What are fungus gnats, and how can I eliminate them from my indoor plants?

Fungus gnats... those pesky little blighters that buzz about your houseplants, ruining the vibe. They love damp soil and lay loads of eggs, so an infestation can happen in a flash. But fear not! You can beat them with a few tricks. First, let things dry out a bit between waterings. Yellow sticky traps are a good shout too – they're drawn to the colour. For bigger problems, try Bacillus thuringiensis (sounds scary, totally plant-friendly). Worst case, repot with fresh soil. It takes a bit of time, but you'll win this battle and keep your plant babies safe!

Picture this: You're admiring your gorgeous new plant, feeling like a total plant-parent pro... then a tiny black fly buzzes past your nose. And another. And another. Meet the fungus gnat, here to ruin your day! But don't panic, because we're about to give you the weapons to fight back.

What the Heck ARE Fungus Gnats?

• Annoying Flies 101: About the size of a fruit fly, but darker. If it's small, black, and hanging around your plant pots, there's a good chance this is your culprit.
• Not Just Gross, They're Harmful: The adults won't hurt your plants much, but their larvae (tiny white worms in the soil) MUNCH on roots.
• Root Damage = Unhappy Plant: Yellowing leaves, slow growth, or a plant that suddenly wilts for no obvious reason... all potential signs of a gnat infestation.
• Most Likely Victims: Plants that like constantly damp soil are gnat heaven. Ferns, Calatheas, some types of palms... if yours is a bit of a diva, check it carefully!

Busting the Fungus Gnat: Beginner's Guide

1. Are You SURE It's Gnats? Small flies near plants could also be fruit flies (interested in rotten fruit) or drain flies (check bathroom drains etc). ID is important, as getting rid of them is slightly different.
2. Sticky Traps: Your #1 tool! Cheap and available everywhere. Catching lots of flies = gnat problem. Only a few = could be something else.
3. Soil Spy Mission: If you're brave, poke around the top inch of soil with a chopstick etc. See tiny wiggling white things? Those are the larvae, and confirm it's gnats.
4. "Help, I'm Squeamish!" Don't worry, focus on treating the plant and the larvae will die off, even if you don't actually see them. Next time you repot you can be more thorough.

Fungus Gnat Battle Plan: Time to Take Back Your Plants!

Treating a fungus gnat infestation is all about breaking their lifecycle, and hitting them from multiple angles. Here's how:

Step 1: Stop Them Breeding

• Dry Spell: Their larvae NEED damp soil to survive. Let the top 1-2 inches dry out completely between waterings. Tough love for your plants, but worth it short-term
• Drainage Check: If water pools on top of the soil for ages, either it's the wrong type of soil, or the pot's too big.
• Cleanup Crew: Get rid of any dead leaves and mushy bits on the soil surface. It might feel fussy, but it's denying gnats a place to lay eggs.

Step 2: Kill the Grubs (Without Hurting Your Plants)

• Nature's Hit Squad: Bt (a bacteria) and beneficial nematodes both attack larvae in the soil SAFELY. Read the instructions carefully, as how you apply them matters.
• DIY Options: Neem oil and diluted hydrogen peroxide are less strong, but cheap and easy to try. Several treatments needed, as they mainly work on contact.
• The Nuclear Option: If the infestation is BAD, repotting the plant into fresh, dry soil gets rid of most larvae instantly. Harsh, but sometimes necessary!

Step 3: Catch the Survivors

• Sticky Traps: Keep using them even as the infestation gets better. This tells you if you need to repeat treatment, or if you're winning.
• Patience is Key: Even the strongest treatment won't kill ALL the larvae instantly, as eggs keep hatching. This is why repeat treatments are normal!

Prevention is Easier Than Cure:

• New Plant Jail: At least a few days away from other plants, so you spot any pests BEFORE they spread. Boring, but saves hassle long-term.
• Quarantine & Conquer: Plant suddenly got gnats? Isolate it immediately! Easier to treat one plant than your whole jungle
• Don't Overdo the Love: Overwatering is the #1 cause of gnats. If you're prone to this, choose slightly tougher plants that can handle drying out more.

• The Right Weapons: We only stock pest treatments that are proven to work, and safe to use indoors around pets/kids etc.
• "Which One Do I Need?" Confusion: Our staff know their stuff, and can help you choose the best option for your plants and the level of infestation.