How to get rid of fungus gnats — Plant Care Tips and More

Yellow sticky traps, photo credit: @j.l.perrone

Having some pesty problems around your plants? Fungus gnats are common pests of indoor plants, and though they are not immediately harmful to your plants (or you— they don’t bite), these flying bugs can be annoying and are generally an indication of overwatering.

There are two lifecycles to cover— adult gnats flying around and larvae finding home in the soil. While gnats flying around your plant or home can be annoying, the latter can cause problems and damage your plant’s roots. Here are different methods to control both stages and get rid of gnats once and for all.

Dry out soil - Gnats and their larvae need moisture to survive. Try drying out the soil completely before watering again.
Homemade dish soap spray - combine 1 tablespoon of dish soap with a quart of water. Test the spray on one leaf before applying to the rest.
Potato slices - Cut up 1 inch cubes of potatoes and bury them just below the surface. Wait 4-8 hours as it attracts the larvae, then dispose of the slices.
Neem oil - Neem oil is an all-natural pest solution that effectively treats common infestations. Our Super Neem Oil is an ideal blend formulated with lemon-eucalyptus essential oil for extra protection and a delightful aroma.
Sticky traps - As pictured above, not the cutest plant decor in the world, but pretty effective if you’ve got an infestation on hand.
The strong stuff - if gnats become a recurring issue, find a solution with Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis or Bti, which you can easily find on Amazon.

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