present, such as near windows or plants. The scent of the cloves will repel the gnats.
Create a clove spray	Boil water and add a handful of whole cloves. Let the mixture cool, strain out the cloves, and pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture in areas where gnats are present. The strong scent of the cloves will repel the gnats.
Create a clove potpourri	Place whole cloves in a small bowl and add other fragrant herbs or spices, such as cinnamon or rosemary. Leave the bowl in areas where gnats are present, such as near windows or plants. The scent of the potpourri will repel the gnats.

Note: The effectiveness of each method may vary depending on the severity of the gnat infestation and the environment in which the cloves are used.

Powdered Cloves

Powdered cloves have the benefit of being easily placed in small areas. You can sprinkle powdered clove in the sink and wash it down the drain when you need to replace it. The powder may be small, but it packs a mighty punch against those flying pests!

Here are some ways to use powdered cloves against gnats:

1. Sprinkle cloves near plants: Sprinkle powdered cloves around the base of plants where gnats are present. The strong scent of the cloves will repel the gnats.
2. Add cloves to potting soil: Mix powdered cloves into the potting soil of plants to create an environment that is less attractive to gnats. The cloves will also repel other insects that may be attracted to the plants.
3. Create a clove sachet: Mix powdered cloves with other fragrant herbs, such as lavender or rosemary, and place them in a small cloth bag. Hang the sachet near areas where gnats are present, such as near windows or plants. The scent of the sachet will repel the gnats.
4. Create a clove spray: Mix powdered cloves with water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture in areas where gnats are present. The strong scent of the cloves will repel the gnats.

Whether you decide to use clove oil, powder, or whole cloves, it can effectively repel gnats in various creative ways.

Natural Gnat Repellents Other Than Cloves

Scents That Gnats Hate

Gnats may be small, but they’re a pesky nuisance! Thankfully, there are several scents that are irresistible to humans but detestable to gnats. Peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, vanilla, and citronella are just some of the scents that gnats hate.

Utilizing these aromatic substances at home is a natural way to repel gnats without resorting to harsh chemicals. Consider using essential oil, such as MAJESTIC PURE Eucalyptus Essential Oil, and soaking cotton balls to place around gnat-prone areas.

Plants That Repel Gnats

Good news for those with green thumbs—there are plants that naturally repel gnats. Not only do they add life and beauty to your home, but they also double as effective gnat deterrents.

Consider incorporating plants such as lavender, lemongrass, marigolds, and citronella in your home or garden. This way, you can enjoy a gnat-free environment while maintaining a natural setting.

Using Essential Oils

Essential oils offer a more concentrated and potent means of utilizing nature’s aromatic powers against gnats. Some popular oils for gnat-repellent purposes include lavender oil, eucalyptus essential oils, geranium oil, rosemary oil, and citronella.

Mixing a few drops of these oils in a spray bottle filled with water creates a natural gnat repellent that can be applied directly on surfaces.

Remember, consistency in using these natural repellents is key to maintaining a gnat-free environment. By incorporating scents they hate, utilizing gnat-repellent plants, and exploring the power of cloves and essential oils, you can tackle those pesky invaders in an eco-friendly way.

That said, there are times when gnats become too much to handle, even with natural repellents like cloves. In these cases, it might be time to reach out to a pest control specialist. You can use our nationwide pest control finder to connect with a local pest professional.

Gnat Hotspots In The Home: Focus Cloves In These Areas

Typical Gnat Habitats

Gnats are typically attracted to areas with moisture and organic matter, like houseplants, compost, and gardens. They love places where decaying matter and moist conditions are abundant.

Furthermore, fungus makes an inviting breeding ground for gnats, as it provides both nourishment and a comfy space for laying their eggs. It’s crucial to address the roots of the issue, which is why using cloves can help you deter these unwanted visitors.

Gnat Breeding Patterns

Gnat breeding patterns play a significant role in their persistence around your home. Female gnats will lay their eggs in moist areas, and these can hatch in as little as four days! It’s no wonder that infestations can spiral out of control in the blink of an eye.

A typical gnat life cycle goes from egg to larva, pupa, and finally, an adult ready to annoy you! During each stage, the gnats create new generations, making the fight against these pests a continuous challenge.

Cloves provide a natural and effective way to deter gnats from your home. By understanding their behavior and breeding habits, you can use these creative methods to free your living space from their unwelcome presence.

Effective Traps for Gnats

Cloves are an effective repellent against gnats, but sometimes we’d rather get rid of the buggers rather than just repel them. Below are some helpful gnat trap remedies made with natural ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!

After that, we’ll cover some commercial gnat traps.

Homemade Gnat Traps

Vinegar trap: Mix equal parts vinegar (white or apple cider) and water in a bowl. Add a few drops of dish soap. Stir well and place the bowl in an area where you’re experiencing gnat problems.

Apple cider vinegar trap: Just like the vinegar trap, mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl, but this time add a teaspoon of sugar. The sugar gives an extra attraction for the gnats. Remember to add the dish soap to finish the trap.

Banana Trap: Combine mashed banana and sugar in a bowl. Cover the bowl in plastic wrap and poke a few holes in it with a toothpick. The sweet smell of bananas will lure gnats into the container, but they won’t be able to escape.

Homemade sticky trap: If you prefer a sticky trap, mix equal parts honey or corn syrup and water. Spread this sticky concoction on a plastic sheet or strip and hang it in gnat-infested areas. The gnats will get caught and won’t be able to escape.

Commercial Gnat Traps

While using cloves and other natural ingredients for homemade traps can be effective, if you’re short on time or need a more powerful solution, commercial gnat traps may be the way to go.

Some commercial gnat traps utilize sticky surfaces to catch gnats, while others use attractants like apple cider vinegar. TERRO Ready-to-Use Indoor Fruit Fly Trap, for example, uses a liquid bait to lure gnats onto a sticky pad.

For a more technologically advanced trap, consider using VEVOFLY Fly Trap. It uses UV light to lure gnats inside, where they are captured in a sticky trap.

Preventative Measures Against Gnats

Maintaining a Clean Environment

Keeping your home clean is a crucial step in preventing gnats. Regularly take out the garbage and ensure that your garbage cans have tight-fitting lids. Be mindful of leaks and spills, as they can attract gnats.

Make sure to cleanse your sinks and bathroom with boiling water, as this helps to clear out any potential gnat breeding sites.

Proper Storage of Foods

Proper food storage is essential for keeping gnats away. Keep your fruits and vegetables in sealed containers or in the refrigerator. This helps not only to maintain their freshness but also to prevent gnats from being attracted to ripening foods.

Make sure not to overstock your pantry, as cramped spaces can be more appealing to gnats.

Checking on Compost Piles

Gnats are drawn to compost piles, so it’s important to monitor them regularly. Turn and aerate the pile periodically to discourage gnat infestations, allowing for proper decomposition. Also, be cautious about overwatering your compost pile, as an excess of moisture can attract gnats and other pests.

Utilizing Screens in Open Spaces

To keep gnats out and let fresh air in, use screens in windows and doors. Screens provide a barrier that prevents gnats from entering your home while still allowing for air circulation. Ensure that screens fit properly and are free of holes to maximize their effectiveness.

Habitat Modification

One preventative measure against gnats is modifying the environment around your home. This can involve removing any standing water sources and fixing leaks. It’s also essential to avoid overwatering plants, as wet soil can create a breeding ground for gnats. Incorporating dryer sheets around potted plants can help repel gnats due to the scents emitted.

Using cloves as a natural gnat repellent can be beneficial when combined with the preventative measures mentioned above. Place whole cloves or use clove essential oil in high-traffic areas for gnats, such as near fruit bowls, garbage cans, and compost piles.

Additionally, you can add cloves to boiling water and pour it down your sink drain to deter gnats from breeding there. By incorporating cloves into your daily routine, you can effectively keep gnats at bay using a natural and safe method.

Professional Extermination Options For Gnats

Sometimes, despite your best efforts to use natural methods like cloves to repel gnats, a more aggressive approach may be necessary. In these cases, hiring a professional exterminator may be your best option!

Pest control specialists have extensive experience dealing with gnats as well as access to effective pesticides. They can inspect your property, identify the source of the infestation, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation. Not only will they eliminate the gnats, but they’ll also give you actionable advice on preventing their return.

Here’s what to expect during a professional extermination process:

1. Inspection: The exterminator will assess your property to determine the extent of the infestation and the type of treatment required.
2. Selection of pesticides: Based on their findings, they will select the most effective pesticide for your situation.
3. Application: The exterminator will carefully apply the chosen pesticide, ensuring thorough coverage and minimal disruption to your routine.
4. Monitoring and follow-up: Post-treatment, the exterminator will monitor the situation and may conduct follow-up visits as necessary to ensure the problem has been resolved.

Ultimately, enlisting the aid of a professional exterminator may be the most efficient and effective method of addressing a stubborn gnat infestation that doesn’t respond to natural remedies like cloves. Though it may be more expensive than DIY solutions, the lasting results they provide can prove invaluable in maintaining a comfortable, gnat-free living space.

Remember, you can use our nationwide pest control finder to locate a pest pro in your area!

That’s All For Now!

Why Cloves Work to Keep Gnats Away: Gnats hate the smell of cloves, mainly due to its active compound, eugenol. This compound is a common ingredient found in various insect repellents!

Here’s a recap of six creative ways to use cloves to keep gnats away:

1. Cloves in Lemon or Orange: Cut a lemon or orange in half and stick cloves into its flesh. Think of it as nature’s gnat-repellant potpourri! Place these around your home and enjoy fewer gnats buzzing around.
2. Cloves & Essential Oils: Combine a few drops of clove essential oil with water and your favorite essential oils to form a powerful gnat-repellant spray. The added bonus? It will also make your home smell fantastic!
3. Cloves & Candle: Create a DIY clove candle by adding crushed cloves to melted candle wax. As the candle burns, it will release its gnat-annoying aroma. Light it up, and watch those pesky insects navigate away!
4. Cloves in Decorative Bowls: Create a visually appealing and functional solution by placing whole cloves in a small, decorative bowl and displaying it around your home. The scent released will deter gnats and act as an elegant decoration.
5. Cloves in Potpourri: Use cloves as part of your dried potpourri mix. Add dried flowers, leaves, and other scented materials like cinnamon sticks that gnats might not appreciate to keep these tiny pests away.
6. Cloves in Sachets: Want a discreet, portable solution? Make small sachets with cloves and place them around the home or even throw one in your purse.

Remember that gnats are attracted to moisture, standing water, and decaying organic material. So, while using cloves can help deter gnats, it’s essential to maintain a clean and dry home environment! By combining these two strategies, you’ll send those gnats on their way and regain peace of mind.