Gnats (also known as little biting mosquitoes) are small flying insects that are closely related to mosquitoes. These insects can be found all over the world (including Antarctica), and can live anywhere where there is water and moist soil. Some types of gnats can bite, while others are just annoying. The best way to prevent gnat bites is to control the population. However, there are things you can do to ease the pain of a gnat bite.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Treating Gnat Bites
Step 1. Wash the bitten skin
Biting gnats have four sharp blades in their mouths that will tear the skin and cause small open wounds. Clean the bitten skin and the area around it using water and a mild soap. Wipe off excess water with a washcloth or tissue.
Step 2. Apply antiseptic
Gnats can carry bacteria that you get from rotting food, so you should wipe the bitten area with a cotton swab. Put a cotton swab on the bite wound so that the antiseptic can seep into it.
Commonly used topical antiseptics include iodine, alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide
Step 3. Try using apple cider vinegar
Vinegar is a popular natural home remedy for reducing swelling, pain, and redness from bee and wasp stings. This material can also relieve pain and itching due to gnat bites.
Soak a cotton swab in vinegar, then apply it on the bitten area until the pain subsides
Step 4. Apply Neosporin + Pain Relief ointment
This ointment can be obtained without a prescription and has antibacterial and pain-relieving properties. Apply this ointment on the bitten skin of the gnat to relieve pain.
Step 5. Try using an aspirin paste
Aspirin can reduce inflammation, and can relieve swelling and itching at the bite area. Make a paste by crushing an aspirin tablet with the back of a spoon and mixing it with a little water. Rub the paste on the bitten area.
Step 6. Apply an anti-itch cream
Manufactured anti-itch creams such as Cortizone-10 contain hydrocortisone, a chemical that temporarily reduces itching. Most of these creams also contain aloe vera, which soothes and moisturizes the skin.
Step 7. Use ice
If the bitten area swells, you can reduce it by applying an ice cube or ice pack (frozen gel placed in a leak-proof container). Apply ice to the skin and leave it there until the swelling subsides.
Step 8. Take a cold shower
Cold water can relieve itching and swelling caused by insect bites. If you get bites in multiple places, take a cold shower for about 10 minutes to feel better.
Step 9. Avoid scratching the bite
Scratching a bite or sting from certain insects can allow the venom to spread through the skin, making the pain and itching worse. This also leaves the wound open, which can lead to infection.
Step 10. Monitor the bite wound for changes
If pus appears on the bite, this is a sign that you have a bacterial infection. You should go to the doctor immediately.
Step 11. Watch for any signs of anaphylactic shock
Although rare, insect bites can cause a severe allergic reaction that can be dangerous or even life-threatening. If you are allergic to insects, or experience symptoms of anaphylactic shock, seek medical attention immediately.
- Swelling of the tongue, throat, or mouth.
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing.
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty taking a breath.
- Itching around the eyes, ears, lips, throat, or roof of the mouth.
- Flushing (skin is red and feels hot).
- Stomach cramps or nausea.
- Feeling tired or dizzy.
- Falls or faints.
Method 2 of 3: Preventing Gnat Bites
Step 1. Try a commercial insect repellent spray
Topical insect repellent sprays and creams contain active ingredients that can repel a variety of biting insects, including gnats and mosquitoes. Prevent pain from bites by avoiding them before they occur.
- When going abroad, bring your own insect repellent. Sprays sold in other countries may contain harmful chemicals that are not allowed to be used.
- Look for DEET in Off!, Sawyer, Cutter and Ultrathon products.
- Look for Picaridin (KBR3023/Bayrepel) in Cutter Advanced or Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus products.
- Look for OLE (lemon eucalyptus oil) or PMD (para-menthane-3, 8-diol) in Repel products! and Off! Botanicals.
- Look for IR3535 in SkinSmart and Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition products.
Step 2. Avoid times when gnats are most likely to bite
Mosquitoes and gnats are usually most active around ponds and puddles during the day or around patio lights at dusk and evening.
Step 3. Wear protective clothing
If you want to go outdoors in an area where there is a lot of gnats, wear socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Gnats cannot bite through clothing, and usually only bite on uncovered skin.
- Spray clothing with insect repellent when you are outdoors.
- Buy hiking hats and socks that have been specifically designed to repel biting insects.
Method 3 of 3: Getting Rid of Gnats
Step 1. Remove standing water
Agas likes to gather in stagnant water. Once you've found a breeding ground for gnats, take precautions to prevent them from breeding and swarming to reduce the chance of getting a painful bite.
- Get rid of garden objects that can collect rainwater, such as buckets or pots.
- Gnats also love clogged and stagnant drains and drains.
- Cover the pool with a pool cover or large tarp when not in use.
Step 2. Avoid over-watering the plant
If the soil in your garden attracts a lot of gnats, you may have overwatered your plants. If there is standing water, wait at least 24 hours between waterings for the soil to dry completely.
Step 3. Keep the kitchen counter clean
Gnats like groceries in open containers, and dirty dishes in the sink. Wash and dry the table and dishes, then store the dishes immediately. This can prevent the arrival of biting gnat colonies.
Step 4. Use bleach
Bleach is an ingredient that can kill gnats. Pour a small amount of bleach into a container of water under the refrigerator or freezer. Check and empty the water tank regularly, remove any dead gnats, then add the bleach again.
Pour a quarter cup of bleach down the drain, especially in the garbage disposal to keep gnats from swarming there
Step 5. Check the doors and windows
Seal any gaps in the insulation around the doors and windows so that gnats can't get in from the outside. This can help prevent the bite.
Pay close attention to the sealant around the window-mounted air conditioner, as the resulting moisture can attract gnats
Step 6. Get rid of the wet towel
Don't leave wet towels on the bathroom floor, or leave wet washcloths on the counter or washcloths in the kitchen. Remove damp areas from the house to prevent gnats from swarming there.
Step 7. Make a natural gnat trap
To replace pesticides that can be harmful to you and your pets, build your own gnat trap. Empty traps regularly and refill them. This can help keep you and your family members from getting bitten by gnats.
- Place the apple cider vinegar in a glass jar (or any jar). You don't have to fill the jar to the brim – just half is enough.
- Close the jar and make 5 or 6 holes in the lid. If you don't have a lid, use a plastic sheet to cover the mouth of the jar and punch a hole in the plastic.
- The gnats will be attracted to the vinegar and enter the jar, but cannot get out.
- If you don't have apple cider vinegar, you can use regular vinegar mixed with a little dish soap. Gnats love the smell of lemon.
Step 8. Make a sticky trap
The gnats are attracted to the yellow color of the trap and will stick to the honey. This prevents biting gnats from swarming.
- Glue the yellow index card to the ice cream stick so that it looks like a small mark. Gnats are attracted to yellow so you can't use other colored cards.
- Spread some honey on the index card, and stick an ice cream stick into the soil where gnats usually swarm.
- If the card is full of gnats, replace it with a new card trap.
