How to Get Rid of Gnats in Plants

If your plants are being infected with tiny little flies they are probably gnats. Today we will show you how to get rid of gnats in plants!

Commonly know as ”no-see-ems”, due to their small size, gnats (fungus gnat larvae) are small flies in the suborder Nematocera. They can be both biting and non-biting. The most common species are black gnats, drain flies, sand flies, fruit flies, midges and fungus gnats.

Fungus gnats are the ones that are commonly found around plants and the onse you need to be careful of. Fungus gnats have long thin wings and long legs, and they are mostly black in color with less than half of an inch in length. They can do some damage to your plants, and that’s why it’s important to learn how to get rid of gnats in plants.

What Attracts Gnats to Plants

Fungus gnats are more attracted to the moist soil than the plants themselves. The female gnats will leave eggs on the top of the soil. These eggs, once they hatch, will feed on the plant roots and decay the organic matter, which will take much needed nutrients away from your plants.

How to Get Rid of Gnats in Plants

Fortunately, there are a few natural things you can do and make to get rid of gnats inside and outside your house. Say no more to those annoying little pests and let's dive into some tips on how to get rid of gnats in plants!

#1. Separate the Infected Plant

Before even starting to treat your plants infected with fungus gnats, you need to separate then from the healthy ones. This way you will protect your plants that are not infected. Check all your plants well and the ones that have tiny flies around, move them to a different room where you can start the treatment and prevent the others from getting infected with gnats.

#2. Change the Top Layer of your Plant Soil

This is a great way to get rid of gnats, because you don't have to get rid of your plants. Instead, just remove the top layer of your soil and replace it with new soil. Since gnats like moist potting soil, replacing the old moist dirt will solve the gnats problem. Discard the old soil well and do not use it in any other plant. Another method you can use is to place a thin layer of sand on top of the soil surface. Adult gnats don't like to lay eggs on sandy surface so that is a nice, quick fix!

#3. Don't Water so Often

This method works best on houseplants, because most houseplants don't need to be watered so often. Water your plants less than you used to and that way the top layer will dry better. When you water frequently, this keeps the soil moist even at the surface which is where the female adult gnats will hatch their eggs.

You can also switch to bottom watering instead of top watering. When you water from the bottom, you don't overwater your plant and this way the plant roots get all the water they need while the too soil remains water-free and gnats free!

#4. Use Some DIY Solutions

Going the natural way is the best when it comes to protect your plants. These DIY solutions will help you get rid of gnats while protecting your plants from chemical damage.

DIY Soil Drench Solution

• 1/2 cup of peroxide
• 1-2 cups of water
• 2/3 drops of liquid dish soap

Directions:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl.
2. After mixing, pour the mix over the soil at the plant roots.
3. Keep pouring until the mix starts to come out the base of the pot. Works best for potted plants!

Homemade Insecticidal Recipe

• 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp of liquid dish soap
• 1 gallon of distilled warm water

Directions:

1. Mix the ingredients in a large container. Making sure to mix well.
2. Place the mix in a spray bottle.
3. Spray over the plant's stems, leaves and undersides.
4. You can also spray around your house in every crevice that can allow gnats to access your house.

DIY ACV Trap

• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Dish Soap
• Plastic wrap
• A shallow bowl

Directions:

1. Pour the ACV in the shallow bowl and then add a few drops of dish soap.
2. Place the plastic wrap over the top of the shallow bowl.
3. Make some holes over the plastic wrap using a toothpick.

By making this trap the fungus gnats will get attracted to the liquid and fly directly onto it. Once the fly into the liquid, they will be covered in the dish soap and drown. The soap makes the gnats unable to fly and that causes them to drown.

#5. Use Plants that Repel Gnats

This method works best for outdoors plants! Place some plants that repel gnats around your garden that will keep gnats away from your plants. Plants that repel gnats: Lemon rose, lavender, citronella grass and marigold. Gnats and other insects can't stand the strong scent of the plants, therefore, they will stay away from your garden and your precious plants.

#6. Repot your Plants

If the infraction is too deep and you are not willing to wait until gnats disappear, simply remove the plant from its pot and change it. Gently remove the plant, being careful not to damage the roots and remove the soil. You can use the same pot once you thoroughly disinfected it. Clean the roots as well in a safe way before repoting.

Place your plant in the disinfected pot and add new soil, remembering not to overwater and use any of the previous methods to keep the gnats from coming back. Once you have used any of these methods and you successfully got rid of gnats, keep in mind that you must constantly keep checking and taking care of your plants so gnats don't come back.

#7. Use Yellow Sticky Traps

You can use yellow sticky traps, which can be purchased at your local hardware store. Fungus gnats and other flying insects are attracted to the bright yellow color, and once they're on it, they're stuck. The great thing about yellow sticky traps is that they prevent fungus gnat larvae from forming into adult gnats, therefore stopping their life cycle. Gnats lay their eggs on the sticky traps. Adult fungus gnats can be a huge pain to your plants, so this will prevent them from becoming adult gnats in the first place.

When it comes to caring for your plants, flowers, and vegetables, pest control is one of the most important things. Like us, insects and other pests also enjoy consuming these plants, but if you don't stop them in their tracks, they can completely destroy your plant as well as entire crops. In terms of controlling pests, we always suggest you start off with the most environmentally friendly method. This is to prevent harm to other plants as well as to pets that may be roaming around in your garden.