2006-09-21 03:46:24 · 6 answers · asked by Liz A 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
It sounds like you are overwatering your plants. When you do many times you will end up with shore flies or fungus gnats which most people would just call "gnats".
The larvae of these pests live in the soil of the potted plants so you could kill off the adults and you would still end up with more when the larvae become adults.
First I would recommend spraying the plants with Shultz Houseplant Insect Killer--it lasts about 4 weeks so you should be able to get the adults.
To kill the larvae is harder. You have to stop watering your plants so much. In fact to kill the larvae let the soil dry completely out. You'll be able to tell if it's dry by lifting the pot. It'll feel really light and the plant may start to wilt. Don't worry the plant can do without water longer that the larvae can. Once it's dry give it a light watering--enough to get some water to the roots. Then let it dry out again. Do this 3 times and you should kill all the larvae. During the process if you want to help the plant out a little use an atomizer and lightly mist the leaves. The plant can take some of the water in directly through the leaves--but don't let it drip on the soil--you want the soil to dry out.
Once done 3 times your problem should be gone. And don't water your plants as often as you did before.
2006-09-21 04:37:25 · answer #1 · answered by college kid 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is very common for indoor plants to have fungus gnats. They typically come into the house with a new plant from the nursery.
The gnats lay their eggs in the soil.
The best way to get rid of them is to use a bacteria that is available at GardensAlive.com. It will kill the larvae and break the breeding cycle. The bacteria is harmless to people, pets and kids.
My wife uses it all the time. It does take multiple applications but that is all covered in the instructions on the bottle.
2006-09-21 04:29:31 · answer #2 · answered by oil field trash 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the plants are INSIDE the house and you apply water to the plants and gnats like an indoor climate and especially when there is moisture/water available...
2006-09-21 03:49:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
gnats like to eat the plants, weird eh?
2006-09-21 03:48:00 · answer #4 · answered by Grandma of six 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey! i use SCD EM for the fungus/gnat thing. also, it fertilizes the soil. it only takes a little, and the bacteria will eat up whatever it is the fungus would otherwise use to grow. 2 in 1. great stuff. www.scdworld.com
2006-09-21 06:19:10 · answer #5 · answered by abbie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a majority of those solutions to date are ultimate, calm down w/ the watering and that they are going to die off, sorry to pay attention approximately your infestation i hate gnats plenty, one in each of those shame that they love indoor vegetation plenty
2016-12-12 12:15:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋