Fungus Gnats - Love to Hate Them!

The Uninvited Guests: A Fungus Gnat Tale

So, you've decided to transform your living room into a lush indoor jungle. Your monstera is thriving, your succulents are soaking up the sun, and your fiddle leaf fig is finally looking like it belongs on a Pinterest board. But suddenly, you notice something buzzing around your face. You swipe at the air and... is that a fruit fly? Nope, it's worse—it's a fungus gnat.

These tiny, flying nuisances are the uninvited guests of the plant world, and once they find their way into your home, they can multiply faster than you can say "snake plant." But don’t worry, fellow plant parent, there are ways to evict these unwanted tenants and restore peace to your home.

What Are Fungus Gnats?

Fungus gnats are small, dark flies that resemble mosquitoes but are thankfully not interested in biting you. They’re mostly interested in the moist soil of your beloved houseplants. The adult gnats don’t do much harm themselves, but their larvae, which live in the soil, can munch on plant roots, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Plus, let’s be honest, they’re just annoying.

How Did They Get Here?

You might be wondering how these little pests found their way into your home. The most common culprits are overwatered plants or new plants you've brought home that were already infested. These gnats love moisture and organic matter, making the wet soil of your houseplants the perfect breeding ground.

Three Easy Ways to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats

1. Let It Dry Out: Fungus gnats thrive in moist environments, so the simplest way to discourage them is to let the top inch or two of your soil dry out between waterings. This will kill off the larvae living in the soil since they can't survive in dry conditions. Plus, most houseplants prefer a little drying out between waterings anyway—so you’re actually doing your plants a favor!

2. Trap Them: Try some yellow sticky traps! Yellow sticky traps are particularly effective since fungus gnats are attracted to the color yellow. Just place these traps in/near your infested plants, and watch as they get stuck. You can also use a shallow dish filled with apple cider vinegar and a drop of dish soap. The gnats will be drawn to the smell, but the soap will break the surface tension, and they'll fall right in. Problem solved!

3. Stop The Cycle: Adult fungus gnats lay larvae in the moist soil. In case you can't keep the soil moist enough, get yourself some Mosquito Bits. These are corn cob granules coated in Bti, the Bits (do not last long but) provide a punch when sprinkled on the soil surface or mixed with potting soil prior to planting. The Bits will kill fungus gnat larvae - and bonus, they control for mosquito larva, too!

Fungus gnats might be tiny, but they can cause a big headache. By keeping your plant care routine in check and trying out these tips, you’ll be able to say goodbye to those pesky little flies. And remember, a gnat-free home is a happy home—for both you and your plants!

Happy planting! 🌿