Gnats, Yuck! These pesky little bugs can invade your houseplants by laying larvae in the soil of your favorite plants. Here are four simple solutions on how to get rid of gnats in houseplants. Aside from the solutions below, understand the best offense is oftentimes having a good defense. As soon as you start seeing gnats, it is best to start working on a solution to combat them before they spread to other plants.
How to Get Rid of Gnats in Houseplants
The first step would be to identify the problem plant. Oftentimes gnats develop due to over-watering or from a plant that has consistent wet soil or from a soil that is made up of organic materials. Gnats will lay larvae into the top layer of the soil and then the problem can spread relatively quickly.
If you can take the plant outside for a few days it can help the soil to dry out, which can help to aid in the elimination of the additional larvae being produced.
ACV and CUP
To capture the gnats that have already developed, you’ll need:
Plastic cup or bowl
Plastic wrap
Rubber band
Sharp object (scissors, knife or toothpick)
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Pour ACV into a plastic cup or bowl. (Use something that can be easily disposed of). Pour a small amount of apple cider vinegar into the container approx. ¼ cup. Cover the cup with plastic wrap make sure the plastic wrap is taught and secure with a rubber band, and lastly poke holes in the plastic wrap. Place the cup near the infested plants.
Neem Spray
This is another solution for ridding your house plants from gnats. While this solution works, the Neem spray has a strong smell and it took a while for me to see results. Simply spray the soil with the Neem Spray a few times a week and eventually, the gnats and the larvae will begin to die off.
Liquid Soap
Lastly, which is the solution I would try first, due to cost and convenience? Place water into a spray bottle and add a few drops (4 or 5) of liquid dish soap. Shake well and spray on the base of the plant. Continue to treat the plant every few days, until the problem is eliminated. Note: I did not have any issue with the soap affecting my plants’ growth but I used it sparing.
Check out my video- How to Get Rid of Gnats in Houseplants
