How to Get Rid of Gnats in Soil

Gnats living in the soil of potted plants can be exterminated.

Gnats can be a disturbance at home, especially when they expand in numbers. A single gnat can lay more than 200 eggs in its lifespan. When they get inside of the house, gnats are often drawn toward the damp soil of house plants. This is because damp soil promotes the growth of algae and fungus, which gnats feed on. Damp soil also makes an attractive place for gnats to lay eggs.

Things You'll Need

• Peat moss
• Glass
• Wine
• Fruit juice
• Vinegar
• Potato
• Knife

Instructions

1. Expose the soil to as much sunlight as possible. Do not water the soil until it is completely dry. Dry soil will prevent gnats from being drawn to it and makes it harder for gnat eggs in the soil to survive.

2. Spread peat moss over the soil to create a layer that will keep the gnats from laying eggs there.

3. Fill a glass with wine, fruit juice or vinegar, and place it near the soil infested with gnats. The gnats will be drawn to the liquid, fall into the glass and drown.

4. Cut a potato into several pieces and lay it on top of the soil. Gnats will be attracted to the potato and lay eggs on its underside. After a few days, remove the pieces of potato and throw them away. This will help control the gnat population by preventing new gnats from hatching in the soil.

References

• Guide to Houseplants: Fungus Gnats: How to Identify and Get Rid of These House Plant Pests
• Colorado State University Extension; Fungus Gnats as Houseplant and Indoor Pests; W.S. Cransaw, et al.; April 2009
• Caring For Houseplants: How to Remove Gnats from Houseplants