How to banish fungus gnats and save your potted plants
Fungus gnats are small pests that can become a significant problem for our plants. Their presence is troublesome, and the larvae are dangerous to the root system. How can you get rid of them?
Fungus gnats are small insects that often appear in our homes when we bring new plants from the store. These inconspicuous flies, measuring just 6 millimetres in length, can effectively annoy any lover of potted plants. A characteristic feature of fungus gnats is their black colour and yellow abdomen, making them easily noticeable against the green leaves of plants. How do you get rid of fungus gnats? Try this method.
Why are fungus gnats dangerous for plants?
The main issue associated with fungus gnats is their larvae, which develop in the soil. Once they hatch, they start eating young roots, which can lead to their complete destruction. A plant affected by the infestation changes its appearance and often begins to die.
Although adult flies themselves are not harmful to plants, their presence around pots is annoying. Fungus gnats can easily transfer from one plant to another, which further increases the scale of the problem.
How to combat fungus gnats?
If you notice fungus gnats in a pot, you can use several proven home methods to get rid of them. One popular method is preparing a garlic infusion. Simply peel and crush a whole head of garlic, then pour 250 millilitres of hot water over it. After the infusion has cooled, add 750 millilitres of water to make 1 litre of an effective homemade remedy. Pour this infusion into the pot.
Another method to combat fungus gnats is using chamomile tea. Prepare an infusion with 10 chamomile tea bags and 500 millilitres of hot water. After cooling, water the affected plants with the resulting liquid four times a week for about two weeks. Chamomile effectively eliminates fungus gnat larvae, which are the biggest threat to plant health, while also improving soil condition and preventing further spread of pests.
How to prevent the appearance of fungus gnats?
To avoid future problems with fungus gnats, it is worth applying a few simple preventive measures. Each new plant purchase should be quarantined, keeping it away from other plants for a few days to a few weeks. It's also important to keep potting soil in a sealed container, in a dry and cool place, to prevent pest development.
An essential part of prevention is also the appropriate watering of plants. Avoid overwatering, which creates ideal conditions for the reproduction of fungus gnats. Remember that prevention is often easier than combating an infestation, so it's better to be safe than sorry.
