Getting Rid of Annoying Gnats in Balsam Plants: A Simple Guide

Balsam plants, with their bright flowers and sweet fragrance, can be a beautiful addition to any garden. However, these plants also tend to attract pesky gnats that can quickly become a huge annoyance. If your lovely balsam plant has become infested with small flying insects, don’t panic. Here’s a simple guide to getting rid of gnats in balsam plants for good.

What Are Gnats and Why Are They Attracted to Balsam Plants?

Before diving into solutions let’s first identify the culprit. Gnats are tiny mosquito-like insects that are drawn to the nectar and damp soil of certain plants. Balsam plants secrete extra floral nectar on their stems and leaves as a way to attract pollinators. Unfortunately, this sweet treat also appeals to gnats. Female gnats are particularly attracted to balsam plants because the moist soil provides an ideal environment for laying their eggs.

While gnats are mostly just a nuisance and do not cause real damage, an infestation can quickly get out of hand. Swarms of gnats flitting around your flower garden are irritating and diminish your enjoyment of the space. The good news is that with a few simple strategies you can kick the gnats to the curb and restore peace to your balsam patch.

Effective Ways to Eliminate Gnats from Balsam Plants

Use Sticky Traps

Sticky traps are the first line of defense when dealing with a gnat problem. These inexpensive yellow traps attract adult gnats looking for a place to land and feed. The gnats get stuck to the adhesive and die. To maximize effectiveness, use several traps spaced around the balsam plants. Place traps near the tops of plants, as gnats tend to congregate around new growth and flowers. Check and replace traps weekly until the gnat population subsides.

Remove Excess Moisture from Soil

As mentioned earlier, gnats need damp soil to reproduce. Allowing the soil around balsam plants to completely dry out between waterings helps disrupt the gnat life cycle. Be sure to empty any overflowing saucers under potted balsam plants as well. Drying out the topsoil forces gnats to look elsewhere to lay their eggs.

Apply Gravel or Sand Mulch

Spreading a 2-3 inch layer of gravel or coarse sand over the soil provides an inhospitable environment for gnats. The gravel dries out the top layer of soil while allowing water to still penetrate to the roots. The rough texture also deters female gnats from laying eggs. For potted plants, just top dress pots with gravel.

Use a Fan

Gnats are weak flyers and have a hard time navigating in windy conditions. Set up a small fan near infested balsam plants to help blow the tiny insects away. Even a light breeze will discourage gnats from congregating. Fans also promote evaporation from soil, making the habitat less suitable for gnat reproduction.

Remove Dead or Rotting Plant Matter

Gnats feed on decaying organic matter. Be diligent about pruning spent flowers, dropping, and dead leaves from balsam plants. Also, clear away any garden debris from surrounding areas. Eliminating these food sources helps cut off gnats at the source.

Apply Neem Oil

Extracted from the seeds of the neem tree, neem oil is a natural insecticide that disrupts the gnat life cycle. Use a spray bottle to coat leaves, stems, and soil around infested balsam plants with the oil. The gnats will be repelled by the odor and have difficulty laying viable eggs. Reapply weekly until the infestation clears. A few applications should do the trick.

Set Out Traps Containing Fruit Juice or Vinegar

Gnats are attracted to the smell of fermenting fruit. Fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar or mashed, overripe fruit. Cover with plastic wrap and poke a few small holes. Place these homemade traps around affected plants. Gnats will be drawn in but unable to escape. Just remember to empty and refresh traps regularly to maintain effectiveness.

Apply Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth

This powdery substance composed of crushed fossils damages the waxy outer layer of gnat exoskeletons, causing dehydration. Spread a fine layer of diatomaceous earth over potting soil or around the bases of plants. The sharp particles cut invading gnats on contact. Reapply after watering. Wear a mask when handling diatomaceous earth as the dust can irritate lungs.

Introduce Natural Predators

Releasing ladybugs or other predatory insects around balsam plants allows nature to take its course. They will feed on gnat eggs and larvae in the soil. You can also attract insect-eating birds like purple martins with specialized birdhouses and feeders. Bats are also adept nighttime gnat hunters.

Use Chemical Insecticides as a Last Resort

If non-toxic methods provide limited results, commercial insecticides containing ingredients like pyrethrins or spinosad can be used. Always follow label directions carefully. Systemic insecticides that are taken up by the plant’s vascular system provide longer-lasting protection but may also harm beneficial insects. Spot treatments and frequent hosing down of foliage help minimize this risk. Only use insecticides as a last ditch solution for severe infestations.

Prevent Gnats from Returning

It takes diligence and persistence to fully rid plants of gnats. Here are some tips to help keep the pests away once you’ve got the problem under control:

• Allow soil to dry between waterings

• Promptly remove dead leaves and flowers

• Discard heavily infested plants

• Introduce predatory insects

• Use row covers over plants

• Apply gravel or sand mulch barriers

• Eliminate nearby standing water sources

• Keep garden debris cleaned up

• Rotate pest deterrents to avoid resistance

Enjoy Your Gnat-Free Balsam Garden

With a little detective work and commitment to pest management, you can successfully eliminate those pesky gnats and once again enjoy the beauty of your balsam plants. Pay close attention to identify prime egg-laying spots, use multiple control methods simultaneously, and thoroughly treat affected plants and surrounding areas. With the right techniques, balsam plants and gnats don’t have to coexist. Here’s to a lovely, gnat-free balsam garden!