Gnats on Houseplants

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!

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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)

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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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Gnats on Houseplants

How do I get rid of house plant gnats? Hardiness Zone: 5b Kari from Libertyville, IL

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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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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

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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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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

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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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Gnats on Houseplants

Question:

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

Answer:

Almost everyone who grows houseplants has experienced these little black gnats. They are called fungus gnats. They inhabit the fungus and decaying plant material found at the base of houseplants. The fungus gnat's lifespan is as follows:

Adults live about 7 to 10 days and deposit eggs on or in moist soil. The females lay from 100 to 300 eggs in batches of 2 to 30 each in soil containing decaying organic matter. The eggs hatch in 4 to 6 days and the larvae feed for 12 to 14 days. The pupal stage is about 5 to 6 days before adults emerge. Repeat.

The adult gnats are an annoyance, but they won't hurt your plants. The larvae, however, can damage the feeder roots and root hair causing a general loss of vigor to some plants. The best way to prevent fungus gnats is to use a sterile potting soil mix when re-potting (one that is free of bark chips) and to make sure your pots have good drainage. These guys need a moist environment to feed and continue breeding. So if possible, it's a good idea to let the surface of the soil dry out as much as you can (without injuring the plants) between watering. This works well to kill the larvae.

Here are some other things to try:

• Be sure to practice good sanitation by removing any dead plant material and debris from the base of your new plants.

• Replace the top few inches of soil with a sterilized potting mix.

• Place yellow sticky traps near your plants to monitor the population and nab flying adults.

• Use a fine peat moss on top of your potting soil to deter the gnats.

• Place 1/2 inch slices of raw potato on the surface of the soil and discard (along with the larvae) after 2 days. Repeat until larvae are gone.

• Place red cooking wine or fruit juice in glass and leave it out by your plants. Adults will dive in and drown.

Ellen

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RE: Gnats on Houseplants

Use any type of lemon scented spray. I use lemon scented ammonia. Wipe down the area with the lemon scented ammonia or spray the area. You will notice there are very little or no gnats at all instantly. (06/30/2008)

By tonyaphl

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. (06/30/2008)

By OhioGirl

RE: Gnats on Houseplants

I just mix up some soap water in a spray bottle to get rid of the gnats. (07/01/2008)

By Joyce

RE: Gnats on Houseplants

Don't know about 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 sprinkle 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 the openings if they are small and blow some of the Boric acid into the hole or crevice. (07/01/2008)

By Thrifty Me

RE: Gnats in drains

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! (07/11/2008)

By Shannon

RE: Gnats on Houseplants

I have had them from time to time. I don't know how you feel about Raid or any other house bug spray. But, when I do get them, I take the plant out doors in the morning, spray the top soil really well and let it sit outside for the rest of the day. If it's too cold at night to leave it for another day, I usually put it where my washer and dryer are for at least another day. Then move it back. It always kills every part of the life cycle. (08/29/2008)

By Chris

RE: Gnats on Houseplants

River city, wickedly humid. I've used diatomaceous earth (D.E.) with lasting success for some time. Think of it like inhaling powdered glass, sprinkling powdered glass on your corn flakes.

Not very 'humane', but it does make short shrift of the little vermin. For my indoor trees, Potassium permanganate ( @pharmacist: It's for my citrus plants! Would this face lie? ) kills fungus. Soil fungus+Trees in poor soil=good thing --usually, but I do use it on plants subject to root-rot, once in a while. It's inexpensive, very little is needed and it works fast. And environmentally safer than detergents when used on its own. No household cleaners, bleach.

On the other hand, D.E. is excellent on orchids, since their fungal 'partner' is selective, and vital. Potassium permanganate breaks down quickly into non-toxic salts, utilized in by the plant.(as Na, oxides) -- Not for foliage.

Soap: mycelium (living fungus) is usually a waxy/greasy kind of business in peat, soaps like 'Safers' are OK for control. I've used dish soap which is a little harder-hitting. Problem is that permanganate soaps really aren't very picky, and most fungi, even if they're not feeding the plant directly, help keep clean water in the soil. Bacteria, small insects, fungus are all fair game to detergents.

D.E. doesn't change soil Ph. It is inert, like sand, only much finer. Neighbours with houseplants. That neighbour you just can not relate to? Just because gnats can't spawn in your pots anymore, that won't keep them from trying. And I guess it wouldn't be 'acceptable behaviour' to sticky-trap a few doors and windows shut. What-to-do. Or maybe it's just this darn humidity. Maybe gnats would go away on their own, or maybe green thumbs just wouldn't be as irritable. Thanks for some good tips posted, happy hunting! (09/06/2008)

By some guy from Edmonton

RE: Gnats on Houseplants

We just had this problem, I bought my dad house plants for Christmas, completely re-did his living room. It looked great, until we started getting gnats everywhere. Thank you everyone for letting me know what was doing it, we just put our plants outside and will be working on DE-GNATTING them.

Here's some advice for those of you with gas heaters. We have several gas heaters, and since it's winter time we've been using them. I noticed today while turning one on about 16 gnats dead on top of it. On the ground underneath it were tons more dead gnats. So we have our own gnat killers. We're trying the ACV trick too, just to make sure. (02/08/2009)

By Mehoni

RE: Gnats on Houseplants

Windex. You'll have little gnat bodies everywhere. (02/13/2009)

By Paiz

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Gnats on Houseplants

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Gnats on Houseplants

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