Say Goodbye to Bugs by William Cortez - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

MARCH
S M T W T F S
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31 01 02 03 04
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Say Goodbye to Bugs

By William Cortez, Community Writer
July 23, 2025 at 03:56pm. Views: 850

Summertime brings longer days, backyard barbecues, and... gnats. These tiny pests can quickly ruin an evening outside, but with a few practical steps, you can enjoy your yard without constantly swatting the air.

1. Eliminate Standing Water
Gnats love moisture and often breed in stagnant water. Take a walk around your yard and empty anything that collects water — think flower pot trays, clogged gutters, bird baths, and even pet water bowls left out too long. A dry yard is a gnat-free yard.

2. Try Citrus-Based Repellents
Gnats dislike strong citrus scents. You can make your own natural spray by mixing water with a few drops of lemon, orange, or citronella essential oil. Mist it around patios, porches, and doorways to help keep gnats at bay.

3. Plant Gnat-Repelling Herbs
Certain herbs naturally deter gnats and other insects. Basil, lavender, mint, and rosemary are all great choices. Plant them in garden beds or keep them in pots near outdoor seating areas for both beauty and bug control.

4. Use Outdoor Fans
It might sound too easy, but a simple fan can be a powerful gnat deterrent. Because gnats are weak fliers, even a light breeze from a standing or ceiling fan can keep them from hovering around your guests.

5. Secure Trash and Food Waste
Outdoor trash bins should be tightly sealed. Food scraps or open containers can quickly attract gnats, especially during warm months. Keep bins clean and away from entertainment areas.

6. Set Up Yellow Sticky Traps
These bright traps attract gnats and trap them on contact. Stick a few in garden beds, near fruit trees, or around the patio for targeted control.

7. DIY Vinegar Trap
A classic and easy trick: pour apple cider vinegar into a small jar, add a few drops of dish soap, and leave it uncovered. The vinegar draws them in, and the soap traps them. Place several of these traps around outdoor areas for best results.

8. Control Moisture in the Yard
Overwatering plants or having soggy areas in your lawn invites gnats. Make sure your yard has proper drainage, and only water plants when needed.

 

With just a little effort and a few household items, you can reclaim your outdoor spaces and enjoy a peaceful, gnat-free summer.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: ChatGPT (AI-generated)

By Stella Price, Contributing Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 927

Illustrative image of a happy family outdoors with one dog and one cat, both shown wearing pet insurance tags. Moreno Valley Animal Services and MetLife Pet Insurance form a unique partnership in an effort to remove adoption barriers.

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:17pm. Views: 750

Moreno Valley residents are being invited to take an active role in shaping the city’s future, by serving on one of its Boards or Commissions, Mayor Ulises announced.

Photo Courtesy of: Loma Linda University Church

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:17pm. Views: 586

The student ensemble, directed by Michael Pichette, will be presenting a vespers program featuring reflective wind and percussion music that brings together students, families, and the local community.

Photo Courtesy of: Grand Terrace Titans

By Charmaine Mislang, Community Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:17pm. Views: 890

Young athletes with the Grand Terrace Titans Jr. All American Football & Cheer sit together and smile for a group photo during practice, wearing team uniforms and bows, representing teamwork, confidence, and community spirit.

Cheerleading events feature cheer competition performances, where our athletes showcased their routines, teamwork, and dedication.

The football events focus on time spent together both on and off the field, competing, training, building brotherhood, and strengthening team bonds through shared experiences.

Photo Courtesy of: Grand Terrace Woman's Club

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:17pm. Views: 647

Members of the Grand Terrace Woman’s Club welcome community members during one of their Bingo Game Nights, which raise funds to support local outreach efforts while bringing residents together for an evening of fun and fellowship.

Photo Courtesy of: CUSM

By Cynthia Baker, Contributing Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 762

Taken on July 22, 2025: The MD class of 2029 MD took the Hippocratic Oath and received their white coats, symbolizing entrance into the medical profession.
"This class brings the largest number of Inland Empire-based students to a CUSM MD class," said Paul Lyons, MD, President and Dean of California University of Science and Medicine. "It is core to our mission to support the communities of the Inland Empire in terms of education and health accessibility. Admitting qualified IE-based students is a major part of bringing our mission to life."

Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino County Department of Public Health

By Stella Pierce, Contributing Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 676

Airbud, a tan Shepherd-mix dog, happily jumps up to play with a handler during outdoor enrichment time at the shelter, showing his energetic and playful personality.

Photo Courtesy of: City of Riverside, Fire Department

By William Cortez, Contributing Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 523

City of Riverside Fire Department officials and city leaders stand in front of a fire engine, cutting a red ribbon to unveil new PumpPod equipment, during an outdoor ceremony on a sunny day.

Photo Courtesy of: ChatGPT (AI-generated)

By William Cortez, Contributing Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 524

An AI-rendered image showing a person wearing a hood and gloves removing a property tax payment envelope from a blue mail drop box during low light conditions.

Photo Courtesy of: ChatGPT (AI-generated)

By Charmaine Mislang, Community Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 755

AI-generated image of a family of four sitting at a kitchen table, looking together at a laptop while holding CalFresh informational materials and an application form. The adults and children appear engaged and focused, suggesting they are reviewing or applying for food assistance benefits.

Photo Courtesy of: Instagram: cityofmorenovalley

By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 666

City fire inspectors are monitoring the mall daily, and the City Council is actively working with the mall owner through an Inspection and Abatement Agreement to bring the property into full compliance as quickly and safely as possible.

Photo Courtesy of: Designed by Freepik

By Charmaine Mislang, Community Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:19pm. Views: 646

A U.S. service member stands with his wife and young son as they share a warm greeting with a VA physician in a clinical hallway. A care team member in the background uses a tablet to support the family’s visit.
VA Loma Linda continues its long‑standing commitment to serving military families with accessible, compassionate, and coordinated care.

--> -->