Chickens are fond of bugs and insects. But not all of them are healthy and safe for them. Gnats are tiny flying insects. Turkey and Buffalo gnats are highly dangerous. They carry disease-causing organisms that can attack flocks and even kill them through nuisance effects
How to keep gnats away from the chicken coop? You can plant Citronella or Lemongrass tree to deter gnats and mosquitoes from chicken coops. For better protection, use MitesBGone herbal blend, dried lemon balm, or lavender mint refresh spray to ward off gnats.
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How Gnats Harm Chickens?
Gnats can harm chickens in various ways. These tiny flying insects have anti-coagulants in their saliva.
Once gnats bite flocks around their neck and head, it may cause excessive bleeding.
Chickens may also die from suffocation issues. These small two-winged flies block the airway surrounding the flocks.
In addition, buffalo gnats may transmit different types of viruses to chickens’ bodies while biting or consuming their blood.
This may result in various deadly diseases. Your birds may even die within a short period.
Gnats sit on various toxic-based items. Most of their species carry different toxic materials in their saliva.
It may cause toxic or anaphylactic shock to your chickens while biting them.
How to Keep Gnats Away From Chicken Coop Naturally?
You have many options to keep gnats away from a chicken coop.
But natural-based solutions should be your main priority to keep your chickens safe while repelling these tiny flying insects.
Here are three common plants you can grow around your flock house to ward off gnats.
Citronella Plants
Do you know the alternative name of this plant? Mosquito plant!
It is entirely safe for flocks. This plant is a practical choice to ward off various bugs, insects, and gnats.
Add several potted citronella plants around the chicken house. The aromatic plants add a refreshing smell around the chicken coop
Their mosquito-repelling properties will keep gnats and other blood-suckers away from your flocks.
Lemongrass Plants
This herb plant contains Citral and geranyl acetate. Its citrus flavor and scent effectively ward off gnats, mosquitoes, and other bugs.
The bug-fighting properties of lemongrass plants offer up to 95% protection.
You can add in your chickens’ nesting boxes. Hens can lay eggs peacefully without any disturbance.
However, the scent of lemongrass doesn’t last long. Either keep potted lemongrass plants or change the grass daily if you keep it inside the nesting boxes.
Mint Plants
Here comes another perennial herb! It has biocidal properties to ward off gnats, mosquitoes, and various bugs.
This immensely fragrant plant contains active insect-fighting ingredients.
Gnats usually have a strong sense of smell. The sharper, stronger, and unique scent of mints prevents them from visiting the chicken coop.
Add a few potted plants around the chicken coop to get the best result.
Related Article:
How to Keep Gnats Away From Chicken Coop Using Natural Products?
Sometimes, plants alone are not enough to handle the massive attack of gnats.
In such a case, you can start using some natural-based products.
Dried Lemon Balm
One of the best choices is using dried lemon balm. Their powerful scent repels gnats easily. You can either make it of yourself from your perennial plants.
But, if you don’t have these herbs or don’t want to take the hassle of making them, buy them from a nearby authentic store.
Use the balm around the nesting boxes and other areas where these small two-winged flies are likely to sit.
Don’t forget to apply the solution to various parts of your chickens’ bodies to protect them from bugs and insects.
Citronella Essential Oil
Why choose chemical-based insect repellents when you have the accessibility of natural ones?
Citronella essential oil has high efficacy and minimal toxicity. US EPA approved it as safe.
You can mix this oil with a carrier oil. Coconut oil, olive oil, and vegetable oils are the best choices for chickens.
Citronella essential oil is a little bit strong. Add 0.05-0.06 milliliters of Citronella oil for every 14-15 milliliters of carrier oil.
You can also use Citronella essential oil with dried lemon balm. Apply the mixture to all the vulnerable areas to give optimal protection.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SVA Citronella Essential Oil – 4 Fl Oz – 100% Natural Citronella Oil – for Diffuser, Hair Care,… |
$9.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Marigolds
How about creating a beautiful flower garden while repelling gnats?
Marigolds have a strong aroma to keep gnats away from the chicken coop. They have a natural compound to deter various bugs and insects.
Golden Mexican marigolds and French marigolds are top choices for controlling gnats.
Keep a few marigolds in the nesting boxes. It is entirely safe if your flocks eat them too.
Make sure to change the flowers once or twice a week. Generally, the flowers last around one week.
NO NATZ Spray
This type of spray is mainly a combination of several essential oils.
It can show reliable performance in repelling gnats, mosquitoes, flies, etc. But make sure to choose a hypoallergenic option.
Your flocks will smell good. Shake the bottle appropriately for a few seconds before spraying it inside the chicken coop.
The product has a non-greasy formula to provide optimal safety.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Natz and No Mosquitoz Botanical Bug Repellant, Effective for Gnat, Mosquito, and Biting Flies,… |
$20.72 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
DEET
Here comes another safe and effective insect-repellent product. DEET works for everyone, whether gnats, biting flies, ticks, chiggers, mosquitoes, or fleas.
The product disrupts the strong-smelling sense of gnats and makes them confused.
It contains a unique active ingredient, N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, to deter gnats and other harmful insects.
Apply the product to various parts of your chickens. But it doesn’t reach their eyes, noses, and mouths.
Follow the label directions to use the product correctly. Don’t use expired products, as they can harm your flocks.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sawyer Products SP713 Premium Maxi DEET, 100% DEET Insect Repellent, Pump Spray, 3-Ounce | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
DIY Peppermint Coop Spray
Apart from buying commercialized products, you can make your DIY peppermint coop spray.
Take a medium-sized container, pour 1.25 gallons of water, and then add 15-20 drops of peppermint oil.
Mix the ingredients properly. Pour a small portion of the mixture into a spray bottle and spray it in the inner area of the chicken coop. Also, use it the outside flock house too.
Apply the product a little more in areas where gnats come more often. Spray it after a heavy rain or snowstorm.
Wrapping Up
Ensuring optimal health conditions for your chicken is crucial to keep them happy. No matter how busy you are, take care of your flocks if you don’t want to lose them.
Make sure predators and dangerous bugs and insects don’t harm them. Knowing how to keep gnats away from chicken coop will help you sustain good health for your birds.
Do a body check-up of their body to a good veterinarian and ensure they don’t have diseases or illnesses. Keep an on your chickens and inspect their behaviors regularly to find any abnormality.
