Why Do Gnats Fly Around Your Face? And How to Stop Them

The persistent buzzing and darting of tiny gnats around one’s face is a common and often irritating experience. These small insects often invade personal space, leading to constant annoyance. Understanding why gnats are drawn to your face can offer insights into how to manage their presence. This article explores their attraction and provides practical strategies to deter them.

Common Gnat Suspects

The term “gnat” is a general descriptor for various small, non-biting flies, several types of which are commonly found near human faces.

Fungus gnats, about 1/16 to 1/8 inch long, are weak fliers that breed in moist soil of overwatered houseplants or decaying organic matter. They are dark with slender legs and segmented antennae.
Fruit flies, slightly larger and often tan or brown, are attracted to ripening or fermenting fruits and vegetables and sugary spills. They multiply quickly indoors.
Drain flies, also known as moth flies, are small, hairy, and moth-like. They are typically found near sinks and drains, breeding in the gelatinous film that accumulates in pipes.

Why Your Face is a Gnat Magnet

Gnats are drawn to the human face due to biological attractants that signal moisture and nutrients. A primary attractant is carbon dioxide (CO2), which humans exhale with every breath. Gnats possess sensory organs that detect CO2 plumes, guiding them toward a potential host.

Moisture on the face, including sweat, tears, and nasal secretions, also acts as a strong lure. Gnats seek these liquid sources for hydration and for the salts and electrolytes they contain, which are essential for their survival. The warmth radiated by the human body, particularly the head, further attracts gnats, as these conditions mimic the warm, damp environments where gnats lay their eggs and feed.

Skin oils and certain scents also contribute to the attraction. Gnats are drawn to natural body odors, including those from bacteria on the skin. Sweet or floral fragrances from personal hygiene products like shampoos, lotions, perfumes, and even laundry detergents can mimic the scents of flowers and fruit, which gnats find appealing. These combined cues make the human face a highly attractive target for these insects.

Are Gnats Harmful?

While annoying, the common gnats that swarm around faces are not harmful to humans. Fungus gnats and most fruit flies do not bite people. Their primary interaction is a nuisance.

Some gnat species, such as biting midges or black flies, do bite. Their bites can cause itchy, red welts. While irritating and potentially leading to mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, they rarely transmit diseases to humans. However, excessive scratching of bites can lead to secondary bacterial infections.

Practical Strategies for Deterrence

Minimizing attractants on and around your face can help deter gnats. Regular face washing reduces moisture, salts, and skin oils. Choosing unscented or mildly scented personal care products, such as shampoos, lotions, and perfumes, also makes you less appealing to gnats.

Addressing potential breeding sources in your environment is also effective.

For indoor gnats, avoid overwatering houseplants.
Store ripe fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator or sealed containers.
Regularly clean drains with hot water or a suitable cleaner.
Outdoors, eliminate standing water and decaying organic matter.
Using a fan can create air currents that make it difficult for gnats to fly around your face, acting as a simple physical barrier.