Gnats are not only annoying, but they can be detrimental to your houseplants. However, you can easily get rid of them.
The Best Way to Prevent Gnats in Houseplants
First of all, try to avoid overwatering. The soil of overwatered plants can grow fungus that attracts gnats. According to Orkin, these fungus gnats lay their eggs in the damp soil of plants that have been overwatered. The hatchlings can then feed on the decomposing material in the soil.
The Best All-Natural Gnat Trap that You Can Hide in Your Plant
Second, use a gnat trap to attract and trap the flies. Pesticide sprays provide another option. However, many people find that they don’t work. Plus, many contain harmful chemicals.
Safer Brand makes a product called Sticky Stakes. In addition to fungus gnats, they also attract whiteflies, blackflies, fruit flies and more. If you have a “multiple bug” problem, this one product might solve everything in one fell swoop.
I like Sticky Stakes because they contain no pesticides are are easy to use. Simply stick them in the soil of your plant and throw them away when you’re done.
In addition, they are discreet enough to place within the plant foliage where you don’t see them. They attract insects with their yellow color and trap them in their glue. Once trapped, of course, the adults cannot breed.
Another option are sticky fly traps, which basically do the same thing. You can stick them in the soil or hang them using the included twist ties.
They have adhesive on both sides of the trap, so they last longer. In addition, they are UV resistant and waterproof, so you can even use them outside. They are safe to use around edibles, so feel free to use them in your vegetable garden.
How to Get Rid of Gnats: the DIY Method
Third, you can use an organic DIY gnat-catching method using apple cider vinegar. If you want to save money and avoid using toxic sprays, this is a good method to try. Even Bob Vila recommends it. The video below explains how to do it.
Essentially, you pour apple cider vinegar in a cup, place plastic wrap over the cup and punch a bunch of small holes in it. The scent of the vinegar attracts the flies, they climb in your homemade trap and they stay there.
