These tiny, mosquito-like bugs can be a major nuisance.
Use these tips to banish fungus gnats from plants for good.
Nearly everyone withindoor greeneryhas encountered fungus gnats in plants at one time or another.
Credit:Phoebe Cheong / BHG
And if they’ve already moved in, here’s how to get rid of them.
The eggs become larvae, which feed on fungi in the soil (hence their name).
The larvae are around 1/4-inch long with a shiny black head and an elongated, whiteish transparent body.
Credit:Phoebe Cheong / BHG
In addition to fungi, they also like organic matter and sometimes eat plant roots or seedlings.
A better approach is to target the larval stage of their life cycle.
Avoid overwatering your houseplants, and verify they have good drainage.
The eggs and larvae usually die in dry soil.
Remember to drain any excess water that accumulates in saucers, too.
The fungus gnats will crawl through the plastic to get to the apple cider vinegar and drown.
Place one sticky paper near your plants totrap the adult fungus gnatsand reduce the number of eggs they lay.
Be careful not to touch the plant leaves with the trap.
Check them every few days andreplace them with new trapswhen they become covered with gnats.
Eventually, youlleliminate all the gnats.
Check Plants You Bring Home
Fungus gnats are usually more noticeable in the fall.
Some might hitchhike on houseplants when you bring them inside for the winter.
Beforetaking plants inside, check them to ensure theyre insect-free.
When youre looking to buy new plants, examine them to confirm there are no insect infestations.
And always use the fresh potting mix when planting or repotting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fungus gnats are more of a nuisance than a serious threat to plants.
Natural predators and weather changes make the outdoors less hospitable to these pests than indoors.
