Are you tired of those tiny, annoying flies buzzing around your face in your home? You’re likely dealing with gnats, and if you’re a plant lover, chances are they’re fungus gnats. These pests are more than just a nuisance; they can quickly become a real headache. If you’re like many homeowners, you’re probably searching for “How To Get Rid Of Gnats In The House Quickly.” Fortunately, effective solutions are within reach, and you don’t have to endure these unwanted guests any longer.
Fungus gnats are particularly drawn to homes with houseplants because they thrive in moist soil, the very environment we cultivate for our beloved greenery. Their attraction to carbon dioxide means they’ll often be found hovering near you, especially your face – a truly irritating experience. Imagine trying to enjoy a peaceful cup of tea only to find these tiny flies floating on the surface! It’s enough to drive anyone to seek immediate eradication.
Fungus gnats on indoor plant soil
Many people first try home remedies, reaching for pantry staples like cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, or potatoes. While some of these might offer slight relief, they rarely eliminate the problem entirely. Reducing watering frequency can also help, but at the risk of harming your plants. You need a solution that’s both effective against gnats and safe for your plants.
After battling my own severe fungus gnat infestation, I discovered a straightforward, two-step method that completely eradicated them. This isn’t to say it’s the only way, but it’s the one that finally worked for me, and I’m eager to share it with you.
Are Fungus Gnats Harmful to Houseplants?
The good news is that if you catch a fungus gnat infestation early, they’re generally more of a bother to you than a threat to your plants. However, while adult fungus gnats are mostly harmless to plants, the larvae can pose a problem, especially if their population explodes. In large numbers, fungus gnat larvae may start feeding on your plant’s roots when they run out of decaying organic matter in the soil.
Fungus gnats flourish in warm, humid conditions. Overwatering, combined with warmer temperatures, creates an ideal breeding ground. Unfortunately, infestations can persist through winter, so simply waiting them out isn’t a viable strategy. When larvae feed on plant roots, it can stunt growth, particularly in seedlings, new cuttings, and younger, more vulnerable plants.
The Potato Test: Identifying Fungus Gnats
If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with fungus gnats or another type of small flying insect, there’s a simple test you can perform. Fungus gnats resemble tiny mosquitoes, about the size of fruit flies but with a more slender body and longer legs. Their love for CO2 means they’ll often approach you directly, making them hard to miss.
Unlike fruit flies, which are rounder and stouter, fungus gnats are delicate and mosquito-like, though they don’t bite or buzz. If you’re still uncertain or want to pinpoint which plant is infested, the potato test is a reliable method.
To perform the potato test, slice a raw potato into several pieces and lay them flat on the soil surface of plants you suspect are infested. After a few hours, check the potato slices. If you have fungus gnats, you’ll likely find larvae feeding on the potato.
If you find larvae, dispose of the potato slices (larvae and all) immediately and start treatment. The method outlined below is plant-safe, so you can treat all your houseplants if you’re unsure about the infestation’s extent or to prevent spread.
The Quick and Easy Way to Eliminate Fungus Gnats in Your House
The key to quickly getting rid of fungus gnats is to tackle both the adult flies and the larvae simultaneously, effectively breaking their life cycle. This two-pronged approach ensures rapid and lasting results.
Essential Supplies for Gnat Control
You only need two simple items for this effective method:
- Sticky Traps: These traps capture adult gnats, reducing the egg-laying population.
- Mosquito Bits (BTI): These granules contain Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI), a bacteria toxic to gnat larvae but safe for plants, pets, and humans.
You can find these products at garden centers, hardware stores, or online retailers like Amazon.
Step 1: Using Sticky Traps to Catch Adult Gnats
Sticky traps are crucial for capturing adult fungus gnats. By reducing the adult population, you prevent further egg-laying and curb the infestation at its source.
For indoor plants, green sticky traps are often preferred as they blend in more aesthetically than yellow traps. However, yellow sticky traps are also very effective and readily available.
How to Use Sticky Traps:
- Green Traps: These are typically ready to use straight out of the pack. Simply follow the instructions to place them near your plants.
- Yellow Traps: For yellow traps, peel off the paper from only one side to expose the sticky surface. For indoor use, lay the trap flat on the soil surface, sticky side up. You can also cut yellow traps into smaller pieces to fit various pot sizes. Placing them flat on the soil is particularly effective as gnats often land on the soil surface.
For both types, replace the traps when they are full of gnats or lose their stickiness.
Step 2: Applying Mosquito Bits (BTI) to Kill Gnat Larvae
Mosquito Bits are the secret weapon against fungus gnat larvae. The active ingredient, BTI, is a naturally occurring bacterium that specifically targets and kills mosquito and fungus gnat larvae without harming other organisms.
To use Mosquito Bits for fungus gnats, you’ll make “Mozzie Tea.”
Making “Mozzie Tea” for Fungus Gnats:
- Prepare the Mixture: Use 4 tablespoons of Mosquito Bits per 4.5 liters (approximately 1 gallon) of warm (not boiling) water.
- Steep the Bits: Let the mixture steep for at least 30 minutes. Warmer water speeds up the infusion of BTI into the water.
- Remove Granules (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary, removing the granules makes watering cleaner. You can scoop them out or use a mesh bag to contain them during steeping.
- Water Your Plants: Once cooled, use the “Mozzie Tea” to water your plants thoroughly from the top, ensuring the topsoil is saturated. This targets the larvae living in the upper layers of the soil. Bottom watering is less effective for this treatment as larvae are typically concentrated near the surface.
You can use “Mozzie Tea” every time you water your plants until the infestation is under control.
How Mosquito Bits Work: BTI Explained
Mosquito Bits contain Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI), a naturally derived bacterium. BTI acts as a microbial insecticide, specifically targeting the larval stage of fungus gnats. It’s highly effective at killing larvae but is considered harmless to beneficial insects, pets, wildlife, and humans. This makes it a safe and environmentally friendly option for gnat control.
Safety of BTI for Plants and Home
BTI is safe for your plants and your household. It’s a natural pest control method that won’t harm plants, animals, birds, bees, fish, or humans. It’s safe to use in various settings, including indoor and outdoor plants, bird baths, ponds, and water features. Just avoid using it in treated drinking water supplies.
Combining “Mozzie Tea” with Fertilizer
Yes, you can use “Mozzie Tea” and fertilizer together. After preparing and cooling your “Mozzie Tea,” simply add your liquid fertilizer as usual and water your plants with the combined solution. If using granular or powder fertilizers, ensure thorough mixing for even distribution.
Alternative: Using Mozzie Dunks
If Mosquito Bits are unavailable, you can use Mozzie Dunks as an alternative, although the preparation differs slightly. Mozzie Dunks are designed for larger bodies of water and release BTI slowly.
Using Mozzie Dunks for “Mozzie Tea”:
- Break into Quarters: Break one Mozzie Dunk into quarters.
- Soak a Quarter: Soak one quarter of a dunk in 4 liters of water overnight (about 12 hours). Use warm to hot water (not boiling) to help it break down and release BTI.
- Remove and Reuse: Remove the undissolved dunk portion; it can be dried and reused.
- Water Plants: Mix the “Mozzie Tea” well and water your plants from the top, ensuring the soil surface is saturated.
How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Gnats?
Patience is key. While this method is effective, it takes time to break the gnat life cycle. A single adult fungus gnat can lay up to 200 eggs, so consistent treatment is crucial.
Using only sticky traps to catch adults can eventually reduce the population, but it’s much slower than combining sticky traps with “Mozzie Tea” to target both adults and larvae.
The fungus gnat life cycle, from egg to adult, can be as short as 17 days in ideal conditions (warm and moist), but typically averages around 3 weeks in summer and longer in cooler months (4-5 weeks or more).
For thorough eradication, treat your plants for at least 4 weeks, even if the infestation seems minor. For severe cases or to be completely sure, treat for 8 weeks (2 months). Extended treatment is safe for your plants and ensures you address all life stages of the gnats.
How Often to Repeat Gnat Treatment
Drench your plants with “Mozzie Tea” every time you water, or at least every two weeks, until the gnats are gone. While some guides suggest weekly drenching, be cautious of overwatering, which fungus gnats love and can lead to root rot.
Water your plants as needed based on their requirements, but replace regular water with “Mozzie Tea” during each watering session. Simultaneously use sticky traps to control adult gnats and prevent re-infestation.
Preventing Fungus Gnats from Returning
Once you’ve successfully eliminated fungus gnats, prevention is crucial to keep them from returning. While the two-step method addresses current infestations, it doesn’t guarantee permanent immunity.
One effective preventive measure is using a gnat barrier. Sprinkling a product like Fungus Gnat Barrier over the soil surface creates a physical barrier that prevents adult gnats from laying eggs in the soil. These barriers, often made from abrasive materials like pumice granules, are natural, non-toxic, and safer alternatives to diatomaceous earth, which can be less effective when wet and pose risks to pets and children.
Common Sources of Fungus Gnats and How to Avoid Them
- New Plants: New plants are a frequent source of fungus gnats. Isolate new plants for at least 2-4 weeks to monitor for pests before introducing them to your general plant collection. Treating new plant soil with “Mozzie Tea” as a preventative measure is also wise.
- Soil Stored Outdoors: Soil stored outside can easily become infested. If you’re unsure about soil storage conditions, drench new soil with “Mozzie Tea” or sterilize it with hydrogen peroxide before use.
- Watering Plants Outdoors: Avoid watering plants outdoors, especially if you leave them outside to drain. This makes them highly attractive to fungus gnats.
By understanding where fungus gnats come from and implementing preventive measures, you can maintain a gnat-free home and healthy houseplants.
Conclusion: Say Goodbye to Gnats
Dealing with a fungus gnat infestation can be incredibly frustrating, but with the right approach, you can quickly and effectively eliminate them. The combination of sticky traps for adults and “Mozzie Tea” (BTI) for larvae is a powerful, safe, and reliable solution.
Don’t let gnats take over your home and plants. Take action with this simple two-step method and enjoy a gnat-free, peaceful indoor environment. Share this guide with fellow plant lovers and help them win the battle against these pesky flies!
