make do withfungus gnatsin home plants can be a common nuisance , but I ’m going to deal some simple-minded steps you may take to naturally do away with fungus gnats — FOR GOOD ! From set lacrimation habit to using instinctive remedies , getting rid of these plaguy dirt ball just read a snatch of diligence and metre .
The key to getting disembarrass of fungus gnats is toeliminate the larva . But it can be tricky to do this by nature . Since the adult only dwell for a few twenty-four hours , once all the larvae is drained , the plague will go away pretty quickly .
This is easier aver than done though . The adults can wing , jump , or crawl from one plant to the next , so it can be difficult to root out them .
Adult fungus gnats
So you have to be persistent in treat them , and insure that you are diligent aboutkeeping your houseplants healthyto forbid recurring outbreaks .
Table of Contents
A Bit About Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats are tiny opprobrious bug that Australian crawl on top of the soil and fly around your houseplant . They are the most coarse houseplant pest there is , and they can quickly infest your entire aggregation . Yuck !
Though the see very similar to fruit fly ball , they are not the same character of bug . you’re able to read all abouthow to order the remainder between the two here , so you’re able to make a positive ID .
Fungus Can Multiply Quickly!
There are 4 microscope stage to the fungus gnat living Hz . In the right environs , they can procreate very quickly , and their full lifespan can fall out in less than a month .
The adults only live for a week or so , but the females can dwell hundreds of eggs during their lifetime . So if you do n’t take the right-hand steps to eliminate them , their population can explode in a brusque amount of clip .
9 Natural Fungus Gnat Treatments
There ’s no motivation to repair to chemical pesticide , you’re able to easily fight these pests using natural and constituent treatment method . For the quickest outcome , you should try on all of these :
1. Proper Watering
The # 1 reason fungus gnats get into your plants is from overwatering . The larvae thrive in wet soil , and they ca n’t survive when it ’s wry .
So , the easiest and most effective method of eliminate them is to check that you alwayswater your houseplant right . The dirt should palpate dry to the touch , and never be saturated or soggy .
If you struggle with this , I highly recommend get an inexpensivemoisture gaugeto ensure you get it right every fourth dimension .
2. Water From The Bottom
Fungus gnat larvae live in the top 1 inch of the territory , which tends to stay pretty moist when you water plant life from the top . So if you have relentless problems , then test water from the bottom instead .
To do that , simply pour water into the trickle tray or memory cache pot , and take into account the works to overcharge it up through the drainage golf hole in the bottom of the container .
Always dump out any remain body of water after about 20 - 30 minute , and never give your plant life soak for longer than that .
3. Use Gnat Traps
Putting ayellow sticky trapnear your indoor plants is a super secure pest dominance method acting that will attract and enchant the flying adults .
This only function to verify the adult population , it will not take attention of the job at the source – the larvae .
But these traps will definitely prevent fungus gnats from fly around to other plants and prevent more larvae from being repose .
Try making your ownDIY Fruit Fly Trap !
4. Use Organic Products
There are several organic products that you may pour over the top of the grime to avail kill the gnat eggs , larvae , and pupa .
It might take a few app to see solution , and you also have to be heedful not to overwater your plants in the process but they are natural . Here are a few of my favorites :
Related Post : How To practice Neem Oil As Organic Pest Control
5. Remove Gnat Infested Soil Entirely
slay the top inch of grease and replace it with fresh , sterile , and drypotting mix . This will get free of most of the fungus gnat ball , larvae , and pupa , and make it easier for you to gain the upper hand .
Just keep in judgement that the orchis could still dream up and mature after you hit it from your houseplant , so make certain you take the infested soil outside to the crank decent aside .
6. Use Soil Covers
Rather than refreshing the top inch of ground , you’re able to sum a dry bed offine sand , gravel , or crush granite rather . This will help deter the female from place orchis . Plus it creates a nice decorative touch .
Or you could try a roadblock top dressing , which is a non - toxic intersection that is specifically made for eradicating fungus gnats .
7. Store Unused Soil In A Sealed Container
bag of potting soil can become a breeding ground for fungus gnats . So it ’s important to put in any of your unused medium in sealed containers , peculiarly if you keep them inside the house .
Fungus gnats ca n’t survive without O , so make certain the container is airtight . I store mine infive congius bucketswithGamma seal lidson top .
8. Never Reuse Potting Soil
I recognize it ’s alluring to pinch pennies by reusing soil when you repot your indoor plants or after one perish , but you ’re just involve for trouble .
Used soil can harbor all form of pests and disease , and can quick make an infestation . So it ’s always best to utilise a impudent , infertile premix , and put away the one-time stuff .
Related Post:9 Homemade Insecticides & Bug Sprays For Indoor Plants
9. Use Hydrogen Peroxide as Larvacide
Treating the soil with hydrogen peroxide is a natural and effective method . try out mixing 1 parthydrogen peroxideto 4 parts water and expend it to wet the top inch . Keep in mind that this will only toss off the larvae and pupa , and not the adults that are vanish around your plant .
Other Natural Treatments To Try
I have also heard using bake pulverization , vinegar , coffee grinds , teatime tree diagram fossil oil , lilac-colored crude oil , ail , parsley , cinnamon can be effective treatment for free of fungus gnats .
Where Do Fungus Gnats Come From?
Thoughindoor plant bug can come from anywhere , here are the 4 most common ways that fungus gnats could have gotten into your household :
Related Post : How To Get Rid Of Houseplant Bugs Naturally
Common Questions About Fungus Gnats
While it is potential to get rid of fungus gnat , you have to be diligent with your prophylactic measurement to keep them away permanently . The prominent job is that they can easily get through windowpane screens and doors . So unless you seal your home year around , it ’s possible the fungus gnats will regress at some point .
The curt answer is no , fungus gnats will not drink down your houseplant . They are commonly just a nuisance and rarely destructive . Sometimes they can cause minor solution damage if the plague is heavy , but normally they only eat decompose plant material .
Everyone with indoor plant will have to fight fungus gnat at some point , it ’s just a part of life . Recurring problems are unmanageable to forestall , and it can be very thwarting . Your best defense is to ensure you do n’t overwater , properly store idle potting soil , and always maintain healthy houseplants .
If houseplant pests are drive you crazy , and you want to learn how to get rid of them once and for all , check out myHouseplant Pest Control eBook . It will help you identify common houseplant bugs , and show you exactly how to eradicate them before they kill your dear plants . Download your copy today !
More About Houseplant Pests
