The Surefire Way To Keep Pesky Gnats Away From Your Houseplants
If you've noticed tiny insects fluttering around your houseplants, you're likely having issues with gnats. While most flying gnats won't hurt your plants, the larvae of fungus gnats will eat at the plants' roots, though this generally only becomes a problem for the plant with serious infestations. Even if they're not harming you or your plants, gnats can be very annoying to have inside your home. Luckily, there's a simple, non-toxic way to eliminate gnats from your houseplants. With a little diatomaceous earth, you'll be able to kill the gnats without harming your plants.
Gnats are known to lay their eggs in damp soil, which is why they are often attracted to houseplants. These insects also eat organic materials, making plants the perfect spot to live in an indoor setting. Fungus gnats and other varieties may have already been present in the soil of the plant when you bought it, or they could have hitched a ride inside your home on a piece of fresh fruit or a flower bouquet. If you place your plants outdoors during warmer months and then bring them inside for winter, this could also contribute to gnats getting inside your house.
How diatomaceous earth keeps gnats away from your plants
Diatomaceous earth is a natural pesticide made from the fossils of small algae organisms, known as diatoms. While it may just look like a powder, the microscopic edges of the diatomaceous earth are incredibly sharp. When insects come into contact with the substance, it will cut their exoskeletons. These open wounds allow the diatomaceous earth to pull the fats and moisture from the gnats' bodies, slowly dehydrating and killing them. When handling diatomaceous earth, make sure to wear a face mask and gloves to avoid inhaling the fine powder or drying out your skin.
To get rid of gnats pestering your houseplants, spread food-grade diatomaceous earth (the safest variety) over the soil when it's dry. If the dirt is moist, the pesticide might not work properly. It's important to water your plants from the bottom when the diatomaceous earth is on top of the soil. You could also try putting down a layer of sand on your soil before the diatomaceous earth to ensure it doesn't absorb any moisture. Within a week, you should notice the gnats beginning to die off, and within a few weeks, they will likely be gone. By using diatomaceous earth, you can rid your houseplants of fungus gnats and other varieties of this common pest.