Getting Rid

of Fungus Gnats

If you've been following my stories the last few month, you know that outside of my therapist duties I am a beloved plant mother who struggled with some serious fungus gnats. The response you guys had to this was overwhelming and truly made me feel less alone. Below you'll also find some tips on how to get rid of those pesky gnats in your own home. Fellow plant lovers, this one is for you.

Use Sticky Traps:

You’ll want something sticky to trap the gnats living in your top soil and flying all around your home. I got mine on Amazon, but you should be able to find them at your local plant shop/garden centre as well. The yellow colour is eye catching, and attracts the gnats. Once your sticky trap is full of gnats, you can throw it away. They stay sticky a considerable amount of time (I had mine up for a few months) and can also be used to trap fruit flies and other bugs in your home. Win win!

Try Neem Oil Mixture on Leaves and Soil:

Mix 1 tsp of neem oil, a 1/2 tsp of dish soap or unscented castile soap in 32 oz (1 quart) of warm water. Shake thoroughly and spray on leaves and soil every 3-4 days. If you're using a smaller spray bottle, just half or 1/4 the ratios to your liking.

Shake well before use - neem oil needs to be emulsified before it can spray effectively so this step is super important!

Sprinkle some Diacetomateous Earth:

Use this over your plant's dry soil or add to your soil mixture when you’re repotting your plants. Food grade and pet safe versions are available - just make sure to use a mask to avoid inhaling the tiny silica particles that will destroy the gnats!

Use Mosquito Bits:

Soak the mosquito bits in your watering can with warm water for at least 24 hours. The longer you let it soak, the more effective the bits become. Water your plants with the mosquito bit water - this will kill the gnats and their larvae/eggs in the soil on a long term basis. I crumble the mosquito bits in soil mix as well as drop them in my watering can full with water to soak. Whenever i’m done watering my plants, I keep my can refilled so the bits can keep soaking.

Bottom Watering and/or Drying Out The Top Soil:

Gnats love moist and wet soil. To avoid giving them an environment that they thrive in, water your plants from the bottom if you can. Adding sand, sprinkling ground cinnamon (yes I said cinnamon!), or covering the soil with stones or rocks can prevent gnats from laying eggs in the top soil and making a home out of your plants.

Fungus Gnats are frustrating and annoying, so don't give up! Some consistency, and persistence will get rid of them in time. Good luck plant friends!