How to Get Rid of Gnats
The month of June was stressful to say the least. I’m not sure how, but I had an insane amount of gnats in my home. To know me is to know that I hate bugs/pest! What annoyed me the most is how they literally came out of nowhere. I have always had several plants in my home for years and never had an issue with gnats until June. I’m not sure if it was the soil I purchased or if I got water happy and overwatered some plants but it felt like they were everywhere. I have noticed that a few people within the plant community have been experiencing the same thing as I did which prompted me to writing this blog. After talking with many of you and hearing about your tricks/tips, I thought it would be beneficial to jot everything down, so let’s get to it!
Keep in mind, I am not a gnat expert, but someone who successfully got rid of the gnats in her home
Homemade gnat concoction: I mixed water, Dr. Bronner’s peppermint soap, and a splash of neem oil.
Another homemade gnat concoction: Water, vinegar, sugar, and dish soap. Yes, I know that seems like a lot, but it WORKS. Just look at the picture(s) below.
Look at how many gnats that concoction caught! YUCK
Gnat sticky traps: You simply place these in the soil of your plants and it does all the work for you.
Quite a few people from the plant community swears by this. I personally have not used it yet but I have a package being delivered on Tuesday! Check my IG periodically to see how I feel about it.
Last but not least, neem oil. This stuff smells AWFUL but with the help of other variables (listed above) it does aide in combating gnats within your home.
If you’ve executed these methods and notice you still have gnats, I would suggest checking the soil you’re using to pot your plants. In most instances, the soil that we purchase comes packaged super moist which is not good. Moist soil is how gnats form. This is also caused by overwatering plants which brings me to my next suggestion. FEEL the soil before watering your plants; you don’t want to overwater your plants because it causes gnats and root rot. Now, again I am not a gnat expert but what has worked for me is what I’ve shared.
Until next time Botany fam,
Brittanie
