Gnats are tiny flying insects that can be major nuisance pests, especially during the warmer months. Their small size allows them to get into homes through the tiniest of cracks and crevices. Once inside, they buzz around annoyingly, landing on food, drinks, and people. Getting rid of gnats can be a challenge. While there are many remedies touted for controlling gnats, from natural options like essential oils to chemical sprays, some people have questions about the effectiveness of foggers or “fog bombs” for killing gnats. Here’s a look at what foggers are, whether they work on gnats, and some better options for kicking these pests to the curb.
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What Are Fog Bombs?
Foggers, also known as total release insecticides or bug bombs, have been around for decades as a way to fill an entire room with insecticide to kill bugs. The foggers contain aerosol insecticides and are designed to release their contents all at once into the air of a room. The idea is that the insecticide will permeate throughout the space, poisoning unwanted pests like fleas, roaches, bed bugs, and more.
The active ingredients typically found in foggers for gnats and flying insects include:
- Pyrethrins – Made from chrysanthemum extracts
- Pyrethroids – Synthetic versions of pyrethrins
- Permethrin
- Tetramethrin
- Allethrin
These chemicals work by attacking the nervous system of insects. Most foggers kill bugs that come into direct contact with the insecticide particles suspended in the air. Some can have residual effects where bugs are killed when they land on treated surfaces after the fogging treatment.
Do Foggers Work on Gnats?
Unfortunately, foggers are generally not very effective against gnats and small flying insects. Here are some reasons why:
- Many gnats tend to hover higher up off the ground, above the level where most of the insecticide fog concentrates after release.
- The tiny size of gnats, with some species only 1/16 of an inch long, means it is difficult for them to come into contact with enough insecticide particles to receive a lethal dose.
- Some gnat species like fungus gnats live and breed in damp soil or rotting organic matter and may not be exposed to the fog at all.
- Since gnats can fly in and out of structures through small openings, a new generation can quickly re-infest an area after fogging.
While foggers may kill some gnats that are present at the time, they do not provide effective or long-lasting control. Even though you may see some gnats dropping to the floor during/after use of a fogger, it is unlikely to eliminate all of them.
Other Issues with Fog Bombs
Beyond general ineffectiveness against gnats specifically, there are some other potential drawbacks to using foggers:
- They contain synthetic chemical ingredients that may be harmful to humans or pets if inhaled directly or deposited on surfaces.
- Improper use can lead to fire or explosion hazards.
- Foggers release chemicals indiscriminately, treating both beneficial and harmful insects.
- They can leave behind chemical residue on exposed food, plates, cookware and countertops.
- Foggers do not provide any residual pest control after the treatment.
- Bugs may develop resistance to products over time, making foggers less useful.
For these reasons, foggers are not the ideal solution for controlling gnats.
More Effective Ways to Control Gnats
Rather than relying on foggers that have limited usefulness against gnats, there are several more effective methods to reduce gnat populations in your home:
Sanitation
Gnats breed in moist organic matter like soil, compost, drains, fruit and vegetables, etc. Eliminating sources of moisture and decay will help reduce gnat breeding areas.
- Fix any leaks and dry out damp areas.
- Remove decaying plant matter and trash.
- Clean drains and pipes thoroughly.
- Empty garbage frequently.
Traps
Traps lure gnats in with lights, pheromones, vinegar or fruit. Once inside, the gnats become stuck on glue boards or drown in liquids. Traps continuously kill gnats rather than just treating the area once.
- Fruit fly traps use pieces of overripe banana, melon, etc. to lure fungus gnats.
- Sticky ribbons or glue boards catch flying gnats.
- LED light traps attract gnats to an electrical killing grid.
Natural Sprays
Natural insecticides like neem oil, citrus oils, or peppermint oil can kill and repel gnats without harsh chemicals. Apply these diluted oil solutions directly to potting soil for fungus gnats or spray onto baseboards, window sills, and other gnat resting areas.
Insect Growth Regulators
Insect growth regulator (IGR) products disrupt the gnats’ life cycle and prevent larvae from reaching adulthood. Apply as a soil drench or spray in infested areas. IGRs are more effective when combined with adult gnat control methods.
Professional Pest Control
For severe gnat infestations, professional pest control may be required. Exterminators have access to stronger insecticides and can treat harder-to-reach breeding hotspots in wall voids, drains, attics, basements, etc.
Key Takeaways
- Fog bombs or foggers are ineffective against small flying pests like gnats.
- The tiny size of gnats allows them to avoid contacting enough insecticide particles to kill them.
- Foggers provide short-term control but do not offer any residual effects.
- Traps, natural sprays, insect growth regulators, and sanitation practices are better options for controlling gnats.
- Professional pest control assistance may be required for severe infestations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don’t foggers work well on gnats?
Foggers are ineffective against gnats for a few key reasons:
– Gnats are tiny in size, so it’s hard for them to contact enough insecticide particles to receive a lethal dose.
– Many gnats hover higher up off the ground, so they avoid the insecticide fog concentration.
– Foggers provide no residual control, allowing gnats to re-infest after treatment.
– Gnats can fly in and out of structures, avoiding exposure entirely.
What’s the best fogger for gnats?
There are no foggers designed specifically for gnats, and foggers in general are not recommended as an effective solution. Traps, natural insecticides, insect growth regulators, and thorough sanitation practices are safer, more targeted methods for controlling gnats.
Do bug bombs kill gnats instantly?
No, bug bombs or foggers do not kill gnats instantly. Some gnats may die shortly after exposure, but foggers will not eliminate an entire gnat population immediately. The insecticide particles have to contact the tiny gnats to kill them, and many gnats will avoid exposure by hiding or flying away from the fog.
How long does a fogger last for gnats?
Foggers or bug bombs provide very short-term control for gnats, typically under 24 hours. This is because foggers release all their contents at once, without leaving any residual insecticide traces. Any gnats that avoid the initial fog will be free to continue breeding and multiplying. Foggers may temporarily reduce gnat numbers but populations will quickly bounce back.
Do I have to leave my house when I set off a fogger?
Yes, it is recommended you leave your home for 2-4 hours when using a fogger per the label instructions. Inhaling the insecticide fog directly can be hazardous to human health. Make sure all people and pets have exited before starting the fogger. Upon re-entering, open windows and doors to ventilate before staying for any length of time.
Conclusion
In summary, foggers and bug bombs are not an effective method for controlling pesky gnats. They do not deliver adequate lethal exposure to kill flying insects as tiny as gnats. While foggers may offer quick knockdown of some adult gnats present, populations will rapidly recover and rebound post-treatment. Using thorough sanitation, traps, natural insecticides, and professional pest control assistance provides longer-lasting gnat control without the risks and limitations of foggers. Steer clear of foggers and instead implement integrated gnat management practices that target larvae and adults to clear your home of these annoying insects.