What Are Fungus Gnats?
Gnats in house plants (also known as fungus gnats) are irritating little bugs that can be a challenge to get rid of. Many people confuse fungus gnats with mosquitoes because they have a similar look, but these insects are actually small gnats that are less than 1/4-inch long.
What Causes Fungus Gnats?
Wet soil is the main cause of fungus gnats. Overwatering plants and/or not having a way for plants to dry is a recipe for attracting fungus gnats in. So, it’s important to let plants completely dry out before rewatering them. Once fungus gnats have been attracted to a house plant, the lifecycle will continue as adults will breed there. Other causes for fungus gnat infestations include leaving fruit out on counters and failing to take out the trash.
Prevent Gnats From Invading Your Indoor Plants
To avert the need to get rid of fungus gnats, it's best to avoid getting these pests in the first place. Below are some ideas to help keep a gnat problem from developing in your house plants.
- Adult fungus gnats are drawn to moist potting soil because that's where they lay their eggs. That means that even if you kill the live gnats, you'll have more when the eggs mature. To prevent your soil from becoming a gnat breeding ground, avoid overwatering. Allow the soil in your house plants to dry between regular watering, taking care you don't go too far and cause your plant to wilt.
- In order for your house plants' soil to fully dry, proper drainage is key. Look for planters with drainage holes in the bottom so excess moisture can move easily through the soil and out of the pot, into the accompanying saucer. If you're not sure if you are overwatering your plants, consider self-watering pots and planters for easy-care maintenance ideas.
- If you plan on bringing any outside plants indoors for the winter, check them for insects first. It's also good practice to examine any new plants you buy to see if they are already carrying pests. Be sure to use the best soil you can when planting or re-potting your plants.
How to Get Rid of Gnats on Your Plants
As soon as you notice gnats in your home, you'll want to take steps to get rid of them quickly. While they're not dangerous to humans, a fungus gnat infestation can definitely be a nuisance. Try one of the following suggestions as soon as you notice a problem.
Make a Gnat Trap
Make a do-it-yourself gnat trap by mixing a tablespoon of sugar and few drops of liquid dish soap with a cup of white vinegar. Put all of the ingredients in a bowl and cover it tightly with cling wrap. Poke some holes in the cling wrap and position the bowl near your house plant. This homemade trap should help catch the pests overnight.
Use Sticky Paper
Hang sticky paper for insects and pests from the branches of your plant, or place it onto soil, but try to avoid contact with the leaves of your plants. These traps will help reduce the adult gnat population, which will directly affect the number of eggs that are laid in the soil. Check the traps regularly and change them out as they become full.
Use an Insect Trap
If gnats are a common problem in your house, an indoor insect trap might be the best choice for you. Many of these traps come in stylish indoor designs, so you can feel good about setting them up where you need them most.
The best way to keep your house plants free of fungus gnats is to monitor them often for pests and then take action as soon as they're detected. Shop Insect & Pest Control on Lowes.com for more ways to keep your home pest-free.