Oh. My. Goodness. I HATE fungus gnats. And thats from someone who dislikes using the word hate. And Ive put it in capitals. Yep. That much.
When I first started collecting plants I was quickly over-run by Fungus Gnats. And because they love carbon dioxide, the only thing more appealing to them than the moist soil of my plants, was the CO2 in my breath, so you always know when you have Fungus Gnats.
Even one or two adults and theyll quite literally be all up in your face. Plus I couldnt leave a cup of tea uncovered without finding little unwanted floaters, and I really love my tea. They had to go…
Amazon links in this post may be affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. Learn more I tried almost every remedy out there, starting with what was in the pantry (cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, potatoes…), you name it, I tried it. Everything helped a little, some more than others (and the cinnamon smelt lovely when I watered), but nothing totally eliminated them, they only reduced the population a little. Simply watering less helped also, although I did take it a bit far and ended up almost losing some plants, so had to find a solution that didnt compromise my plants health.
What DID get rid of Fungus Gnats entirely for me in the end, was this simple two step method below. Thats not to say this is the one-and-only method. Just the one that finally worked for me once and for all.
As a proud gardener of beautiful Alpine Storks Bill flowers, few things are more irritating than tiny gnats constantly buzzing around the plants. While mostly harmless these small flies can become a real nuisance distracting from the joy of caring for your flowers. The good news is there are effective methods to get rid of gnats and allow you to enjoy your Alpine Storks Bills pest-free. Let’s explore some simple solutions.
What Attracts Gnats to Alpine Storks Bills?
Before tackling how to eliminate gnats, it helps to understand what draws them to Alpine Storks Bills in the first place.
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Moist soil – Gnats lay their eggs in damp soil and thrive in moist conditions Alpine Storks Bills prefer well-drained soil but can attract gnats if overwatered,
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Decaysing organic matter – Gnats feed on decaying leaves, compost, and other organic debris. Removing this matter around your Storks Bills discourages gnats.
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Sugary secretions – Some gnats specifically target plants with sugary sap secretions, like those produced by Alpine Storks Bills. They use these secretions as an energy source.
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Lack of air circulation – Stagnant, humid air provides an ideal environment for gnats to breed and hover around plants.
Now that we know what brings gnats around, let’s get into specific remedies.
Water Management
Since moist soil attracts gnats, adjusting your watering practices can make a big difference in reducing their population:
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Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
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Improve drainage by mixing in materials like perlite or sand.
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Avoid overwatering and fix any leaks.
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Use drip irrigation instead of sprinklers.
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Remove any standing water around plants.
Remove Decaying Matter
Eliminate breeding sites by clearing away decomposing plant debris:
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Remove fallen leaves, stems and spent flowers around Storks Bills.
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Discard overripe, rotten fruit/vegetables from garden area.
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Turn over compost pile regularly and keep covered.
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Replace mulch if it becomes soggy and decaying.
Increase Air Circulation
Better airflow deprives gnats of their ideal humid habitat:
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Space Storks Bill plants properly to allow air movement between them.
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Gently fan leaves and flowers occasionally to disturb stagnant air.
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Install small fans in enclosed outdoor growing areas.
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Remove any covers or barriers restricting airflow around plants.
Use Yellow Sticky Traps
Inexpensive yellow sticky traps attract and catch adult gnats:
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Stick traps upright in potting soil or suspend around plants.
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Replace traps weekly as they fill up with gnats.
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Use both indoors and outdoors to monitor gnat population.
Apply Natural Repellents
Certain natural oils deter gnats from lingering on plants:
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Mix a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle. Apply lightly to foliage.
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Top dress potting mix with sand containing a few drops of citronella oil.
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Place small dishes of vinegar around plants to trap and drown gnats.
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Introduce gnat predators like ladybugs, lacewings or dragonflies.
Be Patient
Depending on the severity of infestation, it may take time to fully get rid of gnats. Just stay diligent with these remedies and your Alpine Storks Bill flowers will soon be pest-free. The satisfaction of winning the battle against annoying gnats is well worth the effort. Just remember that prevention going forward is the best medicine. Maintain good garden hygiene and promptly address any conditions that could invite another gnat problem.
Which sticky traps to get
I personally use uBloomd green sticky traps now for my indoor plants as having tested them side-by-side with the yellow ones, I found the uBloomd ones trapped more gnats, but the old yellow sticky traps do a great job too. The uBloomd green ones are made for indoor plants and are easier to use, no prep required, but if you get the yellow ones I have a couple of tricks to make them work better when used indoors (prep tips shared below).
In New Zealand, the yellow ones you can easily get from hardware stores, garden centres and from me online are called Mini-Stickies by Easy Trap (or for my international plant buddies theyre also available here on Amazon).
Can you water with ‘mozzie tea’ and with fertiliser?
Yes, you can use mozzie bits and fertiliser together. I make my mozzie tea first, and once its cooled, I add my fertiliser, and water with both at the same time. I use liquid fertiliser but if youre using a granulated or powder fertiliser you may need to give everything an extra good-mix so both the BTI and fertiliser are evenly throughout the water.
Best Gnat Killer How to get rid of gnats & fruit flies
FAQ
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