How to Get Rid of Gnats on Indoor Plants
Gnats are nuisances for both outdoor and indoor plants. They are not only unsightly, but certain types of gnats can bite. Insecticides and sprays do work but many of those that garden aim to use organic and toxin free products whenever possible. Fortunately several precautions and remedies can help you get rid of gnats. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Lemon essential oil
- Lemon grass oil
- Water
- Dish soap
- Potato
- Wine
- Fruit juice
Instructions
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Monitor your watering and organic fertilizers. Over watered plants can lead to fungus and mold developing. This is unhealthy for your plants but also provides the perfect feeding and breeding ground for gnats. Decomposing organic fertilizer is also what gnats love to feed on. Only use then when needed and remove it if you see gnats moving in.
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Take one drop of lemon essential oil and one drop of lemon grass oil and mix it together. Next take the mixture and rub it around the lip of your pots. For some reason gnats don't like the scent of lemon. This is an excellent, toxin-free way to rid your plants of gnats and leave a fresh smell in your home or office.
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3
Take your plants out of their pots and remove the soil from the roots. Next rinse the roots in warm soapy water. Take the same soapy water solution and rub it over the leaves and foliage. Rinse from both the roots and the leaves. Next, re-pot the plant in new soil. Soap repels and dissolves several breed of insects. It is best to do this with all your houseplants even if gnats are only spotted on one. This will stop any future infestations from developing.
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4
Take a raw potato and cut it into ½ inch strips. Leave the strips on the surface of the soil and discard each day. There should be colonies of gnats that have burrowed into the potato. Throw the potato away and repeat until the gnat problem is gone.
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5
Take a glass of red cooking wine or sweet fruit juice and leave it next to your houseplants. The gnats will be attracted to the scent, dive in for a drink and drown. This trick also works with black flies.
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Tips & Warnings
Placing a layer of fine peat moss on top of your potting soil will help deter gnats.
