Hey everyone! I'm a total newbie at plant care, and I've been nurturing a basil plant that I absolutely adore. It's thriving, but I recently noticed some pesky fungus gnats buzzing around it, and I'm determined to get rid of them! I've read that watering less might help stop their larvae from multiplying, but I'm concerned since basil typically prefers moist soil. Should I reduce watering to eliminate the gnats, or stick to the usual watering schedule? Would my basil suffer if I cut back on water? It's quite sensitive, so I don't want to kill it!
3 Answers
If you can find food-safe diatomaceous earth, sprinkle it on top of the soil. It’s a great natural method! Another tip is to water from the bottom. Just place your plant in a larger container of water and let it soak until the top of the soil is barely moist. This can help keep those gnats at bay without overwatering your basil!
I actually put a layer of sand on top of my plant’s soil, and it worked wonders for getting rid of the gnats! Give it a shot!
Fungus gnat larvae thrive in moist soil, so tackling them is crucial! You might want to consider using Mosquito Dunks, which contain a bacteria that targets these pests. Just follow the instructions on the package for mixing it as a soil drench. It’ll take a little time but is effective!
Thanks for the advice! I’ll order some diatomaceous earth now and also try the soaking method. For now, I'll just enjoy squashing a few of them myself! ❤️