10 Best Gnat Repellents to Keep Those Pesky Bugs Away

I’ve found that effective gnat repellents range from DEET-free family options like BUGGINS Original, which provides one-hour protection with pleasant essential oils, to powerful synthetic formulas like Repel 100 offering 10-hour coverage. For indoor control, I recommend Zevo’s continuous light traps or sticky yellow traps, while natural alternatives like Mighty Mint peppermint spray work well for shorter outdoor activities. The best choice depends on your protection duration needs, safety preferences, and application method, which I’ll explore further below.

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Notable Insights

• BUGGINS Original offers DEET-free, family-safe protection with pleasant scents for up to one hour of outdoor gnat control.
• Repel 100 provides the longest protection with 98.11% DEET, lasting up to 10 hours for serious outdoor enthusiasts.
• Zevo Flying Insect Trap uses blue and UV light for continuous, hands-off indoor gnat control without chemicals.
• Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil delivers natural, plant-based protection against gnats for 2-3 hours using essential oils.
• Natural repellents require frequent reapplication every 1-3 hours, while DEET-based options offer extended 10-hour protection periods.

BUGGINS Original Insect Repellent, DEET Free (4 oz, 2 Pack)

If you’re seeking a family-friendly gnat repellent that protects without harsh chemicals, BUGGINS Original Insect Repellent offers an ideal DEET-free solution for outdoor activities. This water-based formula combines essential oils to create effective protection against gnats and mosquitoes for up to one hour. You’ll appreciate its non-greasy, non-sticky texture that won’t damage plastic materials or most fabrics, making it perfect for gardening gear and clothing. The invigorating Vanilla Mint Rose scent provides pleasant protection without overwhelming chemical odors that traditional repellents often carry. Apply by holding the pump spray bottle 4-6 inches from dry skin or clothing, ensuring easy reapplication when needed for continued outdoor comfort.

Best For: Families with children seeking a DEET-free, natural insect repellent for outdoor activities who prefer pleasant scents over harsh chemical odors.

Pros:

• DEET-free formula made with essential oils is safe for children and family use
• Non-greasy, non-sticky texture won’t damage plastic materials or most fabrics
• Pleasant Vanilla Mint Rose scent provides protection without harsh chemical odors

Cons:

• Protection only lasts up to one hour, requiring frequent reapplication
• Limited effectiveness scope, targeting only gnats and mosquitoes
• Water-based formula may not be as long-lasting as chemical alternatives in humid conditions

Zevo Flying Insect Trap & Cartridge – Plug in Bug Catcher with Blue & UV Light

The Zevo Flying Insect Trap represents an ideal solution for homeowners who prefer continuous, hands-off pest control without messy sprays or chemical odors. This plug-in device uses blue and UV light technology to attract house flies, fruit flies, and gnats throughout your home, providing 24/7 protection with minimal effort. You’ll appreciate the discrete adhesive pad system that catches insects without requiring manual contact, making disposal as simple as lifting and tossing full cartridges. The trap works effectively in various indoor locations, from kitchens and bathrooms to bedrooms and enclosed patios, offering year-round flying insect control wherever you need it most.

Best For: Homeowners seeking continuous, chemical-free flying insect control who want a hands-off solution that works 24/7 without messy sprays or manual bug removal.

Pros:

• Uses blue and UV light technology for effective attraction of house flies, fruit flies, and gnats without chemicals or odors
• Discrete adhesive pad system allows mess-free disposal by simply lifting and tossing full cartridges
• Versatile placement options work in multiple indoor locations including kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and enclosed patios

Cons:

• Requires ongoing purchase of replacement cartridges for continued use
• Limited to indoor use only, restricting effectiveness for outdoor pest problems
• May not be effective against non-flying insects or larger pest varieties

Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Insect Repellent Spray (16 oz)

Families seeking a natural, chemical-free solution for gnat control will find Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Insect Repellent Spray particularly appealing for its plant-based formulation. This 16-ounce spray effectively targets gnats, flies, and mosquitoes using concentrated peppermint oil, making it safe around children and pets without harsh chemical fumes. You’ll appreciate its versatility for both indoor and outdoor applications, though the fresh peppermint aroma can become overpowering in enclosed spaces. While the formula provides 2-3 hours of effectiveness against flying insects, you’ll need regular reapplication for consistent results. This spray works best as preventive maintenance rather than treating severe infestations.

Best For: Families with children and pets who want a natural, chemical-free solution for preventing and controlling flying insects like gnats, flies, and mosquitoes in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Pros:

• Safe, plant-based formula with no harsh chemicals, making it ideal for use around kids and pets
• Effective against flying insects like mosquitoes, flies, and gnats with a pleasant peppermint scent
• Versatile application for both indoor and outdoor use at a cost-effective price point

Cons:

• Short-lasting effectiveness of only 2-3 hours requiring frequent reapplication
• Mixed results with crawling insects like ants and spiders, and ineffective for established infestations
• Peppermint aroma can become overpowering indoors and spray mechanism may be difficult for some users

Repel 100 Insect Repellent, Pump Spray, 4-Fluid Ounces, 10-Hour Protection

Outdoor enthusiasts seeking maximum protection against persistent gnats will find Repel 100 Insect Repellent their most reliable defense during extended wilderness adventures. This powerhouse formula contains 98.11% DEET, delivering up to 10 hours of continuous protection against gnats, mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies. The CDC recommends DEET-based repellents for severe conditions, making this your go-to choice when facing heavy gnat populations during camping trips or hiking excursions. The compact 4-ounce pump spray design fits easily in backpacks, ensuring you’re always prepared for encounters with aggressive insects. With over 14,000 positive customer reviews and a proven 50-year track record, you can trust this formula to keep gnats at bay.

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts who need maximum protection against gnats, mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects during extended wilderness activities like camping and hiking.

Pros:

• Contains 98.11% DEET for maximum effectiveness against severe insect conditions with up to 10 hours of protection
• Compact 4-ounce pump spray design is perfect for travel and easily fits in backpacks or adventure gear
• CDC-recommended formula with over 50 years of proven effectiveness and excellent customer ratings (4.5/5 stars from 14,000+ reviews)

Cons:

• High DEET concentration may cause skin irritation or sensitivity in some users
• Strong chemical formula may damage synthetic fabrics, plastics, or painted surfaces
• Small 4-ounce size may not last long for frequent users or extended trips requiring multiple applications

BUGGINS Original Insect Repellent, DEET Free (4 oz Pump Spray)

Parents seeking a safe, effective solution for protecting their children from gnats and mosquitoes will find BUGGINS Original Insect Repellent an excellent choice for family outdoor activities. This DEET-free formula uses essential oils to create a water-based, non-greasy spray that won’t damage clothing or plastic items. You’ll appreciate the pleasant vanilla mint rose scent, which eliminates harsh chemical odors while providing up to one hour of protection against flying insects. The 4 oz pump spray bottle offers convenient application when held 4-6 inches from skin or clothing, though you should spray onto hands first before applying to facial areas for safety.

Best For: Parents looking for a DEET-free, family-safe insect repellent that provides effective protection against mosquitoes and gnats without harsh chemicals or greasy residue.

Pros:

• Safe for children and pets with a pleasant vanilla mint rose scent instead of harsh chemical odors
• Non-greasy, water-based formula that won’t damage clothing, plastic items, or most fabrics
• Convenient pump spray application with easy reapplication as needed

Cons:

• Protection lasts only up to one hour, requiring frequent reapplication for extended outdoor activities
• Potential inconsistency between store-bought and online versions may affect product quality
• Higher price point at retail stores ($15.99) compared to online options

Repel 100 Insect Repellent, 98% DEET (Pump Spray) 1 fl Ounce

When severe insect infestations threaten to derail your outdoor adventures, Repel 100 Insect Repellent delivers maximum-strength protection with its potent 98.11% DEET formula. You’ll find this concentrated repellent effectively shields you from mosquitoes carrying dangerous viruses like Zika, West Nile, Dengue, and Chikungunya, while also deterring ticks, gnats, biting flies, chiggers, and fleas. The formula provides up to 10 hours of reliable protection, allowing you to tackle extended outdoor projects without constant reapplication. Its compact 1-ounce size fits easily in your gardening toolkit, and the flip-top cap prevents accidental discharge during storage, making it ideal for serious pest control situations.

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts, gardeners, and travelers who need maximum-strength insect protection in areas with severe bug infestations or disease-carrying mosquitoes.

Pros:

• Maximum strength 98.11% DEET formula provides up to 10 hours of protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects
• Compact 1-ounce size with flip-top cap is perfect for travel and easy storage in gear bags
• Effectively repels insects that transmit serious diseases like Zika, West Nile, Dengue, and Chikungunya viruses

Cons:

• High DEET concentration may cause skin irritation or reactions in sensitive individuals
• Strong chemical odor and potential to damage synthetic fabrics or plastics
• Small 1-ounce size provides limited applications for extended trips or multiple users

Zevo Flying Insect Killer Spray with Rosemary & Cornmint Oil (3 Bottles)

Families seeking a safer alternative to harsh chemical sprays will find Zevo Flying Insect Killer Spray an ideal solution for managing gnats and other flying pests. This plant-based formula harnesses the power of rosemary and cornmint essential oils, delivering fast-acting results that kill gnats, flies, mosquitos, and fruit flies on contact. You can confidently use this spray around people and pets when following the directed application instructions, making it perfect for indoor spaces like kitchens and living rooms. The three-bottle pack guarantees you’ll have adequate coverage for both indoor and outdoor areas, though you should avoid spraying directly in food preparation zones and remember to wipe clean any residue after treatment.

Best For: Families seeking a safer, plant-based alternative to chemical insect sprays for controlling flying pests like gnats, flies, mosquitos, and fruit flies in both indoor and outdoor spaces around people and pets.

Pros:

• Fast-acting formula with essential oils kills flying insects on contact while being safer around people and pets when used as directed
• Versatile application for both indoor and outdoor use in kitchens, living rooms, and patios
• Three-bottle pack provides adequate coverage and value for comprehensive pest control

Cons:

• Cannot be used directly in food preparation areas, limiting kitchen application
• Requires wiping clean residue after each treatment, adding extra cleanup steps
• May be less effective than stronger chemical alternatives for severe infestations

Fruit Fly Traps Fungus Gnat Traps Yellow Sticky Bug Traps (36 Pack)

Indoor gardeners who struggle with persistent flying pests will find the Fruit Fly Traps Fungus Gnat Traps Yellow Sticky Bug Traps (36 Pack) an effective, chemical-free solution for their houseplants and kitchen areas. This thorough pack includes 18 butterfly-shaped and 18 tree-shaped traps, providing versatile options for different plant containers and garden spaces. The bright yellow color naturally attracts fruit flies, fungus gnats, and other flying insects, while the extra-strong adhesive guarantees captured pests can’t escape. You’ll appreciate the odorless, non-toxic design that keeps your family and pets safe while eliminating harmful chemicals from your pest control routine. These UV-resistant, waterproof traps maintain effectiveness until completely covered with insects.

Best For: Indoor gardeners and homeowners dealing with fruit flies, fungus gnats, and other flying pests around houseplants, kitchens, and garden areas who want a chemical-free, family-safe pest control solution.

Pros:

• Chemical-free and odorless design that’s safe for families and pets
• Includes 36 traps in two different shapes (butterfly and tree) for versatile placement options
• UV-resistant and waterproof construction ensures long-lasting effectiveness until fully covered with insects

Cons:

• Requires manual replacement once traps become fully covered with insects
• May need freezing in hot weather to easily remove backing paper during setup
• Only effective for flying insects, not crawling or soil-dwelling pests

No Natz Botanical Bug Repellant, DEET-Free (8 Ounce Spray Bottle)

No Natz Botanical Bug Repellent stands as the ideal solution for outdoor enthusiasts, families with children, and pet owners who refuse to compromise between effective protection and chemical-free safety. This DEET-free formula combines natural essential oils like rosemary, lemongrass, geranium, and citronella to effectively repel gnats, mosquitoes, and biting flies. You’ll appreciate its non-greasy formula containing olive and coconut oils, which conditions and moisturizes your skin while providing protection. Made in Savannah, Georgia, this “Secret of the South” offers versatile application for camping, hiking, and outdoor gatherings, working effectively on pets and furniture too.

Best For: Families with children and pets who want effective, chemical-free bug protection for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and gatherings.

Pros:

• DEET-free formula with natural essential oils (rosemary, lemongrass, geranium, citronella) that’s safe for children and pets
• Non-greasy formula containing olive and coconut oils that conditions and moisturizes skin while repelling bugs
• Versatile application works on people, pets, and outdoor furniture with a pleasant scent

Cons:

• Mixed customer reviews with some users reporting that it attracted pests instead of repelling them
• Variable performance with limitations noted in severe bug conditions
• Results may vary significantly depending on environmental conditions and individual experiences

SUMMIT Mosquito & GNAT Barrier Concentrate (031-6)

Property owners seeking extensive pest control will find SUMMIT Mosquito & GNAT Barrier Concentrate (031-6) delivers exceptional value through its versatile, long-lasting formula. This permethrin-based concentrate transforms into 50 gallons of finished spray, covering up to 10,000 square feet for thorough yard protection. You’ll appreciate how this solution eliminates mosquitoes, gnats, fleas, ticks, and numerous other garden pests while remaining completely safe for your plants. The formula provides up to four weeks of continuous protection when applied to fences, decking, and shrubbery surfaces. With a 4.1-star rating from over 900 customers, this concentrate offers professional-grade results at an accessible price point for homeowners.

Best For: Property owners with large yards who need comprehensive, long-lasting pest control that covers up to 10,000 square feet and protects against multiple types of insects including mosquitoes, gnats, fleas, and ticks.

Pros:

• Excellent coverage and value with 64 oz concentrate making up to 50 gallons of spray for 10,000 square feet
• Long-lasting protection up to 4 weeks on treated surfaces like fences, decking, and shrubbery
• Controls a wide variety of pests beyond mosquitoes and gnats, including ants, ticks, aphids, and Japanese beetle grubs

Cons:

• Requires mixing and application with your own sprayer equipment, which may not be convenient for all users
• Contains permethrin, a synthetic insecticide that some users may prefer to avoid in favor of natural alternatives
• May need reapplication every 4 weeks during peak pest season, requiring ongoing maintenance

Factors to Consider When Choosing Gnat Repellent

When I’m selecting the right gnat repellent for my specific needs, I consider several key factors that determine effectiveness and practicality. The active ingredient type, whether DEET, picaridin, or natural oils, directly affects how long the protection lasts and which gnats it targets most effectively. I also evaluate the application method, safety considerations for my family and pets, and whether I need indoor or outdoor coverage.

Active Ingredient Types

Several key active ingredients form the foundation of effective gnat repellents, each offering distinct advantages and limitations for outdoor protection. DEET stands as the most reliable synthetic option, providing several hours of consistent protection against gnats, mosquitoes, and other biting insects. I recommend DEET-based formulations when you’re dealing with severe infestations or need long-lasting coverage. Natural alternatives like citronella, rosemary, and peppermint essential oils offer pleasant scents while reducing chemical exposure, making them ideal for families with children and pets. However, these plant-based ingredients require reapplication every two to three hours and may prove less effective during high insect activity. The concentration of active ingredients directly impacts performance, with higher DEET concentrations suited for extreme conditions.

Duration of Protection

Beyond selecting the right active ingredient for your needs, understanding how long your chosen repellent will protect you becomes equally important for planning outdoor activities. I’ve found that protection duration varies dramatically, ranging from one hour for basic formulas to ten hours or more for premium products. You’ll need to evaluate reapplication schedules, especially during extended gardening sessions or camping trips where gnat activity peaks.

Several factors influence effectiveness duration, including humidity levels, your physical activity intensity, and the concentration of active ingredients in your chosen product. I recommend selecting longer-lasting synthetic repellents for prolonged outdoor exposure, while natural options work well for shorter gardening tasks despite requiring more frequent applications due to their organic composition and shorter effectiveness windows.

Application Method Preferences

How you apply your gnat repellent directly impacts its effectiveness, convenience, and overall success in protecting your outdoor spaces. I recommend pump spray repellents for their versatility, as they’re easy to apply on both skin and clothing while providing immediate protection. Traps offer continuous monitoring and capture without manual contact, making them ideal for ongoing surveillance of problem areas. For larger spaces requiring long-term management, concentrate formulations mixed with sprayers deliver extensive coverage, though they require more preparation time. Consider your specific needs when choosing application methods: immediate kill-on-contact features versus residual protection that lasts longer. Factor in user convenience elements like portability, ease of use, and family safety to guarantee your chosen method fits seamlessly into your pest control routine.

Safety for Family

Most families need gnat repellents that protect everyone without introducing harmful chemicals into their living spaces, making safety the paramount consideration when selecting products. I always recommend choosing DEET-free formulations, since DEET can create health risks for children and pets when misused or over-applied. Look for natural, plant-based repellents containing essential oils like citronella, peppermint, or eucalyptus, which offer effective protection with gentler ingredients. I prioritize products with safety certifications and non-toxic guarantees, ensuring they’re specifically tested for family use. Consider repellents with pleasant scents, as these encourage consistent application without harsh chemical odors that might discourage regular use. Reading reviews from other families helps verify both safety and effectiveness in real-world settings.

Indoor Vs Outdoor

When selecting gnat repellents, the location where you’ll use them significantly impacts which products work best for your specific situation. Indoor repellents prioritize immediate contact kill solutions, featuring essential oil sprays and sticky traps that quickly reduce pest populations without overwhelming your living space. These products emphasize pleasant or neutral scents while maintaining safety for family members and pets through non-toxic formulations. Outdoor repellents, however, contain stronger chemical concentrations designed to create protective barriers across larger areas, tolerating harsher environmental conditions with more potent active ingredients. While indoor solutions require frequent reapplication due to their gentler nature, outdoor products offer extended protection when applied correctly, making them ideal for patios, gardens, and yard spaces where stronger odors won’t affect daily comfort.

On a final note

I’ve covered eight excellent gnat repellents, ranging from DEET-free botanical sprays to UV light traps, each offering unique benefits for different situations. When selecting your ideal repellent, consider factors like application area, active ingredients, duration of protection, and your specific gnat problem. Whether you’re dealing with indoor fungus gnats or outdoor swarms, these proven solutions will help you reclaim your space from these persistent, annoying insects effectively.