I'm struggling with little insects, possibly gnats or flies, in my seedlings and house plants. I've been using store-bought indoor bag soil. I've started pouring boiling water into the soil before using it for my plants. Is this effective for getting rid of any pests or their eggs?
3 Answers
Boiling soil can definitely help eliminate pests and their eggs. I usually put my soil in a large stainless steel bowl, cover it, and pour boiling water until it's soaked. Let it cool before using for planting. For an existing fungus gnat problem, I recommend using mosquito bits and sticky traps alongside boiling water to control them better.
Yes, boiling water works as a disinfectant for potting soil. I often do this when reusing last year's soil. Also, consider adding a drop of dish soap to your watering routine for indoor plants—it helps reduce fruit fly issues.
You might actually be dealing with overwatering, which can attract fruit flies or gnats. I had that issue once as well! Try letting the topsoil dry out a bit, and you might not see those pests anymore. Also, a mixture of apple cider vinegar and dish soap in a bowl can trap and kill the gnats.