I've recently become obsessed with houseplants, but along with my green thumb, I seem to have attracted a few pesky gnats. I've been using mosquito bits and sticky traps, and while I've managed to keep the gnat population to a minimum—thankfully no bugs flying up my nose—I can't help but wonder: is it truly possible to achieve 100% gnat freedom? I'm particularly wary of using repotted soil that may still harbor larvae, and I've noticed even my go-to plant influencers sometimes have gnat deterrents in play. So I'm curious: has anyone here actually managed to be completely gnat-free, or is dealing with a few gnats just part of being a plant parent?
3 Answers
I had a really bad gnat problem but now I'm 99.98% gnat-free. My secret? A combination of yellow sticky traps and mosquito bits. If you don’t have pets, adding systemic granules really helps too. Just monitor your plants and stay on top of it. I went nuts with the sticky traps—having at least 2 or 3 for every plant worked wonders!
I've got around 300 houseplants, and since I started using mosquito bits with every watering, I've hardly seen a gnat. I learned early on that less frequent watering is key, and just letting things dry out has worked for me.
What mix do you use with your water? Can you accidentally overdo the mosquito bits?
For the first time, I can say I'm gnat-free! I tackled my gnat issue after unintentionally overwatering my plants (thanks to my son while I was traveling). I used yellow sticky traps, mosquito bits, and even an indoor zapper. But the real game changer for me was beneficial nematodes. Just one treatment reduced my gnat population by at least 85%. I can hear the zapper working much less these days! They really seem to make a difference.
I just ordered some nematodes, but I’m a bit annoyed about the shipping costs. Does anyone know a better site for next time?
Are you sponsored by them? Just kidding, but that sounds promising!
I’m totally drowning in sticky traps right now too! They’re all I see in my bathroom. Got any alternatives to those systemic granules? I can’t find them where I live.