How to Get Rid of Gnats Outside

Swarm of gnats appear over blades of grass at dusk.

Mosquito Joe offers effective strategies to eliminate gnats.

Identify and remove breeding sites by cleaning drains and disposing of overripe fruits.
Use vinegar traps to attract and capture gnats.
Apply insecticides for severe infestations.
Maintain a clean environment to prevent future gnat problems.

Picture this: You’re in your backyard, cold drink in hand, ready to kick back and soak up the sun. But just as you’re getting comfortable, a swarm of gnats swoops in, turning your chill day into a bug buffet. These scenes are all too common in the spring and summer, and they always lead to one question: How do I get rid of gnats outside? At Mosquito Joe®, we’ve got the answers to reclaim your peace (and your drink).

Learn more about gnat behavior, how to get rid of outdoor gnats, and how our professionals can help with our wide range of pest control services including gnat pest control.

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What Attracts Gnats Outside?

So why do these pint-sized pests love your backyard so much? Outdoor gnats are drawn to moisture for feeding and reproduction, so you’ll typically find them around damp areas or decaying organic matter. That means your lawn or garden could be the ultimate paradise. But controlling gnats in yards is what we do.

Here’s what keeps lawn gnats keep coming back:

Moisture: Gnats need water to lay their eggs and thrive. Even the smallest puddle is enough for them to set up camp.
Organic matter: Rotting leaves, grass clippings, and compost piles are all prime real estate for gnats looking to feed and reproduce.
Humidity: Summer humidity and rainy weather create a sticky atmosphere that gnats love.

What To Watch For

Getting rid of gnats in your backyard or patio area is a common problem for a lot of people. If your backyard has any of these gnat favorites, don’t be surprised if you spend your summer swatting away irritating visitors:

Birdbaths and pet bowls
Compost piles
Overwatered garden beds and lawns
Puddles from leaky hoses or poor drainage
Wet piles of leaves or firewood

It might seem like gnats are unavoidable, but don’t worry—we’re just getting started. Now that you know what attracts gnats, it’s time to learn how you can get rid of gnats outside and take back your backyard.

Not-so-fun fact: Some gnat species can lay up to 300 eggs at once in moist soil or decomposing material. That’s a lot of uninvited party guests to feed!

How Can You Get Rid of Gnats Outside?

Gnats might be a nuisance, but they’re no match for a little outdoor know-how (and some brand-approved gnat-fighting gear). Here’s how to send gnats packing.

DIY Outdoor Fixes for Gnats in the Yard

Let’s start with the basics. These small steps can make a big difference for getting rid of gnat populations outside:

Dump standing water: Empty birdbaths, buckets, and pet bowls and give them a good scrub.
Fix leaks: Check outdoor spigots and irrigation systems for drips that keep the soil damp.
Pick up the fallen fruit: Send fallen fruit straight into the compost. No free bug meals here!
Clean out clogs. Blocked drains and gutters provide an ideal living space for gnats.
Trim and tidy: Keep your grass mowed and garden beds neat. Long, tangled plants are perfect hiding spots for gnats.
Change your lighting: Replace white porch lights with yellow “bug lights” that gnats don’t find nearly as alluring.

Best Practices for Your Ridding Gnats Outdoors

Once you’ve taken care of the simple fixes, follow these insights from our pros to keep gnats away from your backyard long-term.

Use outdoor gnat traps. Try these homemade traps for a proactive, environmentally friendly gnat solution:
- Apple cider vinegar trap: Add a few tablespoons of vinegar, a splash of dish soap, and a sprinkle of sugar to a shallow dish. Set it in your yard and watch gnats dive in.
- Fruit jar trap: Place overripe fruit in a jar and cover with a sheet of plastic wrap. Poke gnat-sized holes in the wrap. They’ll crawl in but won’t fly out!
Aerate your soil. Compacted soil holds onto moisture. Loosen it up to keep things dry.
Rotate compost. Keep your compost pile turned and balanced so it doesn’t become a gnat nursery.
Keep up with regular yard maintenance. A tidy backyard is a gnat’s worst nightmare.

Did You Know? Some outdoor gnats can live up to 10 days—plenty of time to turn your outdoor hangout into their personal summer festival.

Things a Bit Gnatty? Get a Quote!

When to Call the Pros

Suggested image: A smiling Mosquito Joe service professional treating a bright, green backyard.

If you’ve taken the basic steps above to get rid of gnats outside and still find yourself battling the gnat nuisance, it’s time to call in Mosquito Joe. Our experienced service professionals know exactly how to tackle gnats in your yard. We use a scientific understanding of bug behaviors and biology to provide highly effective treatments—no contracts, no hassle, just real results.

We identify your gnat hotspots, target them with a custom treatment plan, and keep your backyard buzzing with nothing but good vibes. Plus, as an EPA PESP Gold member, we’re committed to providing environmentally responsible pest solutions that really work. Now, let’s take a look at how we can prevent these pesky lawn gnats from taking over your territory.

Prevention Tips for a Bite-Free Yard

Keeping gnats from coming back is all about turning your yard into a no-fly zone for these tiny troublemakers. Here’s how to make your backyard less appealing to them (and way more appealing to you!):

Avoid overwatering: Your garden loves a good drink, but soggy soil is basically a gnat B&B.
Clean up clutter: Keep leaves, grass clippings, and compost piles under control. These decaying bits are gnat magnets.
Seal up fruits and veggies: Store fruits and veggies properly, and pick up any produce that drops before it becomes a gnat buffet.
Fix leaks fast: Don’t let small drips from hoses or outdoor faucets turn into the gnat fountain of youth.
Rotate water sources: Rinse and refill birdbaths and pet bowls regularly.

Pro Tip: If you’re serious about getting rid of gnats (and other pests) out of your outdoor fun zone, make yard maintenance a weekly habit. A clean yard is one of the best defenses against unwanted pest guests.

How Can You Get Rid of Gnats Outside? Call Today for a FREE Quote!

Don’t let gnats steal your outdoor vibes. With a few smart fixes—and a little help from the pros at Mosquito Joe—you’ll stop wondering how to get rid of gnats and start making outside fun again. Plus, all of our services are backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise® to ensure your satisfaction.

Contact your local Mosquito Joe team for a free, no-hassle quote today and let us help you reclaim your backyard.

This article is intended for general guidance only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact an independently owned and operated Mosquito Joe for more information and a professional on-site assessment.

FAQs About Outdoor Gnats

Since 2010, Mosquito Joe has remained committed to keeping the outdoors fun for everyone. This includes providing environmentally sound pest control services that protect you and your family from stinging and biting insects. It also means using our many years of experience to answer your questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about how to get rid of gnats outside.

Why are there so many gnats in my yard?

Gnats outside? Not on our watch. If you’re seeing clouds of gnats, it’s likely because there’s standing water, rotting plant material, or overwatered soil somewhere in your yard. Even a little moisture is enough for gnats to settle in and start multiplying, so look for anywhere water might collect, from drains to firewood stacks.

Are outdoor gnats harmful?

Lawn gnats aren’t typically harmful to humans. Most gnats are non-biting, but those that do can leave an itchy, red mark on the skin. Certain breeds, like fungus gnats, can carry bacteria and diseases that may affect animals or livestock.

However, while yard gnats pose little serious risk to humans, gnat feeding habits and larvae can harm outdoor plants, leading to stunted growth.

How can I get rid of gnats outside naturally?

The best natural approach to getting rid of gnats is removing their favorite hangouts. Clear standing water, pick up rotting fruits and veggies, and use simple DIY traps—like apple cider vinegar with dish soap or fruit jar traps—to reduce existing gnat populations. Keep your yard dry and tidy by fixing leaks and trimming overgrowth to make your space less attractive to these buzzing invaders.

What causes yard gnats in my backyard or patio area?

Gnats love damp soil, decaying plant matter, and sweet, sticky meals like fallen fruit. Overwatering, compost piles, and even clogged gutters can turn your backyard into the perfect breeding ground for these tiny pests.

How do I get rid of gnats in garden beds?

Garden beds become gnat havens if they’re too wet or cluttered. To control the gnat population in your garden, let the soil dry out between waterings and proactively remove any decaying leaves or organic debris. For additional support, consider natural treatments like beneficial nematodes or Mosquito Joe's eco-friendly outdoor treatments.

Can Mosquito Joe help get rid of garden gnats?

Absolutely! While we don’t treat houseplants or indoor spaces, our outdoor treatments are designed to help reduce gnats (and other pesky pests) around your yard, garden beds, and other outdoor areas. Our customized treatments and environmentally responsible approach can help you enjoy your backyard again.