Houseplant Pests 101, Part 1: Fungus Gnats — The Tiny Flyers in Your Soil
If you’ve ever seen tiny black flies hovering around your houseplants, you’ve met the infamous fungus gnat. They might look harmless, but in large numbers, they can cause damage to your plants’ roots and frustrate even the most patient gardener.
The good news? You can absolutely get rid of them — naturally and effectively.
What to Look For
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Small black or gray flies hovering near soil, windows, or grow lights
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Larvae (tiny white worms) in the top layer of damp soil
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Yellowing leaves or slow growth in plants with heavy infestations
These pests love moist, organic soil and thrive in overwatered conditions.
Why It Happens
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Overwatering or soil that stays damp for too long
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Poor drainage or no drainage holes
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High humidity with little air movement
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Organic-rich soil that becomes a breeding ground for larvae
Fungus gnats often sneak in through bagged soil, compost, or newly purchased plants.
How to Get Rid of Them Naturally
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Let the Soil Dry Out
The larvae can’t survive in dry soil. Allow the top 1–2 inches to dry before watering again. -
Add a Barrier Layer
Cover the soil surface with sand, gravel, or decorative stones to prevent adult gnats from laying eggs. -
Sticky Traps
Place yellow sticky traps near the base of your plants to catch flying adults. -
Cinnamon Water Spray (Angela’s Tip)
Mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in 2 cups of warm water, let it cool, and spray the soil surface to kill larvae naturally. -
Mosquito Bits or BTi
For serious infestations, add Mosquito Bits (a natural bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to your water before watering your plants — it targets larvae safely.
Melanated Eden Wisdom
"Every pest problem is a conversation with your plants.
They’re not failing — they’re speaking. Listen to the signs, learn the rhythm, and nurture the balance."