Give these pesky bugs the boot.
They’re a common problem, so you’re definitely not alone.
Fungus gnats are the most common bang out found around house plants.
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Larvae, which are early-stage gnats in maggot form, feed on organic matter and chew on plant roots.
These larvae often flourish in the soil of potted plants.
Large numbers of gnat larvae can significantly damage young plants and seedlings.
Gnats
Gnats are small winged insects no larger than a quarter inch long.
They can be black, yellow, brown, or tan.
Their wings are wide and flat, and they have legs that are longer than their bodies.
Causes of Gnat Infestations
Gnat infestations occur when several gnats reproduce, which they do quickly.
They are particularly active when you water the plant.
Other signs of a gnat infestation are your plants wilting, losing leaves, and turning yellow.
Slow plant growth can be another sign of a gnat problem.
Gnat infestations can weaken your plants and make them more susceptible to other pests and diseases.
They can also enter throughclogged drainsand lay eggs in trash cans and soil.
Wet soil can be particularly alluring for gnats, which breed in wet conditions.
Overwatering is a prime culprit, ONeill says.
When the soil remains consistently moist, it creates an ideal breeding ground for fungus gnats.
Theyre also attracted to decaying plant matter, so overgrown or dead foliage can contribute.
Since gnats reproduce quickly, you may need to try a few methods to get rid of them all.
Natural methods are the best first line of defense, so try these before turning to chemical solutions.
Allow Soil to Dry Out
First, let your soil dry out completely between waterings.
This will cut down on the moisture-rich breeding grounds that gnats love.
Remove dead flowers, leaves, or other plant parts from your plants.
Place the traps in small dishes near where gnats congregate.
This has the twofold benefit of drawing them away from your plants roots and blocking their access simultaneously.
Its worked wonders for me in the past and keeps things super cost-effective.
Use clean containers and fresh potting soil.
Repotting plants can also be an effective way to avoid using insecticides.
Just remember that if it doesn’t work 100 percent, the gnats may come back.
Natural remedies are eco-friendly and pose no health risks to humans or pets.
Slowly drench the soil until the mixture comes out of the drainage holes.
Aerosol sprays with pyrethrins are very effective at killing adult gnats, Schutter says.
Also, treat any areas where you’ve seen gnats congregating so they won’t return.
Hire a professional pest control company for help.
Professional pest companies bring expertise that can save you time and money.
They can identify where nests are and ensure safe methods to eradicate them.
Keeping your home clean and free of excess water and decaying matter will help ward off gnats.
Gnats will only stay where they have food; any produce left out will attract them.
Garbage is another gnat magnet, so verify yours is emptied regularly and covered, if possible.
Clean out your drains, as gnats can live off of any organic matter that’s collected in them.
Don’t have essential oils?
Try dryer sheets instead!
Most dryer sheets have scents that gnats don’t like.
