Fungus Gnat Treatment
Common Problem, Easy Solution
Fungus gnats are a fairly common household pest, and they are more an annoyance to the homeowner than a problem for the plant. However, be sure to treat this when you see them, because they can spread to other plants and lay their eggs, causing more of an inconvenience.
What are fungus gnats?
Fungus gnats are tiny black or gray gnats similar in look to fruit flies. They will fly around and inhabit the top two inches of the soil within a plant.
● The adults are mostly harmless, but when they lay their eggs and larvae hatches, the larvae feed on certain soil amendments within the plant, or the roots themselves.
● It is not a drastic change, and usually is caught before it gets this far, but it is important to know how to address this issue.
What causes fungus gnats?
The biggest reason fungus gnats inhabiting your pots are because the soil is too wet/moist, and stays that way for too long. Humid environments with little airflow can also contribute to this.
● Most houseplants don’t mind drying out in between waterings. Fungus gnats stay within the top couple inches of the soil, and most, if not all houseplants, can tolerate that portion drying out before you water again.
How to treat fungus gnats:
The first thing you can do is take a break from watering your plant. Letting it dry out on the top couple inches will help make an inhospitable environment for the eggs/larvae. This might be a good time to adjust your schedule and be sure you’re not watering your plants when they are already wet.
● Mosquito Bits are granules that can kill & prevent fungus gnat larvae. Follow the directions on how to apply. Keep in mind that this will not treat adult gnats.
● Systemic Houseplant Insect Control by Bonide helps plants protect against insects for up to 8 weeks. Follow the directions on how to apply.
● In order to catch the adult gnats, use fly-attracting sticky tape, while simultaneously treating the soil.
● If the situation is bad, you can repot your plant into new soil, but know that if that new soil stays too moist/wet, you will only start the problem over again!