3 Natural Remedies for Fungus Gnats

by Tracy Dugdale-Munoz, Realtor DRE#01746630 - NBPM|Property Management|Real Estate Sales 05/05/2024

Many plant owners prefer to avoid harsh chemicals in their pest control practices. Luckily, there are plenty of natural methods to combat fungus gnats and other common plant pests. Here are three great ways to get rid of fungus gnats the natural way:

Trap Them With Apple Cider Vinegar & Soap

A simple way to trap adult gnats around your plants is by using some ingredients from your kitchen. Take a shallow dish or pot saucer of at least 1/2 inch deep and fill it with a solution of apple cider vinegar and water. Then, add a few drops of liquid dish soap into the solution and stir it gently to combine the ingredients without creating suds. You can place this trap directly into the soil of the infested plant if it's large enough, otherwise placing it nearby is usually enough to trap and kill the nearby gnats.

Add a Layer of Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth is a powdered substance made of fossilized organisms called diatoms. Diatoms' skeletons are rich in silica, a naturally occurring substance used in countless products to absorb moisture. By sprinkling a layer of diatomaceous earth onto the top of your plant's soil, you create a physical barrier to repel fungus gnats. The silica will dry out and destroy their bodies, preventing them from digging and laying their eggs.

Flush the Soil With Mosquito Bits

One of the most frustrating things about fungus gnats is that no matter how many of the adult insects you remove, the soil may still be full of eggs and larvae. While the gnats themselves are mostly a nuisance, the larvae can actually damage your plant's roots if present in large numbers. To deal with pests deep in the soil, many plant owners use a product called mosquito bits. These dried pellets are full of useful bacteria used to control mosquitoes in standing water. By soaking the pellets and making a "tea," you can water your plants as normal while killing off any lurking larvae.

Fungus gnats are common and frustrating, but by employing these methods you can prevent and get rid of them without using harsh chemical insecticides.

About the Author
Author

Tracy Dugdale-Munoz, Realtor DRE#01746630 - NBPM|Property Management|Real Estate Sales

I have been in Real Estate since 2006, I’m a consistent, successful Real Estate Agent. My clients say “You worked tirelessly on our behalf, in the highly professional manner that every client hopes for in their real estate agent.” I am not your average Real Estate agent. I am a woman with a business philosophy that reads very much like the words from my former exec at Pacific Bell: “The relationship doesn’t end with the sale; it starts after the sale is made.” Relationships; this has been the pinnacle to my success. People from all walks of life find themselves at ease with my knowledge and dedication to quality service.