
Spraying the foliage is not effective for fungus gnats.ĥ Home Remedies for Fungal Problems in the Garden Though not quite as effective as Bt, these natural insecticides can kill fungus gnat larvae when watered into the soil. Check daily and replace larvae-infested pieces. Fungus gnat larvae will be drawn to the potato to feed. Slice a potato in half and place the cut side down on the soil. Peat and coir-based potting mixes dry out better and are less likely to encourage gnats, while mixes with bark and compost are more susceptible. Dilute the liquid in water.Ī layer of sand or rice hulls ¼- to 1-inch thick dries out quickly after you water and provides a dry, inhospitable place for adults to lay eggs.įungus gnats invariably arrive in fresh potting mix, having infiltrated wet bags stored outdoors.

Sprinkle granules on the soil or dissolve in water before watering in.ĭissolve granules in water or sprinkle them on soil, then water in. Here are a few products that have worked for me:

Just let the plant dry before treating again. Even if the plant is very wet, go ahead and make the application. israelensis*), a bacteria available in several forms that is applied to the soil and watered in. Use a Bt product to control fungus gnatsĪttack fungus gnat larvae with Bt ( Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. Adults fly to the trap, become stuck and die before reproducing.ģ. The color yellow attracts fungus gnats, so position yellow sticky traps just above the soil surface. The best way to eliminate them is to water less. Dry out the plantįungus gnats are attracted to moist soil with fungus and rotting organic materials to feed on. For best success I like to combine a few methods. Here are 8 ways to get rid of fungus gnats in your houseplants. Adults leave the soil and fly, often to flutter straight into your mouth or nose. Their larval feeding habits can damage plant roots, even stunting or killing seedlings or less established plants. This insidious little creature’s larva love to inhabit overly wet soils. The bane of my existence is the fungus gnat ( Bradysia spp.).
