Many plant owners prefer to avoid harsh chemicals in their pest control practices. Luckily, there are plenty of natural methods to combat fungus gnats and other common plant pests. Here are three great ways to get rid of fungus gnats the natural way:
Trap Them With Apple Cider Vinegar & Soap
A simple way to trap adult gnats around your plants is by using some ingredients from your kitchen. Take a shallow dish or pot saucer of at least 1/2 inch deep and fill it with a solution of apple cider vinegar and water. Then, add a few drops of liquid dish soap into the solution and stir it gently to combine the ingredients without creating suds. You can place this trap directly into the soil of the infested plant if it's large enough, otherwise placing it nearby is usually enough to trap and kill the nearby gnats.
Add a Layer of Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth is a powdered substance made of fossilized organisms called diatoms. Diatoms' skeletons are rich in silica, a naturally occurring substance used in countless products to absorb moisture. By sprinkling a layer of diatomaceous earth onto the top of your plant's soil, you create a physical barrier to repel fungus gnats. The silica will dry out and destroy their bodies, preventing them from digging and laying their eggs.
Flush the Soil With Mosquito Bits
One of the most frustrating things about fungus gnats is that no matter how many of the adult insects you remove, the soil may still be full of eggs and larvae. While the gnats themselves are mostly a nuisance, the larvae can actually damage your plant's roots if present in large numbers. To deal with pests deep in the soil, many plant owners use a product called mosquito bits. These dried pellets are full of useful bacteria used to control mosquitoes in standing water. By soaking the pellets and making a "tea," you can water your plants as normal while killing off any lurking larvae.
Fungus gnats are common and frustrating, but by employing these methods you can prevent and get rid of them without using harsh chemical insecticides.
About the Author
Julia Brown and Barry Weiss Weiss
Introducing the partnership of Brown & Weiss. Julia & Barry have a combined 23 years of experience in real estate and over 70 combined years of customer service. They each have lived in the Wilmington area for over 20 years and are very familiar with the local market. Their savvy negotiations and cutting edge marketing join uncompromising integrity as the hallmarks of Julia and Barry’s service. They are well respected in the Wilmington area not only for their professional track record and high ethical standards, but for being hardworking individuals that will do anything in their power to ensure their client’s success. Julia and Barry enjoy working for the number one real estate company in the area- Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage. With the Coldwell Banker brand and their experience behind the sale or purchase or your home, you can’t go wrong. So, put us to work for you today and “Let us light your way home".
