Find out the best ways to Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats and be free.
What measures can be taken to stop fungus gnats? What do you do if the tiny pests have already succeeded in seizing control of your plants? We have experienced that before, so we completely understand the way you are feeling! Numerous species of fungus gnats exist, all exhibiting varying degrees of similarities:
Typically, around 0.2 inches in length at most.
They resemble tiny mosquitoes or thin fruit flies to some extent.
Slow fliers are frequently observed moving across the ground and vegetation rather than flying.
Have a lifespan of two weeks.
What Causes Fungus Gnat Infestations?
How did your houseplant transition from being without any flies to becoming entirely infested? In the realm of houseplants, overwatering (or lack of drainage, which is essentially the same) is the primary reason for fungus gnats.
Ways To Stop Gnats From Showing Up In Soil
Moisture In The Soil
Yep, as stated earlier, the secret to living without gnats is to prevent the conditions that allow these insects to flourish. Do not use wet soil, please! We understand your concern - Will my plants dry out and die? But in reality, no, they will survive. What we can say is that it is important to have consistent periods where the soil is dry when touched.
Not only does it prevent gnats, but it also reduces the risk of deadly root rot and other issues developing. It’s about discovering the right equilibrium! Keep in mind that during the winter season, many indoor plants become (partially) inactive. Reduced light and colder temperatures result in decreased water usage, so modify your watering routine accordingly.
Adequate Ventilation Of Soil
Indoor plants thrive in a loose soil texture that contains numerous air pockets. It permits the drainage of extra water and ensures adequate oxygen access to their roots. Soil aeration benefits all involved. Gnats detest it, plants adore it!
Fortunately, it is not challenging to maintain a well-ventilated medium for your plants' soil. In the garden, insects such as worms naturally handle this task, but inside your home, you'll need to become the aerator instead. Here is how to ensure that your plants always have well-drained soil:
Refrain from using only potting soil. Instead, increase the size of loose particles such as perlite or orchid bark by 10 percent to 20 percent.
Aerate the soil on a regular basis, utilize a chopstick to gently prod into the soil, shifting it slightly to form air pockets that enable water to seep deeply and drain smoothly.
It is recommended to report every one to two years, as soil that is overly decayed may become compacted.
Watering From The Bottom
Alright, now you are aware that moist soil is attractive to fungus gnats. While dry soil may deter infestations, water is still necessary for our plants. What is the answer? You irrigate the plants from the lower side. In this manner, they receive the necessary moisture, while keeping the top layer of soil dry. This will, hopefully, reduce their appeal to gnats. A lot of people who own houseplants believe in this technique, known as bottom watering.
Methods To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats In Indoor Plants
1. Regulate The Quantity Of Water You Utilize
We cannot emphasize this enough: if you overwater, you will attract gnats. Examine your indoor plants' soil closely. Do you tend to water too much? Many of us tend to overwater plants, especially during the winter or in dimly lit rooms, so you are not the only one.
If they fail to do so, they are unable to effectively utilize the water provided to them. This results in the soil retaining moisture for an extended period. With the exception of a few plants that can handle low light, most plant species should be placed right in front of a window or under a grow light.
2. Make Sure To Protect All Exposed Soil
Typically, this is done with cactus and succulent containers, but it can be applied to any plants in pots! It's crucial to keep in mind that you must have control over your watering schedule if you choose this method. Soil that is covered dries at a slower rate, making it more difficult to monitor moisture levels. However, it is worth trying and is far more appealing than uncovered ground. Where can I purchase decorative pebbles?
3. Employ Adhesive Fly Traps Near Plants Affected By Pests
Sticky traps are truly effective—not for solving the root cause of fungus gnat larvae infestation in your plants' soil, but at least for decreasing the number of fungus gnats flying near your plants. You have the option to place a single small sticky trap in every planter.
This assists in capturing newly transformed fungus gnats as they emerge from the soil, stopping them from laying eggs and perpetuating the cycle. In a couple of days only, you can capture many gnats! When the sticky trap becomes full, dispose of it and replace it with a new one in your pot.
4. Set Up Homemade Traps Filled With Vinegar In The Vicinity Of Your Plants
It's extremely easy: Pour a small amount of vinegar into a small glass. Add a couple of drops of dish soap if desired. Wrap with plastic wrap. Make tiny openings in the film for gnats to fly through. Place in the vicinity of impacted plants.
5. Purchase (Or Create) Insecticidal Soap For Use As An Organic Insect Repellent Spray
Insecticidal soap is available for purchase at many plant stores, but creating your own using pure castile soap can also be quite effective. This is our method for creating homemade insecticide with only two common household items: Apply generously to both the soil and the plant. Repeat every time it's necessary to water in order to trap the gnats in every phase of their life cycle.
6. Employ Hydrogen Peroxide For Watering Plants
And as we've discovered, plant roots benefit from having an abundance of oxygen! Don't worry if it bubbles: it means it's functioning. Continue to repeat frequently in order to target the gnats at all points of their life cycle.
7. Spread Diatomaceous Earth Evenly Over The Soil
Food-grade diatomaceous earth can be purchased from a garden center and applied to dry soil by sprinkling or dusting it on. Avoid using the diatomaceous earth specifically designed for cleaning swimming pools.
