Dog pecker gnats are small, annoying, and quite persistent bugs that can ruin your dog's enjoyment of the outdoors. While these creatures can be bothersome to both you and your pup, there are a few easy and natural ways to keep them away. Here are some homemade solutions that you can use to deter pecker gnats from coming around your home and yard.
What Are Dog Pecker Gnats?
Dog pecker gnats, also known as “biting midges” or “no-see-ums”, are small gnats that are known to bite humans and animals alike. They are typically found near bodies of water, and they can easily slip through window screens or other small openings to invade your home. While they are not known to transmit diseases, their bites can be very itchy and painful. These bugs can also be quite persistent, making it important to find ways to keep them away.
Natural Solutions to Keep Dog Pecker Gnats Away
Fortunately, there are several natural solutions that you can use to keep these pesky bugs away from your home. Here are some of the most effective methods for keeping dog pecker gnats away:
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Lemon eucalyptus oil is a natural insect repellent that can be used to deter pecker gnats from entering your home or yard. Simply mix a few drops of lemon eucalyptus oil into a cup of water and spray it onto any areas where the bugs may enter. You can also use this solution to spray your dog if they tend to attract the bugs.
Garlic and Onion Spray
Garlic and onion are both natural bug deterrents that can be used to keep dog pecker gnats away. Simply combine a few cloves of garlic and a small onion in a blender, then mix the concoction with a cup of water. Strain the mixture and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture around any possible entry points to keep the bugs away.
Citronella Candles
Citronella candles are a great way to naturally keep dog pecker gnats away. The strong scent of the candles will help to deter the bugs and keep them away from your home and yard. Place a few citronella candles around your yard and light them at night when the bugs are most active.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that can be used to keep bugs away. It’s made up of tiny fossilized aquatic organisms that have sharp edges that can cut through the exoskeletons of insects, which will kill them. Sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth around your home and yard to keep dog pecker gnats away.
Cover Openings
One of the best ways to keep dog pecker gnats away is to make sure that any open windows or doors are covered with screens. This will help to keep the bugs out of your home. Also, make sure that any holes or cracks around your windows and doors are sealed, as the bugs can easily slip through these openings.
Essential Oils
Essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, and citronella are all natural bug deterrents that can be used to keep dog pecker gnats away. Simply mix a few drops of the essential oil with a cup of water and spray it around your home to keep the bugs away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do dog pecker gnats look like?
Dog pecker gnats are small, dark-colored bugs that are about 1-2 mm in length. They have a long, thin body and two long antennae on their heads.
Do dog pecker gnats bite?
Yes, dog pecker gnats are known to bite both humans and animals. Their bites can be very itchy and painful.
How long do dog pecker gnats live?
Dog pecker gnats typically live for about 2-3 weeks.
How can I keep dog pecker gnats away?
There are several natural solutions that you can use to keep dog pecker gnats away from your home. These include using lemon eucalyptus oil, garlic and onion spray, citronella candles, diatomaceous earth, and essential oils. You should also make sure that any open windows or doors are covered with screens, and any holes or cracks around your windows and doors are sealed.
Does lemon eucalyptus oil really work to keep dog pecker gnats away?
Yes, lemon eucalyptus oil can be used to naturally deter dog pecker gnats from entering your home or yard. Simply mix a few drops of lemon eucalyptus oil into a cup of water and spray it onto any areas where the bugs may enter.
Do citronella candles really work to keep dog pecker gnats away?
Yes, citronella candles are a great way to naturally keep dog pecker gnats away. The strong scent of the candles will help to deter the bugs and keep them away from your home and yard. Place a few citronella candles around your yard and light them at night when the bugs are most active.
What is diatomaceous earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that can be used to keep bugs away. It’s made up of tiny fossilized aquatic organisms that have sharp edges that can cut through the exoskeletons of insects, which will kill them. Sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth around your home and yard to keep dog pecker gnats away.
Can essential oils be used to keep dog pecker gnats away?
Yes, essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, and citronella are all natural bug deterrents that can be used to keep dog pecker gnats away. Simply mix a few drops of the essential oil with a cup of water and spray it around your home to keep the bugs away.
What should I do if I find dog pecker gnats in my home?
If you find dog pecker gnats in your home, you should try to identify the source of their entry and eliminate it. You can then use one of the natural solutions mentioned above to keep them away. Additionally, you may want to call a professional pest control company to help get rid of the infestation.