De-gnoming

• Incantation: None known; the process is entirely physical.
• Pronunciation: N/A
• Wand Movement: None required.
• Light: N/A
• Effect: To remove garden Gnomes from a piece of land. The method is designed to make the Gnomes so dizzy that they cannot find their way back to their burrows.
• Type: Magical Pest Control; Household Chore

De-gnoming is a common chore in the wizarding world, primarily known from its practice by the Weasley family. The most detailed account of this activity occurs when Harry Potter visits The Burrow for the first time. Molly Weasley assigns the task of de-gnoming the garden to her sons Ron, Fred, and George, with Harry volunteering to help. The process, as demonstrated by the Weasleys, involves the following steps:

1. First, one must catch a Gnome, typically by luring it out of its burrow.
2. Second, holding the Gnome firmly by its ankles, one swings it in large circles to induce extreme dizziness.
3. Finally, the disoriented Gnome is thrown as far as possible, ideally over the garden hedge.

The dizziness is the key component, as it prevents the Gnomes from navigating back to their homes. During this process, it is common to be bitten by the Gnomes, which have small but sharp teeth. This practical, albeit rough, method is contrasted with the advice found in Gilderoy Lockhart's book, Gadding with Ghouls. The Weasleys dismiss Lockhart's approach as nonsense, suggesting that the hands-on method is the most effective and widely used.

Learning to de-gnome appears to be informal, passed down through demonstration rather than taught in a Hogwarts classroom. Fred Weasley shows Harry Potter how it is done, and Harry quickly masters the technique. The main requirements are a degree of physical strength and a willingness to handle the aggressive creatures. There are no known counter-spells for de-gnoming, as it is a physical procedure, not a spell. The only “counter” from the Gnome's perspective is to bite its handler. The primary magical method for dealing with a Gnome infestation is the act of de-gnoming itself. No specific charms or jinxes for this purpose are mentioned in the novels.

The term “De-gnoming” is a simple and descriptive portmanteau.

• The prefix “De-“ is of Latin origin, signifying removal, reversal, or departure from.
• “Gnoming” refers to the act or state of being infested by Gnomes.

Thus, the term literally means “the removal of gnomes.”

• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the de-gnoming scene is included. The Gnomes are depicted as more reptilian and aggressive than their description in the book. (film)
• In the video game adaptation of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, de-gnoming is featured as a recurring mini-game where the player must swing and throw Gnomes to earn points. (video game)
• According to the Pottermore website, the garden Gnome's proper name is Gernumbli gardensi. The site also reiterates that the most effective way to remove them is by swinging them until dizzy and flinging them over the wall. (Pottermore)