How To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats

How to get rid of fungus gnats

A peroxide solution apparently kills larvae and eggs on contact, effectively killing off all infant gnats and disrupting the lifecycle. You should be able to buy hydrogen peroxide from any high street pharmacy or online. Mix 1 part 9% hydrogen peroxide with 6 parts water.

How do you get rid of fungus gnats indoors?

Hydrogen peroxide solution is a quick, cheap, and effective way to kill larvae on contact. Mix four parts water with one part hydrogen peroxide and spray down your soil. Fungus gnats are annoying, but they're no match for a plant parent with a plan.

Can you get rid of fungus gnats completely?

Eradicate your fungus gnat infestation for good with the following method: Put up a bunch of sticky traps, top-dress the soil with sand and do nematode soaks every 10 to 14 days until the problem is resolved. Also, stop overwatering your plants and eliminate any unnecessary sources of moisture. That's it.

What kills fungus gnats in soil?

Organic Fungus Gnat Control Mix one part peroxide with four parts water, and pour it through the soil at the root zone until it begins to come out of the base of the pot. The peroxide kills fungus gnat larvae on contact. Neem oil is also an effective soil soak to combat fungus gnat larvae.

How long before fungus gnats go away?

How Long Do Fungus Gnats Live? Though a Fungus gnat's lifespan is relatively short, the pests aren't any less of a nuisance. During their one to two weeks of life, the insects can cause plenty of issues.

How do fungus gnats appear out of nowhere?

Gnats mainly come from eggs laid in unripe fruits. Once the fruit rots, the larvae eat the fruit to grow into adult gnats. Gnats can also enter your home through an open door or window, emerge from eggs laid in produce, and grow eggs in potting soil.

Should I worry about fungus gnats?

Fungus gnats are completely harmless to humans, since they can't bite and don't spread diseases. They can be a problem for houseplants, however, when their population explodes and their larvae starts to feed on plants' thin roots.

Can plants survive fungus gnats?

Adult fungus gnats don't damage plants or bite people; their presence is primarily considered a nuisance. Larvae, however, when present in large numbers, can damage roots and stunt plant growth, particularly in seedlings and young plants.

What is the fastest way to get rid of gnats?

Vinegar Traps One method includes setting a bowl near the infestation and pouring apple cider vinegar, a teaspoon of sugar and a teaspoon of dish soap into the bowl. The sugar will attract the gnats, the dish soap will prevent them from escaping and the vinegar will kill them.

What kills gnats permanently?

Here's how it works: Bleach is a most effective method of removal for gnats that tend to congregate around drains. Whether it's your sink, bathtub, or shower drain, pouring a half cup of bleach down the drain should wipe them out.

Do fungus gnats turn into worms?

Fungus gnat larvae look like small white worms with a shiny black head. These larvae feed on fungus and need moist conditions to survive. This will not be a quick solution, but over time will reduce the number of flies seen as the larvae dry out and die.

Can fungus gnats infest humans?

Fungus gnats infest soil and feed upon decaying or damaged plant roots as well as fungi found in the soil. While not dangerous to humans, a fungus gnat infestation can be a nuisance indoors, as clouds of these tiny pests swarm and settle repeatedly.

Do fungus gnats lay eggs in soil?

Fungus gnats often remain near potted plants and run across (or rest on) growing media, foliage, compost, and wet mulch piles. Females lay tiny eggs in moist organic debris or potting soil.

Does cinnamon deter fungus gnats?

Fungus gnats hate the sole smell of cinnamon. It means you don't even have to use the spice. Cinnamon essential oil should work – its aroma will repel the pesky insects.

How do I get rid of fungus gnats in my plants naturally?

Mix one part 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with 4 parts of water and pour this over the soil of your plant. The hydrogen peroxide works by killing all the fungus gnat larvae, which is the only true way of killing off the gnat population.

Do fungus gnats mean mold?

Many bugs feed on mold and decomposing matter. Booklice, for example, often inhabit moldy books. Fungus gnats and mold mites are two other pests closely associated with mold. Cockroaches, camel crickets , slugs, and millipedes are attracted to mold, too, though not because they feed on it.

Can fungus gnats live in dry soil?

Neither fungus gnats nor their larvae can survive in dry soil, so let your soil dry out completely between watering as often as possible. This will help the topsoil (where the gnats lay their eggs) stay dry while keeping your plants hydrated and happy.

How do you know if you have a fungus gnat infestation?

But you should have no trouble if you look for these simple characteristics:

Fungus gnats have dark wings and blackheads.
Fungus gnats are thin.
Fungus gnats are between 1/32 and 1/2 inches in length.
Fungus gnats run across surfaces.
Fungus gnats hang out around plants and locations that have organic matter.

Does overwatering cause fungus gnats?

Another sign of overwatering can be fungus gnats. Fungus gnats feed on the fungi that show up in moist environments. They proliferate when the soil stays too wet for too long.

Why can't I get rid of fungus gnats?

Keeping the top of the soil dry will help stop fungus gnats from laying their eggs in the soil. If needed, add perlite to your potting mix to help improve drainage, especially if you tend to overwater. Also, be sure to empty any excess water out of the saucers under your container plants.