How to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats in Your Indoor Garden

CX Hydroponics
by CX Hydroponics

Fungus gnats are small, dark flying insects that thrive in indoor potted plants. These pesky insects also attack hydroponic gardens and can seriously destroy or inhibit plant growth. They favour damp and moist condition which is why they can be a real pain to gardeners using dripper systems. If you need help getting rid of gnats, here are some tips that you can use.

You can use a piece of yellow coloured cardboard similar to the one in the picture. Then, paint the cardboard with corn syrup and place it near the infested plant. Gnats are attracted to yellow and the sticky corn syrup will trap them
Prepare 1/4 inch apple cider vinegar and a drop of liquid dish soap into a plastic cup. Then cover the rim of the cup with a see-through plastic bag and use a rubber band to hold it in place. Put a 1/8 inch hole at the middle.
If your potting soil mix is made of homemade organic compost, heat it in your oven to exterminate the fungus gnat eggs.
You can also use Tanlin which is a popular fungus gnat biological control product. It is composed of microscopic crystals that when eaten by gnat maggots, swell up in their guts and eventually kills the pests.
Frequently asked questions
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  2 questions
  • Steven Aderman Steven Aderman on Feb 05, 2022

    has anyone tried the microwave trick? Does it work?

  • Laura Laura on Mar 26, 2023

    I’m having the worst batch of these little nasties ever. They have spread to all my indoor plants. I was told to repot them all. The problem is I must have 30 and some are huge. So to replace all that soil would cost a fortune. Can I take the plants out of the pot & nuke the existing soil & reuse it ???? That’s still quit the job. I couldn’t ever get it all done in a day.

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  • RMIndiana RMIndiana on Jan 11, 2021

    So excited to try this next time I have issues. I have such trouble with these little pests with my orchids and succulents. The only reason I stopped trying to take care of them is I got a tiny spider that took up residence in one of the pots. He built a very extensive web and made quick work of the little bugs. I'm sure he won't live forever, though : (

  • Cd48xo Cd48xo on Jun 21, 2022

    ThankU 4 sharing 😊

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