Y’all, I have worked long and hard to start to become a Plant Lady, and I will not be outdone by the tiny little gnats I’m now discovering around my green babies! Just when I thought I had the hang of this houseplant thing, I started noticing a few gnats…and then a few more…and then a LOT more. YUCK. Here’s how to get rid of gnats on houseplants via my trusty buddies over on my Instagram feed — come join us [HERE]!
1 – Neem Oil spritz
The number one suggestion I received from a poll on Instagram was to use a spritz of Neem oil on my plants to help rid them of gnats over time. Per the label’s instructions, I use about a tablespoon of the oil diluted with water in a spray bottle, and then I mist the top and underside of the leaves and the soil of each plant. It says to do this every seven days at first, and then when you notice the gnats aren’t as numerous, you can do it less often as a preventative. I’ve done the Neem oil spray for three weeks now, and I can tell a difference!
2 – Sand, Gravel or Rocks on Top
Another suggestion was to place sand, gravel or tiny rocks on the top of the soil in each potted plant. I think the point is to either stop the gnats from getting down in moist soil (which they apparently LOVE…) and laying their eggs. Or was it to trap already laid babies after they hatch? I can’t remember. All I know is I ordered these tiny pebbles from Amazon and spread them out in hopes that the gnat families would decide they’d had enough babies and move on with their life. 😉
3 – Gnat sticky strips
Another highly recommended gnat fighter was this pack of sticky strips! They come with little wooden stakes, and, after you peel off the front and back side of the sticky strip, you stick the stake on the back and place it in the soil of a plant where gnats have taken up residence. These just came in the mail today, so I’ll report back on their efficiency!
Alright Plant Ladies, I know y’all are out there. Let’s hear any other tips or tricks that you have for getting rid of and/or preventing gnats in our houseplants! Leave a helpful tip in the comments, check out the 12 best plant lady tees [HERE] and thanks for reading!
❤️ERIN
So helpful! Thanks Erin!
Thank you so much! You ARE a farmer, Erin! Seriously, you’ve kept so many plants alive, I am proud of you and in awe. I still kill succulents but I am going to buy a pothos and a snake plant and I am confident that with your tips they will survive!
The gnats love the damp soil. I have found fluffing/turning the top soil allows the soil to get air and dry out between watering. The gnats have no place to play and lay eggs. Hope this helps
I use Thieves cleaner from Young Living. Spray it directly on the pests, on and under leaves, around the base of the plant and it works great! Doesn’t harm the plant at all!
Diatomaceous earth powder is also great for gnats, and safe for people and pets (and scentless! I love the effectiveness of neem oil but my kids hate the smell) . Sprinkle it on top of the dirt, and let it do it’s magic! After a few days you can water the powder away or mix it into the soil.