Gnats driving you crazy around your food or plants? You’re definitely not the only one. These tiny pests show up out of nowhere—especially when it’s warm and humid. The good news? You don’t need harsh sprays to kick them out. There are awesome plants that naturally keep gnats away, and they’re totally safe and eco-friendly.
In this article, we’ll show you 10 great plants that not only fight off gnats but also make your space look and smell amazing. Say goodbye to bugs and hello to a fresher, greener home!
Why Gnats Are a Problem
Gnats might be tiny, but they sure know how to make a mess of your space—especially in your kitchen, bathroom, or around your plants. You’ve probably seen a few types like fruit flies, fungus gnats, or drain flies. They’re big fans of damp spots, old food, and soggy plants—basically a party waiting to happen for them.
Even though they’re small, they’re super annoying and can actually be a little gross. Some can spread germs or leave your skin itchy. And if you’ve got indoor plants? Yeah, they love hanging out there too.
But don’t worry—you don’t need to reach for any harsh sprays. There are natural plants that can help kick gnats out while keeping your home safe, fresh, and eco-friendly!
How Plants Naturally Repel Gnats
Plants are like nature’s own bug bouncers—they’ve got special oils and scents that bugs like gnats just can’t stand. A lot of them give off strong smells that send gnats packing, and even help keep away mosquitoes and other pesky bugs too.
The coolest part? These plants don’t just fight off bugs—they also look awesome and smell amazing. Total win-win for your home or garden.
So, let’s check out the top 10 plants that repel gnats and how you can use them to keep your space fresh and bug-free!
Top 10 Plants That Repel Gnats
Lavender
Lavender isn’t just gorgeous and relaxing—it’s also a total gnat-fighter! Its strong, sweet scent keeps gnats, mosquitoes, and even moths from hanging around. Bonus? It’s super easy to grow whether you’ve got it inside or out.
Care Tips: Lavender loves the sun, so find it a bright spot. Let the soil dry out between waterings, and make sure the pot or ground has good drainage. Low effort, high reward!
Basil
Basil is also great at chasing away gnats! Its strong, fresh scent comes from natural oils that bugs can’t stand. Plus, it’s perfect for keeping near your kitchen or other plants to help keep the pests in check.
Care Tips: Basil loves sunshine, so give it a bright spot. Water it regularly, but don’t let it sit in soggy soil—good drainage is key!
Citronella
You’ve probably seen citronella candles at summer BBQs, but the actual citronella plant is just as awesome for keeping bugs away—especially gnats. Its strong, lemony smell is something pests seriously can’t stand, making it a great pick for your porch or a sunny windowsill.
Care Tips: Citronella is a sunshine lover, so place it somewhere bright. Water it regularly, but make sure the pot drains well so the roots don’t get soggy.
Rosemary
Rosemary is also great at keeping gnats away! Its bold, piney smell acts like a natural bug repellent. You can grow it indoors or out, and it looks (and smells) awesome in any space.
Care Tips: Rosemary loves lots of sun and doesn’t like wet feet, so let the soil dry out between waterings. Make sure it’s in a pot or spot with good drainage!
Peppermint
Peppermint smells amazing—and gnats totally hate it! Its fresh, minty scent keeps bugs away while making your home smell super clean. Plus, you can use it in tea, desserts, or even homemade bug sprays!
Care Tips: Peppermint loves moist but well-drained soil and does best with a little shade. It grows fast, so don’t forget to give it a regular trim to keep it in check!
Marigold
Marigolds are little bug-fighting powerhouses! Their bold smell keeps gnats and other pests away, making them perfect for planting around your garden as a natural bug barrier.
Care Tips: Marigolds love sunshine and like their soil well-drained. Water them often, but don’t overdo it—no one likes soggy roots!
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is more than just a key ingredient for citronella oil—it’s also awesome at keeping gnats away! Its fresh, citrusy scent drives pests crazy, making it a great plant to have around.
Care Tips: Lemongrass loves the sun and needs soil that drains well. Keep the soil moist, but don’t let it get too soggy. It’ll thrive with just the right balance!
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is also great at keeping gnats and other bugs away with its natural oils. Whether indoors or outdoors, it’ll freshen up your space while keeping pests at bay.
Care Tips: Eucalyptus loves full sunlight and needs well-drained soil. It’s super low-maintenance, so you don’t need to water it often—just enough to keep it happy!
Geranium
Geraniums are also great at keeping gnats, mosquitoes, and flies away! Their strong scent acts like a natural bug repellent, making them perfect for your home or garden.
Care Tips: Geraniums love full sun and well-drained soil. Water them regularly, but be careful not to overwater—keep the soil from getting too soggy!
Catnip
Catnip isn’t just for your feline friends—it’s also awesome at keeping gnats away! The oils in catnip are super effective at repelling bugs, and it’s easy to grow both indoors and outdoors.
Care Tips: Catnip loves full sunlight and well-drained soil. It’s a tough plant that doesn’t need much attention, making it perfect for beginners!
How to Make the Most of Gnat-Repelling Plants
Once you’ve picked out your gnat-repelling plants, it’s time to make sure they do their job right! Here are a few simple tips to get the best results and keep those gnats away:
- Placement is key: Put plants like basil, rosemary, and lavender near windowsills, doors, and other entry points. These spots help create a natural barrier that keeps gnats and other bugs out.
- Combine plants for maximum effect: Group plants with strong scents like lemongrass, peppermint, and citronella together. This creates a gnat-free zone that’s even more powerful.
- Keep plants healthy: Healthy plants work better at repelling gnats, so be sure to water them right, give them plenty of sunlight, and make sure the soil drains well.
- Pair with other natural deterrents: While plants do most of the work, you can also boost their power by adding essential oils or making your own homemade sprays for an extra layer of protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plants get rid of gnats?
Plants like lavender, basil, citronella, and peppermint are great at keeping gnats away. These plants have strong scents that gnats dislike and help keep your space bug-free.
What smell do gnats hate the most?
Gnats hate strong, fresh smells like lavender, citronella, and peppermint. These scents are powerful and act as natural repellents against gnats and other insects.
What herb do gnats hate?
Gnats really dislike basil. Its strong, aromatic oils help keep gnats away, and it’s also great for cooking!
Does lavender repel gnats?
Lavender repels gnats with its soothing fragrance. It’s a perfect natural solution to keep your home and garden bug-free.
