A: Most likely, they’re fungus gnats. During the winter, these small critters are a common problem, and they prefer the damp soil in houseplant containers over the plants themselves.
Do snake plants attract gnats?
Scales, gnats, spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies, among other pests, are attracted to the snake plant. Overwatering, high humidity, and poor air circulation are all factors that contribute to pest infestation in snake plants. Avoid overwatering, keep a look out for pests, and apply an organic neem-based pest repellent to keep them at bay.
With the correct treatment, you can get rid of those pesky pests and restore your plant’s health and vitality. Continue reading to learn how to keep snake plants safe from pests.
Why are there so many gnats in my snake plant?
Gnats deposit their eggs in the top layer of soil, and the soil must remain moist for the eggs to survive. Allowing it to dry out will kill the eggs and interrupt the gnat’s life cycle! Soaking your houseplants from below is an excellent watering strategy if your container permits it. The soil surface remains dry, but the soil near the root ball absorbs water. Place the pot in a bowl of water and let it to soak up the water through the drainage holes.
How do I get rid of gnats on my snake plant?
In addition to vinegar, hydrogen peroxide is another option for fungus gnat control that you probably already have in your home. To kill everything, irrigate dry soil with a mixture of 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 5 parts water. Almost all common houseplants are unaffected—just don’t use straight hydrogen peroxide!
Try a soap and water mixture
In my post on how to debug plants before bringing them in for the winter, I mentioned this. To kill anything in the soil, I usually use an insecticide spray and a soapy water mixture.
This isn’t something I overthink. I simply fill a watering can with tepid water and a few drops of dish soap (a light sort without a degreaser). It will swell a little. Then I give the plant a drink of water. If your plant is already wet, simply spray the top layer of soil to keep it from getting any wetter.
Neem oil spray
Another way to get rid of fungus gnats is to use neem oil. You can get a diluted neem oil spray or purchase a neem oil concentrate and dilute it yourself. I find that purchasing a concentrate lasts longer—I’ve had mine for several years and simply reuse an old spray container.
Sprinkling cinnamon
Okay… This is something I’ve tried before, but I don’t believe it worked. Cinnamon, on the other hand, is highly recommended by many people. Cinnamon, which is a natural fungicide, can be sprinkled on top of the soil. I’d apply this while the soil is dry, work it into the top inch or two of dirt, and then water the plant.
Use a systemic pesticide
To kill anything in the soil, you can also use a systemic pesticide. Pesticides can be worked into the top few inches of the soil, and when the plant is watered, the insecticide kills everything. Fungus gnats are easier to get rid of than other pests, therefore you probably don’t need this dose of insecticide.
I used insecticide granules to get rid of several thrips that had taken up residence in some of my houseplants, including my enormous monstera deliciosa. It was successful! It also, glory be, destroyed all of the fungus gnats. As a result, it was a nice bonus!
How do I get rid of fungus gnats in my snake plant?
I know a lot of gardeners that use hydrogen peroxide to kill fungus gnat larvae. I haven’t tried the procedure myself, but I thought you might find it useful.
I can’t say it’s completely organic because the 3 percent solution you can buy contains chemicals and additives that may or may not meet the criteria.
To utilize 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, dilute it to a 4 to 1 mixture first. 1/4 cup of 3 percent peroxide to 1 cup of water is an example of this.
If you don’t splash the leaves, you can water with a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution from the top of the soil. If you’re watering seedlings and can’t water from the top, submerge the seedling pots or tray in the solution to absorb moisture from the bottom.
How do I get rid of indoor plant gnats?
1. SOIL SMOTHERING
Because gnats and fruit flies lay their eggs in the top layer of soil, a layer of aquarium gravel or coarse sand over the top of the soil will prevent their larvae from climbing out. Make sure to cram it all in. Within a day or two, the larvae will die trapped beneath, and you should be pest-free.
2. MAKE A STICKY TRAP OF YOUR OWN
A 3 x 5 index card, a highlighter, a wooden stick (paint stirrer or dowel rod), and petroleum jelly can be used to make a DIY sticky trap. First, use the highlighter to color both sides of the card to make it appealing to the flies and gnats. Then use glue or staples to secure it to the stick or rod. Finally, apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly to both sides of the card and place it in your planter, waiting for them to take the bait. Rep till all of them have been enticed to their deaths.
3. MAKE A DROWNING TRAP FOR YOURSELF
It’s simple to construct a DIY trap with items found in your refrigerator. Pour your liquid solution into a plastic cup to about 1/4″ from the bottom, using apple cider vinegar combined with fruit juice or beer. (Other vinegars or alcohols will also work.) Then whisk in a drop of liquid dish soap. If you want to speed up the process, place a chunk of ripe fruit, such as a banana or melon, above the liquid, as it will attract pests faster than liquid alone. Cover the top of the cup with plastic wrap and a rubber band, then poke several holes in it with a toothpick. Your ruse is over!
Now all you have to do is place it on a shelf or near your plant. They’ll be unable to resist creeping into those holes and inspecting the liquid because they’re attracted to fermentation (to lay their eggs). Even though they should be able to walk on top after they land, the soap in the solution breaks the surface tension and prevents them from escaping, leading them to drown. When you’re finished with the trap, just tape over the holes and throw it away. Goodbye, old friend!
4. MAKE USE OF SPUD POWER
Do you have some potatoes sitting around? Cut them up into small 1/2″ pieces and scatter them about your planter’s soil. Within a day or two, larvae will emerge from the earth to feast on them. Check for holes and biting marks if you don’t see them on the chunks. Collect the pieces, seal them in a plastic bag, and throw them away.
5. REPOT AND SANITIZE
Are you too impatient to wait for them to bite, or is the problem simply too widespread? Remove your plant from its planter as gently as possible, removing as much soil as possible without harming the roots. Seal the diseased dirt in a plastic bag and DO NOT compost it. Then, using soap and hot water, completely sterilize your planter and repot your plant into fresh soil. To make sure they don’t come back, use this procedure with any of the others. In severe situations, a complete cleansing, including root washing, may be required.
6. INSTALL CARNIVOROUS PLANTATIONS
Looking for something a little different in terms of pest control? Take a carnivorous plant and feed it to them!
7. APPLY WITH A SPRAY BOTTLE
If the bugs won’t go away, sprinkle the top layer of soil with a solution of water and soap in a spray bottle (or pour it directly on top). You can also use an organic insecticidal soap or a Neem oil mixture; after a few treatments, these natural insecticides should be successful.
8. PESTICIDES USED INDOORS
When all else fails, a more aggressive approach may be required. You can buy houseplant insecticides at a local garden store (be sure they’re labeled for indoor use) and spray them on your plant. You might want to treat it outside and then bring it back inside once it’s completely dry. Pesticide damage may be visible on your plant, but it is unlikely to kill it. If you’re concerned, contact your local garden center or nursery.
We hope that these pointers and tricks will help you get rid of these pesky flies once and for all!
Why do my indoor plants have gnats?
Overwatering is the most common cause of fungus gnats in plants, so make sure to let your soil dry out between waterings as much as possible. Check the soil with your finger every few days, and if it begins to dry up, leave it alone for about a week to keep the gnats away. These guys thrive in damp environments, so pay attention to how often you water your plants!
What home remedy kills gnats in houseplants?
Combine one part 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with four parts water and pour over your plant’s soil.
The hydrogen peroxide kills all fungus gnat larvae, which is the only way to completely eliminate the gnat population.
This diluted concoction is the ideal ratio for not harming your plant (in fact, it aerates the soil and purifies the roots), but killing insect eggs.
Remember to only water your plant when it is genuinely thirsty, not when it is already wet.
How do I get rid of little black flies in my house plants?
Little Black Flies in Houseplant Soil: How to Get Rid of Them
- Keep the soil as dry as possible. It is critical to maintain the soil dry since the larvae cannot survive in wet soil.
- Insecticide should be used. It is critical to use an insecticide to kill the larvae in the soil.
What is the fastest way to get rid of gnats?
Gnats are bothersome, even if they can’t actually damage you. The sheer presence of these obnoxious insects in your home might make you jittery and make you question what drew them in the first place. Fruit that has rotted is a common cause, although it isn’t the only one. Dirty dishes, rotting food in garbage bags, and even damp potting soil can attract gnats and drive you insane.
The good news is that there are a few ingenious ways to get rid of gnats in your house that only require things you probably already have in your kitchen cupboards, pantry, and fridge. The following is a room-by-room explanation of gnat-removal tactics that will assist you in resolving the issue before it worsens.
- Gnats are attracted to and killed by a solution of apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and dish soap. (Alternatively, you can get the similar effect by mixing red wine with dish soap.)
- If gnats are hovering around plumbing fixtures, pour diluted bleach down the sink or tub drain.
- In a dish, mash rotting bananas, then stretch plastic wrap over the top and poke holes in it.
- Use a spray bottle filled with water, vinegar, and dish soap to kill individual gnats.
Do plant gnats bite humans?
Humans are not bitten, stung, or infected by fungus gnats, although the larvae can harm houseplants and seedlings by feeding on the roots. Some may burrow through stems and leaves on occasion.