How do you get rid of gnats in soil fast?

Author: Athena Hintz V  |  Last update: Wednesday, March 26, 2025

So in order to get rid of fungus gnats, let the top 2 inches of soil dry before watering, you can also use bottom watering technique, hydrogen peroxide, BT solution, mosquito bits, and spinosad to get rid of fungus gnats as well.

What can I put in soil to kill gnats?

Sprinkle diatomaceous earth all over the surface of the soil. Till the first inch or so of soil. Keep vinegar traps around the plant. Insert slices of potato daily.

How do I get rid of gnats without killing my plants?

One surefire way to get rid of them is using Vinegar. It is an effective method for controlling gnats in indoor plants. In addition to sticky traps, this is another effective strategy. A simple solution is to fill a shallow basin with vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap. And place it beside your plant.

Why is my potting soil full of gnats?

Because fungus gnats thrive in moist conditions, especially where there is an abundance of decaying vegetation and fungi, avoid overwatering and provide good drainage. Allow the surface of container soil to dry between waterings. Clean up standing water, and eliminate any plumbing or irrigation system leaks.

How do I get rid of gnats asap?

Homemade gnat killer spray: A mixture of half a cup of water, half a cup of isopropyl alcohol, and a teaspoon of dish liquid can be filled in a spray bottle. This mixture can be sprayed on the gnats directly to kill them.

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

What do gnats absolutely hate?

Use Lavender Spray Or Plants

Gnats are not fans of the aroma of lavender, so whether you want to plant your lavender because you enjoy the look as well as the scent or choose to use a liquid substitute to this scent, gnats will avoid it.

Can I spray my plants with vinegar to get rid of gnats?

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.

Should I throw away potting soil with gnats?

2 Steps to Gnat-Free

Discard the soil immediately, and replace this top layer with sand, which is free of organic matter and dries out quickly—an unappealing medium for fungus-gnat eggs. Let the soil below dry out completely before the next watering.

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.

How long does it take to get rid of soil gnats?

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.

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.

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.

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 you get rid of gnats in soil without killing plants?

Use Hydrogen Peroxide

“You can use 20% hydrogen peroxide (preferably 3%) mixed with 80% water to kill gnat larvae immediately,” Schutter says. “Slowly drench the soil until the mixture comes out of the drainage holes.”

What eats soil gnats?

Nematodes such as Steinernema feltiae and predatory mite Hypoaspis miles are both predators that attack the fungus gnat larvae in the soil. Both predators are very popular with experienced growers as a preventative measure.

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.

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.

What can I spray on soil to get rid of gnats?

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.

Does sand on top of soil for gnats?

Simply cover your potting mix with a small layer of sand and you are good to go. This creates a barrier that the gnats cannot get through. If they can't lay the eggs, they can create an infestation.

How to disinfect potting soil?

Steaming: Steaming is considered one of the best ways to sterilize potting soil and should be done for at least 30 minutes or until the temperature reaches 180 degrees F (82 C). Steaming can be done with or without a pressure cooker.

What smell do gnats hate?

Gnats can't stand the smell of lavender, so consider planting lavender in your garden. You can also use lavender oil in a spray bottle with water. Spray it in areas where gnats are a problem. Lemon is another scent that drives gnats away.

Is it OK to spray vinegar on plants?

Vinegar is a contact herbicide, so you can unintentionally kill plants in your garden if you accidentally spray them with vinegar.

What spray kills gnats but not plants?

Mix one tablespoon of lemon-scented dish soap with two liters of water. Pour into a spray bottle. Spray the infested houseplant liberally with the soap mixture. Be sure to coat the soil, stem and leaves thoroughly.

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