How do you get rid of gnats in plants without killing plants?

Author: Lessie Schinner  |  Last update: Wednesday, November 5, 2025

For hydrogen peroxide, mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with four parts water. Carefully pour this solution onto the top of the soil, ensuring it reaches the root zone. The hydrogen peroxide will help kill the gnat larvae and any eggs in the soil without harming your plant.

What kills gnats without harming plants?

The easiest way to get rid of gnats and to prevent further infestation is simple detergent - plain, old-fashioned dish detergent or liquid hand soap. Mix one large drop of detergent into each gallon of fertilizer water each time you fertilize, and water your plants with it normally.

How do I get rid of gnats in my plant pots?

The easiest way to get rid of gnats and to prevent further infestation is simple detergent - plain, old-fashioned dish detergent or liquid hand soap. Mix one large drop of detergent into each gallon of fertilizer water each time you fertilize, and water your plants with it normally.

What can I spray on my indoor plants to get rid of gnats?

if you're growing plants like i am. you're gonna be dealing with fungus gnats. is how you get rid of them. all you gotta do. is mix one tablespoon of peroxide with one cup of water. pour it into a spray bottle close it. and then spray it directly on the soil and on the leaves. daily until the infestation is gone that's ...

Why is my plant full of gnats?

Don't overwater your plants. Fungus gnats lay their eggs in the top inch of moist soil around the plant. Reducing excess moisture can hinder the eggs from developing into larvae.

Easy One Step - How To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats - 100% Guarantee - Fungus Gnat Prevention

What to put on plants to keep gnats away?

Use a fine layer of sand or diatomaceous earth on top of plant soil to deter gnats from laying eggs. Use well-draining pots and soils. Inspect new plants for gnats before buying them. Seal cracks and holes around doorways, windows, and drains to prevent gnats from entering.

Does hydrogen peroxide hurt plants?

With all that in mind, the EPA says that hydrogen peroxide in low doses is indeed safe for plants. The caveat is of course, in the concentration. Too much can damage plants.

What is a homemade gnat solution for plants?

However, it is also a great solution for a gnat infestation. Combine 20 drops of tea tree oil with a litre of water. Water the infested plants with this mix, and you should help remove any larvae in the soil. For the adults, use some adhesive traps around the plant.

Can I spray vinegar and water on my plants to get rid of gnats?

The mixture should contain a few drops of dish soap, a tablespoon of vinegar, and baking soda per cup of water. A few sprays of this mixture is an effective gnat repellent. They may be sprayed in areas where gnats are commonly seen, such as around plants, in the bathrooms, etc.

How to bottom water plants?

Place your pots in a container that can hold enough water to cover at least half of the pot, like a sink, bucket, or basin. Fill up the container with water between halfway and three-quarters up the side of your pots. Leave your plants in the water until the top of the soil becomes moist.

What is the best gnat killer for indoor plants?

Hydrogen Peroxide

A peroxide solution apparently kills larvae and eggs on contact, effectively killing off all infant gnats and disrupting the lifecycle. You should be able to buy hydrogen peroxide from any high street pharmacy or online.

Does cinnamon get rid of gnats?

Does Cinnamon Keep Fungus Gnats Away? No—but the idea that cinnamon could provide a natural method for controlling fungus gnats has some basis in reality. "Unfortunately, you can't count on cinnamon on or in the potting mix to help control fungus gnats," Hancock says.

Will plant gnats go away on their own?

A fungus gnat infestation is a common problem that's not likely to go away on its own.

How do I get rid of fungus gnats asap?

Sticky Traps

Flypaper or more modern decorative sticky traps are popular options to catch any fungus gnats buzzing around houseplants and windows. Small yellow sticky traps can be cut and placed on wooden stakes and inserted into pots close to the soil, where adults tend to crawl and fly.

What smells do plant gnats hate?

The only way to get rid of gnats without killing them is to repel them with scents they don't like: vinegar, vanilla, pine oil, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, and lavender. Even dryer sheets could help. Of course, the first line of duty would be to get rid of the infestation's root cause.

What is the best gnat trap?

Combine equal parts vinegar and soap and then add a few tablespoons of sugar – once you mix it all together you can place the bowl wherever the gnats have been gathering. They will be attracted to the sugar and vinegar and drown in the mixture. Traps can also be made out of red wine and dish soap, or rotting fruit.

What spray kills gnats but not plants?

You just need to use a few drops of dish soap and a table spoon of vinegar for each cup of water. With this these destructive gnats will parish with just a few spritz of your new chemical weapon. The best part is that you don't have to worry about this solution harming your indoor plants.

Can I spray vinegar on my plants?

Vinegar is a contact herbicide, so you can unintentionally kill plants in your garden if you accidentally spray them with vinegar. Using vinegar as a weed killer works best on newer plants. "On more established plants, the roots may have enough energy to come back even if the leaves you sprayed have died.

How long does it take to get rid of gnats in plants?

In cooler weather it can take 4 to 5 weeks or more to complete the life cycle, so winter treatment can take longer. That's why I always recommend treating for 2 months (8 weeks), but at least 4 weeks minimum if you've caught it early and only have a tiny infestation.

How do you get rid of gnats in soil without killing plants?

Alternatively, you can use hydrogen peroxide as a quick and effective way to get rid of larvae by mixing four parts water with one part hydrogen peroxide and soaking your soil with the solution. The hydrogen peroxide will help kill the gnat larvae and any eggs in the soil without harming your plant.

Can I sprinkle cinnamon on my plants?

There are almost countless uses for cinnamon in the garden: it can be used as a nature-friendly pesticide, a repellent against annoying insects, or as a catalyst to promote root growth in plant cuttings.

Is hydrogen peroxide safe for plants?

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), occurs naturally in rainwater and acts as nature's cleanser. It oxygenates soil and bodies of water, is non-toxic and safe to use around food, people and animals. Adding it when watering your indoor plants, mimics what Mother Nature does for outdoor plants every time it rains.

How often should I water my plants with hydrogen peroxide?

If you're spraying or watering the soil for fungus, eggs or larvae, be certain you really soak the soil. If you have any of these problems, you can use hydrogen peroxide on your plants once a week.

What does baking soda do for plants?

Prevent Fungal Disease

MAKE IT: Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 2-3 drops of liquid soap in 1 liter of water. Spray the solution on the infected plants. Baking soda helps the plants become less acidic and prevents fungal growth.

How to get rid of plant gnats with hydrogen peroxide?

To get rid of fungus gnats, mix a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide with four parts water. Pour the mixture onto the soil around the infested plant.

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