RE: Gnats in drains
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Post By shannon (Guest Post)
(07/11/2008)
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Pour a little salt and a some of baking soda down the drain. Then Pour white vinegar. Let it fizz overnight. follow the next morning with boiling water. If this doesn't work, the drains may have something in there that needs to be cleaned out. Then try the process again. It absolutely works! We had a million and they're GONE!
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RE: Gnats on Houseplants
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Post By Thrifty Me (Guest Post)
(07/01/2008)
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Don't know abouit the gnats. Scooping the top layer and replacing it with some of that baked soil sounds good. But the roaches...Boric acid will kill them. Put it into crevices or sprinke it around the cutouts of pipes under the sink or wherever you think that they come in. It doesn't lose its efficacy, so will last as long as they walk across it, then groom themselves. Your roach problem will disappear. put a straw near tine openings if they are small and blow some of the Boric acid into the hole or crevice.
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RE: Gnats on Houseplants
I just mix up some soap water in a spray bottle to get rid of the gnats.
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RE: Gnats on Houseplants
Don't pour coffee into the soil anymore. You can pour it outside. Also for others, only put coffee grounds into a compost bin and not directly around plants.
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RE: Gnats on Houseplants
use any type of lemon scented spray. i use lemon scented amonia. wipe down the area with eht lemon scented amonia or spray the area and you will notice the very little or no gnats at all instantly.
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RE: Gnats on Houseplants
Why are you pouring coffee in the houseplants?
Anyway, there are lots of great home remedies listed already, but I have used a chemical in the past. Ask at your local nursery, not the hardware or home supply store, what is the best to use. I have had these long ago, also fruit flies and fungus (drain gnats). They are similar but different animals. They all need different treatments, because of the different locations in which they are found (near food, in drain, in soil).
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Request: Gnats on Houseplants
I recently purchased four beautiful Massangeana Cane plants from Lowe's and some good potting soil. I potted my plants in nice planters and within a week there are millions of gnats crawling out of the soil and flying everywhere. I just purchased Knock-Out Gnat from Gardensalive.com and waiting for its arrival. Hopefully it works but in the meantime, is there anything I can do to get rid of these pests?
Madi from Oceanside, CA
Answers:
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
Set out some apple cider vinegar in a bowl, with 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable oil, and a piece of apple or a banana peel and let it set out. This will surely works. You can try setting out about 3 or 4 bowls of this. Since the source is coming from your house plant you need to change soil, rinse plant off, re-pot and place sand over the top of the soil. (06/28/2008)
By Dee
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Request: Gnats on Houseplants
I have problems with gnats (I think that is what they are). I've noticed them throughout the house and they are coming from my plants. What can I do to get rid of them. Should I re-pot them? Thanks for any suggestions.
Hardiness Zone: 4b
Marsha from Norfolk, NE
Answers:
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
Believe it or not I have read that a cat box can attract them and is a perfect breeding ground for them. So do you have a cat? Perhaps that is the drawing card to the gnats? (10/25/2007)
Nasty Gnats on Houseplants
I used a commercial insecticide called Wilson's Fungus Gnat Spray. Used it once spraying only the soil. Seems to work like a charm.
This insecticide has me a bit worried though. If it's that strong, what's it doing to me?
(01/29/2008)
By Fungus Gnat FRee
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
I have found 3 sources for the Gnats/fruit flies. 1. They come up through the drains from the sewers and lay their eggs in the vent in bathroom sinks. 2. their eggs come in with new plants or potting soil purchased at garden or any store that sells either. In Western New York we have to bring in certain plants for the winter.I raise some exotic plants that go dormant and then in Spring we revive them when they come in there are always Gnat eggs in the soil.
The vinegar in a water bottle with a paper funnel will eliminate many of them, but the problem is that they lay eggs before capture and will still thrive. It really just "lessons" their numbers. Cut garlic works at keeping them aways from things (damp soil/fruit) where they will lay eggs. Someone told me to try fresh orange peels, but I haven't tried it yet. The smell will attract them but the oil in the peel will kill the eggs. You have to make sure there is no fruit on the peel at all-so they said.
With potting soil for the indoor gardener-you have to bake it in the oven. I dump the bag or part of it-depending on the size into a large stainless steel bowl and bake it at 200 degrees for 30-45 min stirring it 1 or 2 X's. This ALWAYS works. Store bought soil will 100% of the time have eggs in it unless it is labeled sterilized.
The drain is the easiest-take some shaving cream or hair foam and spray it into the little vent hole in the top part of your sink while the drain is closed. This is a famous little hive for them. It is damp and only air passes through it. The tub really never gives them time without running water to get their eggs lain and hatched.
When bringing plants indoors for the winter I use a modest windex on the plant and soil. It also contains ammonia which can benefit green plants. It isn't something to do on a continuous basis. It is mild, doesn't harm any plant I've done it to and always eliminated the bugs. You may want to try it on a plant you're not greatly attached to-I wouldn't want to be responsible for any losses. As you might have guessed by now, I have been dealing with these "brats" for years-I haven't won the war, but I am staying a little bit ahead of them---finally! Thanks!
Tim (03/13/2008)
By tclancy
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
Mix in about a Tablespoon of joy lemon dishsoap when watering. (so far it hasn't hurt my plants and I've been doing it for about 3 months.) It does the trick. I have seen maybe one or two flies but that's better than 30 sometimes in one day. Try the dish soap it really works. I have fungus flies... not fruit flies though, don't know if that matters. (03/30/2008)
By brenda
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
Sand doesn't work. Don't waste your time and money. You can take the plants outside and scoop some of the top layer of soil off. That gets rid of some of the adults and eggs. I use fly strips to catch the flying adults and I also cut those gluey mouse traps and put them in and around the plants to catch the little B******S!!I have tried all of these measures posted here with no luck, (except throwing the top layer off, it does help.) I am currently trying Plant Gel I got off the internet from a place called DNB Designs in Colorado Springs, Co.
I don't know if it will solve my gnat problem or not. I just re-potted them today. Time will tell. (It may be food to them, Ha!) I have already ridded my plants of quite a few of them by scooping that layer off. Anyway, good luck to all and if anyone figures it out please, do tell! Thanks. (04/18/2008)
By moonbeampm
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
I had gnats in all of my houseplants for a year. I found Garden Safe Fruit and Vegetable insect killer at wal-mart. It works. I have not seen any more gnats. It's very safe since you use on fruit and vegtables. (04/23/2008)
By sue
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
I was told to use bleach in the drains at night. I put it in all the drains and it seemed to help. It didn't take care of all of them, but it sure did help a bunch! I'm going to try the soapy water and maybe the vinegar/lemon juice. Thanks for all the good ideas. (05/18/2008)
By Yellow Rose
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
Use Dry Sand (not salty sand from beach!) and Cover only the top of the soil. When the Weather is nice, open the window to refresh the air very well. And about adult flies,
they doesn't live for long time. They will die by themselves soon or later. So, take it easy about them and do not use any chemicals! It's not good to you and your environment. (05/21/2008)
By by mind fresh
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
I tried the tip with the apple cider vinegar and the dishwashing soap. I also added a squirt of honey. I put this in a custard bowl in my house plant yesterday. After 24 hours I have about 30 gnats floating in it. My cat hasn't bothered the bowl. I think the vinegar drives her away. (06/03/2008)
By hpeter
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
I had a problem this year and tried a couple of mothballs sitting on a paper towel in the pot. Left it there for a couple of days and voila' NO Gnats. (06/10/2008)
By Lynn
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Request: Gnats on Houseplants
How do I get rid of house plant gnats?
Hardiness Zone: 5b
Kari from Libertyville, IL
Answers:
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
My plants were always full of gnats, too. I noticed they were always going into the dirt. I got some small size aquarium gravel and put it on top of the dirt. The gnats disappeared, they can't get into the dirt anymore to lay their eggs. (08/22/2007)
By perfumed fan
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
I get the fruit gnats from time to time. I take a plastic cup and pour about 2 ounces of fruit juice with 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar in it, cover it with plastic wrap, punch a couple of holes in it and leave where the infestation is the worst. In a few days they'll all be in the cup and out of your way. BTW, a cheap red wine works even better.
For the plant gnats, I put the whole plant, pot and all, in a bucket of water and let it sit there overnight, then let it drain and goodbye to those little pests, too. Good luck! (08/22/2007)
By sheilamay
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
I've been using apple cider vinegar in a small, shallow bowl, cover w/plastic wrap, put one small hole in middle (too many holes and they will get out). It's been working so far. Empty outside each day. (08/25/2007)
By Kathy, No. Minn.
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
Allow your plants to dry out a bit or move them outside. Changing the dirt will also help but then do not over water.
http://www.pestcemetery.com (10/19/2007)
By Dutch 1962
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Request: Gnats on Houseplants
How can I get rid of gnats! I have a lot of indoor plants and all of a sudden I am plagued by gnats. Have tried a mixture of cornmeal and water but can't get rid of them completely. I don't know if I have used the cornmeal properly. HELP!
Answers:
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
Try using a soap and water solution when watering plants. I use it on my outside plants for bugs and it works.(quote)(/quote) (11/15/2004)
By bugs
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
Are they gnats or fruit flies? Gnats deposit their eggs in the soil and their larvae will damage root of plants. The adult gnats that fly around are more of a nuisance than doing damage to anything. You need to sprinkle a powder on the top of the soil (I bought Fungus Gnat Killer made by Wilson at my local garden center) to kill the adult gnats as they come back to lay their eggs. Gnats will also live in your trap in the sink. Pour a little oil at night into the drain and that will coat the drain and kill the gnats there.
If you have fruit flies, put all fruit and moist food away in fridge. Garbage goes outside or gets 100% covered. Lots of fruit flies...vacuum the kitchen, suck them into the hose, gone! Good luck!
PS what on earth is the cornmeal/water mixture for? The gnats would love it wouldn't they? Did you put it on the soil or what? (11/15/2004)
By valleyrimgirl
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
A solution of part vinegar and part water sprayed on them might work. (11/16/2004)
By glomax56
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
I have been told that if you put some dish soap in a bowl of water and whip it to create bubbles on top, the gnats are drawn to it and drown. Set the bowls in the rooms where you are having trouble. (11/16/2004)
By Jill
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
What if you think they are just normal gnats? I live in Okinawa and had to buy them out of the commissary/PX (grocery store and store similar to Wal-mart). they looked in good condition, though I don't know much about plants. I assume they are not fungus gnats as they do not look like tiny mosquitoes, only regular annoying gnats. What's the solution now? How do I get rid of them? Is there a home remedy and also how to avoid them? Thank you for your help! (05/08/2005)
By fitzaddict
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
For house plants several tricks work best! you can purchase the 3x5 open faced sticky rat traps to catch the adults flying around. Just place on its side directly in the pot. Take care not to get it on the plant. Then dissolve a mosquito dunk in water and water infested pots, kills larvae. Instant satisfaction! If you can tolerate the smell, you can fill a jar with vinegar, poke holes in the lid, gnats attracted to the smell, crawl in the holes and don't come out. The bowl of soapy water works o.k., it also works well for fleas, place bowl of soapy water directly under night light when you go to bed, empty each morning! Good Luck! (05/28/2005)
By kanestes
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
I have fruit flies in the house... it's hard to kill them and wonder is there a spray that can be used to just spray on the gnats as they whiz by? something non-chemical without a scent would be great.. please write me at molly9094 AT aol.com (remove spaces)
Thank you so much! (07/22/2005)
By
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
Thank you all for the help on getting rid of fruit flies. I'm still battling them after a week... and wonder who's winning, hahaha!! I do get up in the night and check on them and try to kill as many as I can, usually they're hanging out at a dish of wine I leave out for them (they love it!). I'll post again to let you know when if ever they're just a memory. (07/24/2005)
By
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
I just started using a mixture of 1 tsp dish soap and 2 cups water. I sprayed the soil and plants lightly. We'll see if that does the trick!! (08/23/2005)
By ramyrain
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
Coat the topsoil of all your potted plants with sand.It smothers the eggs and cuts the adult bodies. (06/10/2006)
By lou
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
Just want to say "thank you" for posting such wonderful ideas for home remedies.(b)(/b) (01/10/2007)
By Rose
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
I tried the vinegar and water mixture.....IT DIDN'T WORK. I'll try the soap & water next! (03/25/2007)
By Gnat Sickq
RE: Gnats on Houseplants (fruitflies)
To catch fruit flies...take a smooth class dish and just cover the bottom with plain old clear rum. add a small amount lime juice (lemon would probably work too) and set it out on the kitchen counter. I probably caught twenty a day when i first did this, and they quickly disappeared. Haven't tried the soapy water, I'm sticking to what works for me. :) (04/30/2007)
By Chris
RE: Gnats on Houseplants
I read somewhere that if you clear off the top soil and throw it away (kills larvae in soil) and then put 1/2 inch slices of raw potato on the soil you will get rid of them in a week. The gnats which are flying around will lay their eggs on the potatoes and you will throw them out each day before they can hatch. You have to change the potato slices every day. I'm trying it now on my mass cane indoor plant (05/03/2007)
By I HATE GNATS!
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