Fungus gnats
LITTLE BUGGER
Fungus gnats are tiny, dark-winged flies that love to camp out in your plant’s damp soil.
These winged pests are attracted to moisture and often flutter around the base of your plant, laying eggs that hatch into root-nibbling larvae.
If you spot little black flies hovering near your pots, or if your soil seems to be constantly swarming, chances are you've got a fungus gnat infestation!
Removal Methods
To successfully manage a fungus gnat infestation, it is important to target both the larvae (in soil) and adult gnats (flying).
Select one method to target each and give it a little time. Patience is key!
-
Dry out the top few inches of soil to disrupt fungus gnat larvae. They thrive in damp conditions!
Consider speeding up the drying time by improving airflow with a small fan.
-
Place yellow sticky traps near the soil surface to catch adult fungus gnats.
Regularly replace traps when they become covered.
This method is only effective for adult gnats. See other methods for larvae removal.
-
Mosquito Bits and Mosquito Dunks both contain Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), a natural bacterium that kills fungus gnat larvae - NOT adult gnats.
Mosquito Bits release quickly, making them the best choice for an active infestation.
Mosquito Dunks break down slowly, so they are recommended for maintenance rather than immediate treatment.
Both are soaked in water before use. Make sure to follow the packaging instructions for best results!
-
Mix nematodes with water and add to soil, following package instructions.
Nematodes will only target and eat fungus gnat larvae - NOT adult gnats.
Nematodes are microscopic and will not harm your plant. They will die on their own naturally as their food source runs low.
