Question
I have been getting gnats in many inside plants. I had them this winter and I changed soil and cleaned plants time and again and thought I finally was Ok, but they keep returning. I have had indoor plants for 40 yrs and never a problem till this winter. Please help me thanks.
Joan
San Rafael
Answer
The soil or fungus gnats become a problem when the soil is kept too moist and not allowed to dry out much between waterings. The larvae of the gnats feed on the small fungi that are decomposing the organic portion of the potting soil, primarily peat moss and mushroom compost. Too many larvae in a pot and they can begin to feed on the plant roots as well. To control them, keep your plants on the dry side. You have already gone through the changing of the soil. Sloat carries beneficial nematodes (aptly named fungus gnat destroyers) that can be applied to the problematic containers. The nematodes eat the larvae thus breaking the cycle. Small yellow sticky traps called Gnat Stix can be attached to the rims of the pots to catch the annoying adults.
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