How to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats in Houseplants (What Actually Helps)

It’s time to talk about a question every houseplant lover might encounter at some point: Why are my indoor plants attracting fungus gnats? Grab a glass of sweet tea to take the edge off as we dive into the unfortunate world of plant pests and how to get rid of gnats in our house plants.

Here’s what to do first: If tiny flies are hovering around your houseplants, they’re probably fungus gnats. Start by letting the surface of the soil dry between waterings, as much as your plant can tolerate. Add a yellow sticky trap near the pot to catch the flying adults. If they keep coming back, use a soil treatment labeled for fungus gnat larvae and follow the directions on the package. Treating the soil matters because catching the flies you see won’t take care of the larvae already growing there. I’ll share more below!

A few years back, I finally became a bona fide houseplant person. I always admired the look of greenery in home decor and found some really great fake plants. At the time, I was hesitant to add many real plants until I knew how to care for them properly.

I started by introducing the easiest house plants to my home: a ZZ plant, a snake plant and a pothos plant. Over time, I’ve learned to care for these and others, and I’ve even created guides for each to share tips with you on what I have learned about them all so far.

You will notice in the guides that I touch on the potential issue of developing a plant pest problem and how to keep them at bay. That takes us back to the question of fungus gnats and why these pesky little buggers love our green friends as much as we do.

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How can I tell if my plants have fungus gnats?

Look for small, mosquito-like flies hovering around your plants, especially when the soil is disturbed. You might also notice tiny white or translucent larvae in the soil. If your plant also has yellowing leaves or slow growth, check its watering and drainage, too. Those symptoms can have more than one cause.

Don’t feel bad if you get them, because it happens to just about everyone who has a lot of plants. Now that I have many plants, I have to work on keeping the gnats at bay.

Why are my indoor plants attracting gnats?

Houseplants often attract fungus gnats that normally live outdoors. They lay their eggs in moist soil outdoors. So when they sense perfectly tended, moist soil in our indoor pots, they fly right inside. Wouldn’t you?

While it’s understandable, I have no desire for a fungus gnat infestation in my home—and I’m sure you don’t either. We put that soil in there for our plants, not for gnats!

What is the fastest way to get rid of gnats in plants?

The best place to start is with the soil. Let its surface dry between waterings as much as your plant can tolerate, and use yellow sticky traps to catch and monitor the adults. If new gnats keep appearing, a soil treatment labeled for fungus gnat larvae can help address the next generation. Larvae mainly feed on fungi and decaying material in damp potting mix, though they can sometimes feed on plant roots.

How to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats in Houseplants: Start With These 3 Steps

If you’ve spotted little flies around your plants, start with your watering routine, then tackle the adults and the larvae separately. You don’t need to try every home remedy in the kitchen!

Check your other houseplants to see whether another pot is the source. If one plant continues to have a stubborn problem, you can repot it with fresh potting mix in a clean container. Then keep an eye on its watering routine so the new soil doesn’t stay soggy.

Want to check for larvae? Set a slice of raw potato on the soil and look underneath it later. You may spot tiny larvae with dark heads. It’s a way to check what’s happening in the soil, but potato slices alone won’t clear the infestation.

More FAQs About Eliminating Gnats Around Indoor Plants

Can I bring new plants into my home while dealing with a fungus gnat infestation?

It’s best to avoid bringing new plants into your home until the infestation is resolved. New plants could introduce more gnats or become infested themselves. If you do bring in new plants, quarantine them in a separate room and inspect them thoroughly for signs of gnats before adding them to your collection.

Are there certain plants that are more resistant to fungus gnats?

No houseplant is entirely gnat-proof, but plants that tolerate drier soil, such as snake plants and ZZ plants, may be less likely to have a problem.

Will fungus gnats kill my houseplant?

Usually, no. Adult fungus gnats are primarily a nuisance, though larvae can sometimes harm roots, especially on young or vulnerable plants. If your plant is yellowing, check its watering and drainage, too. Don’t assume the gnats are the only cause.

How long does it take to eliminate fungus gnats?

That depends on how bad the infestation is and the methods you use. Generally, it can take several weeks to notice a significant decrease in a gnat population. Consistency and persistence are key to successful eradication.

Keep checking your traps and the soil over the next few weeks. Catching the adults, treating larvae when needed and adjusting your watering routine work together to bring the gnat population down.

Have you used any of these methods to protect your plants from gnats? I would love to hear about your experience or any others I should consider.

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