How to get rid of fungus gnats naturally
Fungus gnats are small insects that can seriously disturb homes and plants. For these moisture-loving parasites, houseplants offer a perfect habitat. Through their larvae eating plant roots, which could cause damage over time, fungus gnats do not bite or carry any disease. In this article, you’ll learn how to get rid of fungus gnats using safe, effective methods that are gentle on both your plants and the environment.
What are fungus gnats?
Fungus gnats are small, dark-coloured flying insects, about 2–4 mm in size, that look similar to fruit flies. Commonly seen inside, especially close to potted plants, they are members of the Sciaridae family. Adult gnats inflict little damage, even though their larvae eat organic debris and plant roots, which may compromise plant health.
Signs of a fungus gnat infestation
- Tiny flying insects: Little black gnats flitting over plants or the ground.
- Wilting or yellowing plants: Larvae feasting on their roots.
- Sticky traps catching gnats: Sticky traps put close to plants will stick to the surface.
- Moist soil with small larvae: A little bit of earth excavation could expose a few white or transparent larvae.
How to get rid of fungus gnats
1. Let the soil dry out
One of the easiest ways to stop fungus gnats, which flourish in moist surroundings, is by letting the ground dry between waterings.
- Water just when the top 2 or 3 centimetres of soil are dry.
- Steer clear of overwatering, especially in winter when plants need less moisture.
- To stop too much water from building up, use containers with drainage holes.
2. Use sticky traps
Monitoring and controlling adult gnat numbers make great use of yellow sticky traps.
- Lay traps close to invading vegetation.
- Change often since gnats cover them.
- Making homemade sticky traps, coat yellow index cards with petroleum jelly.
3. Apply neem oil
Natural insecticide neem oil disrupts the fungus gnat life cycle.
- Pour water and neem oil together; then, scatter the garden soil.
- Use it for several days till the gnats go.
- Steer clear of abuse since neem oil helps certain plants considerably.
4. Use hydrogen peroxide solution
While sparing plants much damage, a weak hydrogen peroxide solution can destroy fungus gnat larvae.
- 4 parts water and one part 3% hydrogen peroxide.
- Water the ground with the solution; wait for it to bubble; this will kill larvae upon touch.
- As necessary, repeat; avoid too much use.
5. Introduce beneficial nematodes
Little worms called beneficial nematodes hunt fungus gnat larvae.
- Online or from a garden supply store, purchase nematodes.
- As instructed, grind and combine with water.
- Without endangering any plants, they naturally eradicate larvae.
6. Add sand or gravel to the soil surface
Fungus gnats lay eggs in moist topsoil, hence, a dry barrier helps to discourage them.
- Cover the ground with one layer of horticultural sand, gravel, or perlite.
- This keeps larvae from developing and aids in adult avoidance of depositing eggs.
7. Use cinnamon as a natural fungicide
Cinnamon’s antifungal qualities could aid in lowering the gnat larvae count.
- Over the ground, scatter cinnamon powder.
- It stops the development of fungus, which larvae eat.
- Continue as necessary every several weeks.
8. Set up apple cider vinegar traps
Apple cider vinegar attracts and catches adult gnats.
- Pour apple cider vinegar into a small bottle, then drop some dish soap.
- Plastic wrap covers it; puncture small holes to let gnats in.
- As gnats gather, routinely refresh the solution.
9. Repot infested plants
If the outbreak is serious, your plants could have to be repotted using fresh soil.
- Take the plant out of its pot and give the old soil a brushing.
- Water will help you wash the roots and get the larvae off.
- Repot using fresh, sterilised potting mix.
10. Use a biological insecticide
Products with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) fight fungus gnat larvae rather well.
- A naturally occurring bacterium, Bti, targets larvae and does not damage plants or animals.
- Use the product label’s directions.
How to prevent fungus gnats
Future infestations cannot be stopped unless prevented. These directions help to stop recurring fungus gnats.
- Water plants properly: Steer clear of overwatering and allow the ground to dry between calls for water.
- Improve drainage: Plant in well-drained ground using drainage hole pots.
- Regularly inspect plants: Look for gnat indicators and, if needed, treat them early on.
- Keep indoor spaces clean: Eliminate any dead leaves or trash possibly draw gnats.
- Use mosquito dunks: These have Bti to discourage larvae and are used in watering cans.
Conclusion
Getting rid of fungus gnats calls for a mix of soil drying, natural treatments such as hydrogen peroxide and neem oil, and the use of biological controls, including helpful nematodes. By being proactive in preventing extra moisture in plant soil, you may eradicate fungus gnats and maintain a pest-free indoor garden. These guidelines could help you not only eliminate fungus gnats but also offer better surroundings for your plants to flourish. If the epidemic continues, think about combining several control strategies for the best results.