Step 2. Fungus gnats are mainly just a nuisance and are rarely destructive to the plant. Required fields are marked *. Replanting. Separate the infected plants … The good news is that fungus gnats are one of the easiest houseplant pests to control. But check to see if they are mealybugs or springtails, that would be my second guess. Sometimes they can cause root damage if the infestation is heavy, but normally fungus gnats only eat rotting roots. There are several precautions that you can take which will decrease the chances of having to deal with a pest infestation of your houseplants. 1. These even transport the outdoor bugs inside and start residing in the house. Fungus gnats (also called soil gnats) are probably the most common (and annoying) houseplant pests. The bugs will further drain into it and drown themselves. Yuck! Use the above-mentioned processes to keep your house safe for a healthy living. Could they be something else. Open potting soil bags can also be a breeding ground for fungus gnats, so make sure you keep that in mind when storing unused soil. From homemade sprays to non-toxic … Plant all houseplants in clean containers or pots using sterile potting soil. Start spraying this solution on the soil and not on the plants. But you need to be virtually strong to see whether they are disturbing you and moving near to the food area. You can easily find a solution to those tiny black bugs … I mean, who want gnats flying all over their house? But they are not the same type of bug. It will help you identify common houseplant bugs, and show you exactly how to kill them before they kill your beloved plants! So, the easiest... 2. You could also use a gnat barrier top dressing, which is a non-toxic soil cover that is specifically made for eradicating fungus gnats. Neem oil works great to kill houseplant pests, and has a residual effect that helps with prevention. This will remove fungus gnat eggs and larvae, and make it easier to gain the upper hand. Usually fungus gnats are the only bugs that live the soil of indoor plants. You will need to be careful doing it this way as you need to fully expose your plants’ roots and wash away all the soil/bugs. Allow the soil to dry out more between waterings, and I suspect your plants health will improve. It can be a lot of different insects that are similar to ticks, worms and spiders. This will help control gnats in soil, and deter them from laying eggs. Are you looking for some way out to learn how to get rid of bugs in your houseplant soil? How often do you spray the water + Dr Bronners solution to infested plants? Your email address will not be published. Predatory bugs … Humm… weird. These insects also like light, so you may … Related Post: How To Use Neem Oil As Organic Pest Control, Soapy water will kill gnats in potted plants. Hi! Leave a comment below and share your tips for how to get rid of fungus gnats in houseplants soil. Home remedy for flying fungus gnats: Apply a solution of Bacillus thuringiensis var. Use these tricks as many times in a month as possible. Never allow your plant to sit in water for too long. Even though they aren’t a huge problem for your plants, fungus gnats are likely to drive you crazy, right?! These soil dwelling pests look like small dark flies similar to fruit flies and their … The adults can easily fly or jump from one plant to the next, laying eggs wherever they find moist soil. You will notice these indoor plant bugs crawling out of the potting soil, or flying around your plant when you water or otherwise disturb the soil. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; The short answer is no, fungus gnats will not kill your houseplants. The uninvited insects are unappealing and contribute a lot to disturb a healthy environment. Use 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 3 parts water. Just make sure to allow the top of the soil to dry out, it should never stay saturated for very long. Houseplants tend to experience an insect infestation, especially in the month of summer. Using vibrant blooming flowers enhances the quality of the air inside. Fungus gnat larvae thrive in moist soil, and they can’t survive in dry soil. amzn_assoc_asins = "B06XTYGQB3"; The spray recipes usually include neem oil mixed with water and applied to the leaves and the soil. Today, our experts are going to share how to get rid of the tiny bugs on all your indoor plants. You can pour it in the soil, or spray it over the top. They crawl to feed on the leaves. Read More... Can you let me know what the water to soap mixture you use would be? Not me! I do have a video I can share. Bottom watering plants will make it easier to maintain dryer top soil, without risking the overall health of the plant. Dump out any remaining water after about 30 minutes of soaking. To water your plants from the bottom simply pour water into the plants drip tray or cache pot, and allow the plant to soak up the water through the drainage holes. I live and garden in Minneapolis, MN (zone 4b). Here’s a post that will help you get it right… How To Water Indoor Plants The Right Way. Which means, if you have indoor plants, they can get into every one of them. They have no interest in fruit. Once a bug finds space to be in your house, they are found in basements, attics and even in the kitchen area. They are wingless, almost cotton like creatures that are usually found in warmer climates. Houseplants fill a home with beauty and life, but if not monitored carefully, insects can establish themselves in the soil and invade your home in no time. Bugs can live in the plant itself or in the plant’s soil. Varies in color, can be black, white, gray, brown, red, etc. This is a quick action to eliminate the bugs that crawl out of the watery surface. 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