Fungus gnats are small, flying insects that are attracted to damp soil and can quickly multiply, causing damage to your houseplants.
You'll typically see them flying around your plant soil, and sometimes even in the air around your plants.
You may also notice small, black gnat larvae in the top layer of your soil.
Overwatering, poorly-draining soil, and high humidity levels are the most common causes of fungus gnats.
The most effective way to get rid of fungus gnats is to let the soil dry out completely between watering, and to use a soil conditioner like perlite to improve drainage.
Yes, but it's not always necessary.
If you catch the problem early and take preventative measures, you may not need to use insecticide at all.
Yes, neem oil is a natural insecticide that's safe to use on most plants.
Just be careful not to use too much, as it can cause some plants to burn.
It's best to let your plants' soil dry out completely between watering.
Depending on your plant's species and environment, this could be anywhere from once a week to once a month.
You can also use sticky traps, increase airflow around your plants, and make sure to clean up any fallen leaves or debris that could attract fungus gnats.
Yes, you can usually reuse soil after removing any gnat larvae and improving drainage.
Alternatively, you can sterilize the soil by baking it in the oven at 180°F for 30 minutes.
It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to completely get rid of fungus gnats, depending on the severity of the infestation and how closely you follow prevention and removal measures.