Why Do I Have Gnats on My Indoor Plants? Answers and Solutions

 

 

Houseplants can often be a major attractor for pests. Many wonder, “Why do I always get gnats on my indoor plants?” Fungus gnats flock to the damp soil of houseplants to lay their eggs. These bugs are more than just annoying; they can also cause significant damage to houseplants through their feeding habits.

 

What Are Gnats Anyway?

Commonly mistaken for tiny mosquitoes or fruit flies, gnats are flies that are slender and have long legs. They are actually part of the genera Orfelia and Bradysia within the family Sciaridae. Gnats will not bite people or pets, but they can do damage to houseplants and are known for being particularly annoying. The adults will grow to about 1/16 to 1/8 inch long. Many of the gnats found near houseplants are fungus gnats, a type of gnat attracted to damp soil.

 

Why Are Gnats Attracted to Houseplants?

The main threat that fungus gnats pose is typically not directly to the plants. Their larvae are the real issue; they hatch in the soil and eat the plant’s feeder roots, damaging them and causing leaves to wilt and the plant to die if left unaddressed. Fungus gnats are particularly attracted to the environment of houseplants to lay their eggs. The organic debris, wet soil, and a steady light source all give a green light for gnats to settle there.

 

How Do I Get Rid of the Gnats on My Indoor Plants?

There are several simple solutions to your gnat problem. An easy solution is letting the soil of your plants dry out for a few days. The dry environment will deter the fungus gnats. If that doesn’t quite do the job, traps can be an effective next step. These include:

• Vinegar trap. Place a bowl of 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and 2-3 drops of dish soap by your plants. The solution attracts gnats, and they should fall right in.
• Sticky fly traps. These store-bought traps are pieces of paper with an adhesive that come in bright colors to attract gnats to fly into them and become stuck.
• Neem oil spray. Pick up a neem oil spray from your local home and garden store, and coat your plant and the top inch of its soil with it for 7-14 days until the fungus gnats are gone. Neem oil is a naturally derived treatment that kills two birds with one stone, serving as both a fungicide and an insecticide.

How Do I Prevent Gnats in the Future?

One way to prevent these annoying pests from coming back is to separate your potted plants; this can help prevent gnats from spreading between them and is an easy approach to try before you attempt more involved methods. Additionally, ensuring your plants aren’t overwatered can help keep gnats from returning. Overwatered plants invite gnats to stay awhile as breeding grounds and prime conditions for fungal growth.

 

Contact Vulcan Termite for Help with Gnats & Other Pests

Dealing with pests in the home can be a long, frustrating process. Still dealing with pesky gnats in your home and houseplants? Contact Vulcan Termite & Pest Control for prompt and friendly service. Our pest control services can help eliminate gnats and other household nuisances.