Asked on Oct 06, 2018

Would diatomaceous earth safely kill fungus gnats and their eggs?

Dow33154311
by Dow33154311

As a follow-up to my prior question: Does anyone know if sprinkling food grade diatomaceous earth on the soil of houseplants infested with fungus gnats will kill them and their eggs embedded in the soil? Is there any chance that it will damage the plant?

My husband just suggested this method, since sprinkling it around the perimeter of our house has prevented carpenter ants from neighboring woods from entering our house

  4 answers
  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Oct 06, 2018

    Hi Dow,

    Here's an article about diatomaceous earth will work with potted plants, but it looks like it's more of a prevention. Check out the article to see what you think. Wishing you the best.

    https://www.diatomaceousearth.com/blogs/learning-center/how-to-get-rid-of-gnats-in-the-house

    • See 1 previous
    • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Oct 06, 2018

      Hi Dow,

      That's the name Hometalk assigned you when you registered, based on the first 3 letters of your email and your member number. I believe you can change it by clicking on the green circle with the D at the top right, then click on the Dow33154311. On the right, there is a box that says Edit Profile. You should find it there and be able to change it.

  • Dow33154311 Dow33154311 on Oct 06, 2018

    Thank you, Linda. I haven't had a chance to research this yet and figured I might get more reliable information from other readers who subscribe to this forum. Definitely going to try the DE method

    • Joanne lueke Joanne lueke on Oct 06, 2018

      I am Kal. That's the first 3 letters of my e-mail address. I have not entered anything else on my profile as I don't want to get a hack-attack. I don't put personal information on any site I am on. Hometalk is actually a fun site with a lot of good DIY info. Hope this helps.

  • Dow33154311 Dow33154311 on Oct 07, 2018

    Thank you Linda and Kal. I found the profile update before I read your responses and already decided I didn't want to provide any personal information. Just wanted to make sure that someone didn't hack in to my computer and create this account for me.

  • Fiddledd224 Fiddledd224 on Oct 07, 2018

    My suggestion is that if you don't want to buy all new plant soil that you take the plants out temporarily and then microwave the dirt. It will kill all of the bugs, eggs and other nasties so you can replant safely.