How to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats in Houseplants Naturally

Table Of Content

• Why are the gnats so bad right now? How to get rid of those annoying pests in Phoenix
• Bleach Drains
• Trap Them With Apple Cider Vinegar
• Compare Pest Control Companies
• Use apple cider vinegar
• Fungus Gnat Larvae
• Insects That May Be The Small Black Flying Bugs in Your House (That Aren’t Fruit Flies)
• spray bottles

If you suspect your houseplants’ soil is rife with gnat larvae, you may have to repot the plant. Thoroughly clean out the container, and replant your greenery in fresh soil. If you’ve heard that how to get rid of gnats with white vinegar? Make a spray with equal parts white vinegar and water, and add a couple of drops of dish soap.

Why are the gnats so bad right now? How to get rid of those annoying pests in Phoenix

Some gnats are simply pests, while others actually pollinate plants and play a beneficial role. Yes, the very thing that caused the infestation in the first place might be your best bet when it comes to ending it. Add a few pieces of overripe fruit to a large bowl, then cover with plastic wrap and secure with a rubber band. Soon, gnats and fruit flies will flock to the fruit, making their way in through the tiny holes—but they won't know how to find their way out. A moist environment is an ideal place for female gnats to lay their eggs. After the eggs hatch into larvae, they feed, become pupae, then grow into full-grown adults.

Bleach Drains

Read on to learn how to get rid of these pesky critters, with tips from the experts on how to banish and prevent gnat infestations. You may have noticed that there are a lot of gnats around your indoor plants. This is often because plant soil is moist, which can be a breeding ground for gnats. Identifying the difference between fruit flies and fungus gnats is essential if you want to get rid of them. In comparison, fruit flies have a rounded body and look more like the common housefly. You will also notice that fungus gnats only tend to be around plants—flying around them or crawling over the soil or leaves.

Trap Them With Apple Cider Vinegar

If you're annoyed by tiny flying insects that appear every time you water your houseplants, you're probably dealing with gnats—more specifically, fungus gnats. These pests are attracted to the damp soil of potted houseplants. They need moist soil to lay their eggs, and the organic matter in the dirt feeds their larvae. Besides being annoying, this feeding behavior can damage your plants. Instead, it’s a loose term for a number of different species of very small, flying insects. These flies lay their eggs in damp organic environments such as potting soil, pipe drains, or rotting produce.

Compare Pest Control Companies

When using essential oils to deter pests, make sure you frequently reapply the spray to ensure longer-lasting effects – particularly in gardens after periods of rain. The mere presence of these pesky insects in your house can leave you feeling twitchy. Take steps to prevent an infestation, and act quickly if the invaders set up shop in your home and garden. Gnats are highly unlikely to go away without intervention, says Morgan, which is why it’s important to know how to get rid of gnats. Spring and summer flower gardens are known for their bright colors, sweet smells, and cheerful atmospheres. There are many options when it comes to choosing what flowers to plant, but what if you’re looking for something new?

Use apple cider vinegar

How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies—and Keep Them From Coming Back - Martha Stewart

How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies—and Keep Them From Coming Back.

Posted: Thu, 12 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Inside the home, gnats can be attracted to unsealed produce, fresh flowers, houseplants, food spillage and open or overflowing garbage cans. Gnats may also live in sink drains where food residue can collect. Dirty kitchen sink drains can provide food, water, shelter and breeding sites to many fly species. One way to get rid of gnat larvae is to make your own gnat trap with a mix of vinegar, dish soap, and sugar. Mix a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a few drops of dish soap, and a sprinkle of sugar.

Fungus Gnat Larvae

Fungus gnats are common houseplant pests in the family Sciaridae. These tiny flying insects measure between 0.08” and 0.3” (2 – 8 mm) long. Gnat larvae feed on fungus in potting soil where they can affect the health of young plants or weak plants. So, getting rid of these bugs from houseplants is a top priority.

Insects That May Be The Small Black Flying Bugs in Your House (That Aren’t Fruit Flies)

So, take it easy on watering them or look into low-maintenance plants that require small amounts of water to thrive. This technique requires you to be on standby after dark, but it’s an easy solution. Fill a pan with water and a bit of dish soap and add a candlestick with a tall, tapered candle in the middle. After a while, you’ll notice that the gnats have been drawn to it and ultimately perish by the heat or by dropping into the soapy mixture below.

spray bottles

We then do a deep dive into each company’s website, service plans, and available cost information. We also secret shop the companies we review, reach out to representatives, and request quotes. To increase effectiveness (if needed), mix a teaspoon of dish soap into the wine.

We always recommend getting quotes from at least two companies to ensure you’re getting the best price on your service. Your garbage can, particularly in the kitchen, should have a lid that seals tight when not in use. The trash, along with any indoor compost, should be taken out regularly. Gretchen Heber is a writer, marketer, and entrepreneur based in Texas. Also, avoid wearing strong fragrances or scented lotions and use insect repellents, particularly during peak gnat activity periods. Finally, environmental changes such as landscaping or nearby construction can disrupt gnat habitats, causing them to seek refuge indoors.

Fungus gnats mostly thrive in moist environments in the household. They are common in households with houseplants, and they lay eggs in wet soil. Their presence in plant nurseries means that you can bring them into your house with a plant without realizing it. You may find them in your houseplants' soil, or on the rim of the pot. A little disturbance of the plant might cause the fungus gnats to start flying around.