How To Prevent Gnats In Houseplants

How to prevent gnats in houseplants

Fungus Gnats Like Warm Moist Soil One of the main reasons fungus gnats are attracted to houseplants is that lay their eggs in moist soil. Once the eggs have hatched they will dine out on roots, algae fungi's, and other organic material such as potting soil.

How do I get rid of plant gnats naturally?

Here's how to naturally treat your houseplants and get rid of gnats in the soil.

1. Make the Natural Habitat Inhospitable.
2. Use a Soap-and-Water Mixture.
3. Use Sand or Gravel.
4. Dispose of the Top Layer of Soil Outdoors.
5. Don't Overwater Your Houseplants.
6. Water From the Bottom.
7. Store Extra Potting Soil in an Airtight Container.

How do I permanently get rid of plant gnats?

Hydrogen peroxide is a quick and effective way to get rid of larvae, killing them on contact. Mix four parts water with one part hydrogen peroxide and soak your soil with the solution. Neem oil can also be diluted with water and applied to the soil to kill larvae.

What kills gnats instantly on plants?

Hydrogen peroxide solution is a quick, cheap, and effective way to kill larvae on contact. Mix four parts water with one part hydrogen peroxide and spray down your soil. Fungus gnats are annoying, but they're no match for a plant parent with a plan.

What kills fungus gnats instantly?

Hydrogen Peroxide A peroxide solution apparently kills larvae and eggs on contact, effectively killing off all infant gnats and disrupting the lifecycle. You should be able to buy hydrogen peroxide from any high street pharmacy or online. Mix 1 part 9% hydrogen peroxide with 6 parts water.

What deters gnats from plants?

Repel them with Scent. Try Lighting citronella candles, using lemon or vanilla sprays. While gnats are a fan of sweet-smelling fruit, they can't seem to stand vanilla, lemon, or even lavender. A little spritz can at least keep them at bay.

Does vinegar get rid of gnats in houseplants?

You can make your own organic traps to kill the adult fungus gnats. You can fill the bottom of a deep bowl with apple cider vinegar or red wine, then add several drops of liquid dish soap. Put it near your infested house plants. The gnats love it, and will fall into it and die.

Does cinnamon get rid of gnats?

A common and easily available natural fungicide, cinnamon powder is very effective when it comes to curbing fungus gnats. Effective against damping off, cinnamon powder destroys the fungus on which the larvae feed.

Do gnats damage indoor plants?

Heavy feeding by fungus gnat larvae can cause indoor plants to die-back in response to damage to their feeder roots. Young plants can die as a result of this damage. The presence of fungus gnats is a sign that the potting mix is both too wet and also high in undecomposed organic matter or peat.

What is the fastest way to get rid of gnats?

Vinegar Traps One method includes setting a bowl near the infestation and pouring apple cider vinegar, a teaspoon of sugar and a teaspoon of dish soap into the bowl. The sugar will attract the gnats, the dish soap will prevent them from escaping and the vinegar will kill them.

Do gnats hurt your plants?

Adult fungus gnats don't damage plants or bite people; their presence is primarily considered a nuisance. Larvae, however, when present in large numbers, can damage roots and stunt plant growth, particularly in seedlings and young plants.

What kills fungus gnats in soil?

Organic Fungus Gnat Control Mix one part peroxide with four parts water, and pour it through the soil at the root zone until it begins to come out of the base of the pot. The peroxide kills fungus gnat larvae on contact. Neem oil is also an effective soil soak to combat fungus gnat larvae.

How long do gnats live indoors?

The life cycle is about four weeks, with continuous reproduction in homes or greenhouses where warm temperatures are maintained. Adults live about 7 to 10 days and deposit eggs on the moist soil surface or soil cracks.

Will changing soil get rid of gnats?

Repotting is an effective way of getting rid of the gnat larvae. Clean the pot thoroughly and place the plant in new, clean potting soil. The rotting roots, plant remains and damp soil that fungus gnats love so much will be completely gone.

Can I spray apple cider vinegar on my plants?

Take a bottle and combine 1-ounce of apple cider vinegar with 3-ounces of water and mix it together. You can spray this on your plants to keep the aphids off of them, although some plants don't like the acidic nature of apple cider vinegar. It could end up hurting your plants if you spray too much or spray too often.

Do you have to use apple cider vinegar to get rid of gnats?

In a small bowl, mix a half cup of warm water plus two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a tablespoon of sugar, and about six drops of liquid dish soap. Gnats will be lured in by the sugary mixture, but once they dip in for a drink, the sticky dish soap will trap them.

Can I sprinkle cinnamon on my plants?

Even with its strong smell, cinnamon will not cause any harm to the plants. In fact, not only will it not injure plants, its antibacterial qualities can also help to prevent mold or mildew from appearing on the soil surface as well, further protecting the plants.

Can I mix cinnamon in my soil?

Like sulphur, cinnamon is a natural fungicide that helps most plants root, while inhibiting the spores that cause rot in stem cuttings. Dip prepared plant stems in cinnamon and push them into the soil. It's an effective rooting hormone that's easy to use and inexpensive.

Is cinnamon good for houseplants?

One tip every houseplant lover should know about is the occasional use of cinnamon. Cinnamon comes from the bark of a tropical tree, and has some amazing antifungal, antibacterial, and drying properties that come in very handy around the house.

Do gnats lay eggs in houseplants?

Fungus gnats live and breed in the soil of your houseplants. Ultimately they look for someplace damp to lay their eggs. When those eggs hatch the larvae look like tiny worms and can barely be seen with the naked eye. These future fungus gnats snack on roots and other organic material in the soil of your plant.

11 How to prevent gnats in houseplants Images