_edited.png)
What Causes Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats love wet soil. Too much water causes a gnat problem. When the soil stays damp for too long, fungus starts to grow. Then, these small flies lay their eggs in this moist and fungus-rich earth.
The larvae start eating the fungus, roots of plants and organic matter they find in the soil. So basically, overwatering your houseplants can attract these pests into your indoor garden.
During winter or rainy seasons, when there's not enough sun to dry out the top layer of dirt, gnats become more troublesome. They're not harmful to people or pets but they sure bother our green pals! Infected plants might show signs like yellow leaves and slow growth.
Gnats spread quickly from one pot to other near ones so it's time we start using some natural ways to remove them for goo
How to Get Rid of Gnats in Plants Naturally
First, let's talk about repotting. Gnats enjoy old soil. So, one way to remove gnats is by taking out your plant and tossing the old soil. Give more fresh potting mix to the plant when you put it back in the pot.
Next up: baking your soil. This might sound odd, but stick with me here! Baking your soil in an oven can kill gnat eggs and larvae hiding inside there.
Using diatomaceous earth is another good method! Add it in every pot of soil you have. It kills gnats as they try crawling through it.
Cinnamon isn't only for eating! It also has a big role in removing gnats from plants naturally. Just sprinkle some on top of the plant's soil!
Then comes hydrogen peroxide, which I use mixed with water as a drench for my plants' soils sometimes (1 part 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with four parts water). This practice cleans away pesky bugs really well too!
Another neat trick not many know: apple cider vinegar works great against gnats! A mix of this vinegar and some drops of dish soap can be left near a bug-infested plant - gnats get drawn towards it and end up stuck!
Lastly, yellow sticky traps are super helpful too! They catch flying insects like fungus gnats efficiently.
Get Rid of the Old Soil and Repot
One way to clear out gnats is to change the old soil and repot your plant. Here's a simple way to do it:
Pick your plant up off of its pot.
Gently shake the roots to remove old dirt.
Wash the roots with water to get rid of any leftover soil.
Use fresh, well - draining soil for the new pot.
Place your plant in the new pot.
Carefully fill in around the plant with more dirt.
Do not water right away after repotting.
Bake Your Soil
Baking your soil is an effective solution to clear it of gnats. Here are the simple steps I follow:
First, preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Next, spread the potting mix evenly in a large baking dish.
Cover the dish with foil to lock in heat.
Bake the soil for about 30 minutes.
Be sure to keep an eye on it; if you see any smoke, take it out right away!
After it cools down, use this sterilized soil for repotting your plants.
Add Diatomaceous Earth to Every Pot of Soil
To eliminate gnats in plants, one effective natural method is to add diatomaceous earth to every pot of soil. Here’s how it can help:
Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from fossilized algae. It contains sharp particles that can harm insects.
When gnats come in contact with diatomaceous earth, the sharp particles cut through their exoskeletons and cause them to dehydrate and die.
To use diatomaceous earth, simply sprinkle a thin layer on top of the soil in each pot of your plants.
Make sure to cover the surface evenly and avoid clumps or excessive amounts, as it may prevent water drainage.
Reapply the diatomaceous earth every few weeks or after watering your plants.
Sprinkle Cinnamon on the Soil
Sprinkling cinnamon on the soil can help eliminate gnats in plants. Here's how to do it:
Purchase ground cinnamon from your local grocery store.
Sprinkle a generous amount of cinnamon onto the top layer of soil in your plant's pot.
Make sure to cover the entire surface of the soil with cinnamon.
Gently press down on the cinnamon to ensure it sticks to the soil.
Reapply cinnamon every few weeks or after watering your plant.
Water with Mosquito Dunks/Bits
One effective natural method I've found to eliminate gnats in plants is by using mosquito dunks or bits. Here's how it works:
Mosquito dunks or bits contain a bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) that specifically targets and kills gnat larvae.
Simply put the mosquito dunk or bit in a container of water and let it dissolve.
Water your plants with this solution, making sure to soak the soil thoroughly.
The Bti bacteria will kill the gnat larvae present in the soil, effectively eliminating the gnats.
Hydrogen Peroxide Drench
To get rid of gnats in your plants, one effective natural method is to use a hydrogen peroxide drench. Here's how you can do it:
Mix one part 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with four parts water.
Pour the mixture over the soil of your plant until it is thoroughly soaked.
Allow the solution to sit for about 30 minutes to kill any gnat larvae in the soil.
After 30 minutes, make sure to drain any excess liquid from the plant's saucer or tray.
Repeat this process once a week until the gnats are gone.
Use an Apple Cider Vinegar Mix
If you want to eliminate gnats in your plants, you can try using an apple cider vinegar mix. Here's how:
Fill a small container halfway with apple cider vinegar.
Add a few drops of dish soap to the vinegar.
Stir the mixture gently to combine the ingredients.
Place the container near your plants where you see the most gnats.
The scent of the vinegar will attract the gnats, and when they land in the mixture, the dish soap will trap them and prevent them from flying away.
Use Yellow Sticky Traps
One effective way to eliminate gnats in plants is to use yellow sticky traps.
Yellow sticky traps are coated with a sticky substance that attracts and catches adult gnats.
By placing these traps near your plants, you can capture the adult gnats and prevent them from laying eggs in the soil.
The bright yellow color of the traps attracts the gnats, making them more likely to get stuck.
As the gnats become trapped on the sticky surface, they are unable to continue breeding and infesting your plants.
Natural Ways to Prevent Gnats in Your Houseplants
To prevent gnats in your houseplants, there are several natural methods you can try. First, avoid overwatering your plants as this creates a moist environment that attracts gnats. Bottom watering is a good alternative where you place the pot in a shallow dish of water and allow the plant to soak up what it needs.
When bringing new plants home, inspect them for any signs of pests or larvae and quarantine them for a few weeks before placing them near your other plants. Another trick is to place an Irish Spring soap near your plants as the scent deters gnats from coming close.
Occasional hydrogen peroxide drenches can also help get rid of any existing gnat eggs or larvae in the soil. Finally, adding a layer of sand or rocks on top of the soil can discourage gnats from laying their eggs and infesting your houseplants.
Avoid Overwatering
To eliminate gnats in your houseplants, it's important to avoid overwatering. Gnats are attracted to moist environments, so by watering your plants sparingly, you can discourage their presence.
Make sure the top inch of soil is dry before giving your plant more water. It's better to underwater than to overwater, as this will help prevent the development of fungus and discourage gnat larvae from thriving in the soil.
Proper hydration is crucial for plant health but finding the right balance is key when it comes to controlling gnats. Avoid letting your plants sit in standing water or saucers filled with excess moisture.
Instead, opt for bottom watering by placing your pot in a shallow dish filled with water and allowing the roots to soak up what they need. This method helps keep the topsoil dry and discourages gnat infestations.
Remember, prevention is always better than dealing with a full-blown gnat problem. By avoiding overwatering and practicing proper watering techniques, you can create an inhospitable environment for these pesky pests and keep your houseplants happy and gnat-free!
Bottom Water
To prevent gnats in your houseplants, bottom watering is a helpful technique. Instead of pouring water directly onto the soil from the top, you can place your plant pot in a shallow dish filled with water.
This allows the plant to absorb the water it needs from below while preventing excess moisture on the surface. Gnats are attracted to damp soil, so by bottom watering, you can help eliminate their breeding grounds and discourage their presence.
It's important to note that not all plants are suitable for this method, so make sure to research whether your specific houseplant can be bottom-watered. By using this natural approach along with other preventive measures, you can keep those pesky gnats away from your beloved indoor greens.
Inspect and Quarantine Each New Plant
Inspect and quarantine each new plant to prevent gnat infestations in your other houseplants. Here are the steps to follow:
Carefully examine the new plant for any signs of gnats or other pests.
Remove any dead leaves, decaying matter, or suspicious - looking soil from the plant.
Keep the new plant isolated from your other houseplants for at least two weeks.
During this quarantine period, monitor the new plant closely for any signs of gnats or other pests.
If you notice any problems, treat the new plant immediately with natural remedies or insecticides.
After the two - week quarantine period is over and no signs of gnats are found, you can safely introduce the new plant to your collection.
Use Irish Spring Soap
I've found that using Irish Spring Soap can be an effective way to eliminate gnats in plants. Here's how you can do it:
Cut a small piece of Irish Spring Soap.
Place the soap chunk on top of the soil in your plant pot.
As you water your plant, the soap will slowly dissolve and release a scent that repels gnats.
Make sure to regularly replace the soap to maintain its effectiveness.
Occasional Hydrogen Peroxide Drenches
One way to eliminate gnats in plants naturally is by occasionally drenching the soil with hydrogen peroxide. Here's how:
Mix one part 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with four parts water.
Pour the mixture over the soil of your plants, making sure to thoroughly saturate it.
The hydrogen peroxide will help kill off any larvae or eggs that may be present in the soil.
Repeat this process every few weeks to ensure continued control of gnat populations.
Use Sand or Rocks
To get rid of gnats in plants naturally, another method you can try is using sand or rocks. Here's how to do it:
Place a layer of sand or small rocks on top of the soil in your plant pots.
The sand or rocks act as a barrier and prevent adult gnats from laying eggs in the soil.
This method helps to disrupt the gnat life cycle and reduce their population.
Make sure to choose sand or rocks that are clean and free from any pests or diseases.
You can find suitable sand or rocks at gardening stores or online.
FAQs
What are some tips and tricks to stop bugs on indoor plants?
There are many natural ways to avoid infestation of gnats in your potted greenery. Strategies include changing the growing medium, or substrate, and using eco-friendly methods for pest control.
How can I naturally exterminate gnats from my indoor garden?
You can eradicate a gnat problem with non-toxic approaches like planting pebbles around the base of your plants or making a homemade gnat repellent.
Are there any hacks for getting rid of young insects in potted plants?
Yes! You can interrupt the life cycles of these pests by removing worms or juveniles from your pots. It's also useful to change pot if you find an infestation.
Can irrigation help eliminate gnats in my plant soil?
Yes, proper watering is one way to exterminate gnats naturally occurring in your growing medium without harming your indoor gardening project.