So, you've got fungus gnats.

We've all been there. Clapping at the air, swatting them away from your face. Fungus Gnats set up shop in your houseplants and seem to never go away. These pests may not seem like a big concern when they first appear, but will quickly multiply, if not managed. Using these strategies, you can eliminate those pesky fungus gnats and keep them from coming back. Getting rid of your gnats is a two-pronged approach. 

STEP 1: Trap The Adults

Carnivorous Plants

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Yellow sticky traps

These bright yellow, sticky traps are an effective tool for trapping adult fungus gnats. The gnats are attracted to the yellow color, and the traps work similarly to the carnivorous plants, by catching them and preventing them from flying away. Place the traps near the affected plants to catch the adult gnats and reduce their population. Here is a link to our favorite traps on Amazon.

Vinegar Traps

Another option to rid your house of the adult fungus gnats are by using vinegar traps. In a shallow dish, mix together vinegar - they love apple cider vinegar, but any vinegar will do - and a drop of dish soap. Cover with cling wrap and punch small holes with a fork. The flies will crawl in, and then get stuck to the surface of the vinegar.

Step 2: The Eggs

Let your soil dry out between waterings

Fungus gnat larvae live in the top layer of soil, so allowing the soil surface to dry out can help disrupt their life cycle. Gently scrape away the top layer of soil to expose the larvae to air and sunlight, which will dry them out and prevent them from developing into adult gnats.

Apply Fungus Gnat Control

Fungus Gnat Control was formulated to keep these pesky little gnats in check. It contains all-natural ingredients that are lethal to gnat larvae, but 100% safe for you and your pets. 

Sprinkle them into the soil of infected plants and water in, making sure the granules are buried into the top inch of soil. If you see gnats reappear, repeat the process.

You can also add 4 tablespoons to 1 gallon of water and allow to soak for at least 10 minutes, creating a tea. Scrape out the remaining “bits” and use the solution to water your plants as you normally would. Repeat the process once a week for 3-4 weeks. 

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Improve Air Circulation

Fungus gnats prefer still air, so improving air circulation can help deter them. Use fans or open windows to increase airflow in your home or greenhouse. This will make it more difficult for the gnats to fly and lay eggs.

Quarantine Infested Plants

If you have a plant that is heavily infested with fungus gnats, it's best to quarantine it to prevent the gnats from spreading to other plants. Keep the infested plant away from your healthy plants until you have successfully eliminated the gnats.

Remember, the key to plant pest control is to be consistent and patient, as you need to continuously to disrupt the life cycle as new gnats emerge.