Natural remedy for fungus gnats?
I just realized that fungus knats have been causing the sudden wilting and yellowing of some of my plants that were completely fine. I’m so upset, I know it’s because of wet soil, and a few other factors but now I’m freaking out. What I can do now to help the ones affected and how can I prevent the rest? Something natural and safe preferably because my succulents are quite sensitive and I have curious pets. I have been using cinnamon but I saw someone else say it wasn’t strong enough to affect knats.? Can someone help? #fungusgnats #PestControl #pestproblems #GreggersSupportingGreggers #PlantTherapy
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I have uses hydrogen peroxide cut with some water and poured it into the soil, then let the soil dry completely. It worked for me even with an indoor cat and dog.
However, if the roots are rotted (brown and mushy at the base with an odor) you will need to dig up the plant, remove all mushy parts, clean with hydrogen peroxide and start over. I had a VERY sick snake plant and gnats everywhere due to root rot. I cleaned it up this way and salvaged what I could and the rest of the plant is very healthy now. :)
However, if the roots are rotted (brown and mushy at the base with an odor) you will need to dig up the plant, remove all mushy parts, clean with hydrogen peroxide and start over. I had a VERY sick snake plant and gnats everywhere due to root rot. I cleaned it up this way and salvaged what I could and the rest of the plant is very healthy now. :)
Hi! I’m so sorry that you’re dealing with this. Cinnamon never hurts but I don’t think it’ll be enough to get rid of existing gnats. A lot of people will do a “dip” or a “dunk” in diluted hydrogen peroxide (plant, pot, dirt and all) which can be effective but I have never tried it. The traps can also help catch the adults. The other thing for me is getting rid of any standing water like in trays, and damp soil. In my mind if a plant is already suffering I’d consider doing a repot - same pot, just fresh dry soil. Remove dead and dying foliage and then wait for the plants to recover. You can do it! 🌱☀️❤️
@FairFlaxsilk thank you! I just feel like using hydrogen peroxide would be so harsh or shock the plant even if diluted. It just makes me nervous because I don’t wanna mess it up or shock the plant !
@TidyTigerpear My succulents did not take kindly to the hydrogen peroxide. I did the recommended 5:1 dilution, so if you go that route, id dilute even further.
I water all my plants, succulents and tropical with Gnatrol in my regular watering mix, and that has helped a lot. I also bought an electric racket that I hit them withand it makes a satisfying zap when it kills the little buggers.
I water all my plants, succulents and tropical with Gnatrol in my regular watering mix, and that has helped a lot. I also bought an electric racket that I hit them withand it makes a satisfying zap when it kills the little buggers.
@TidyTigerpear Gnats are highly attracted to light. Turn off every light at night, light up a candle. The candle should be on a plate filled with water and a bit of dishwashing liquid. Gnats will either burn in the flame or drown in soapy water. Repeat this in every room with plants, 2 times a week, for 2 months (1 month is the gnats cycle). That's the most natural and easy way. Watch not to burn down the house (just kidding). That's how I killed gnats in my Oasis.
A good natural solution is to use Bt --- Bacillus thuringiensis, a naturally occurring bacterium that attacks fungus gnat larvae. It also attacks mosquito larvae, so any of those mosquito granules you mix with water should work. If you use Bt a few times, you'll build up enough of a population that it wipes out all the larvae. And with no new larvae, there will be no new adults.
@TidyTigerpear - @Alinaa was nice enough to share this supplier with me: https://www.evergreengrowers.com
@TidyTigerpear I was the same way thinking it would hurt them, but I had to kick that fear in the butt and take courage to do it. My plants have been doing fine for nearly two weeks and another thing I’ve done is spread an apple cider vinegar mix around the house in several jars to rid of the gnats already flying around. This has HELPED SO MUCH and I’ve killed so many already. For the mixture you’ll need 1 Cup of Water, 1/4 Cup of Apple Cidar Vinegar, and a Tablespoon of Dawn. Put a jar or two at the most in each room where you have plants. I hope this helps 👍🏻❤️🪴
Kaitlyn.....Hydrogen Peroxide has been used for eons to rid fungus gnat larvae in the soil. It REALLY works and will even perk up your plants. Hydrogen Peroxide is simply water and oxygen. Although it's not needed, you may want to purchase "Food Grade" as it's free of any additional chemicals you may find in the regular one, but you'll pay a premium price. Note: I like to start with some regular water if the soil is dry. Kaitlyn...this works and that wonderful oxygen will put a smile on your plants. Also, you may want to research how Epsom Salts can be used with plants. Wow.
I liked the idea of baking the soil to kill off eggs and larvae. I have never done it, but 325F for 20 minutes in a half full pan aught to do the trick. Any feedback?