Embracing the trend of growing plants without insecticides might seem eco-friendly, but it often results in a soil teeming with gnats. Here are some tips and tricks to eliminate these pests without resorting back to harmful chemicals.
Humidity and Organic Waste
Gnats thrive in moist environments and organic waste. To get rid of them, start by reducing the humidity of your plants. Hold off on watering until the top few centimeters of soil dry out. Also, refrain from adding organic waste to the soil, such as coffee grounds, banana peels, and eggshells. These practices will make your soil less appealing to gnats.
Sticky Traps
Sticky traps available in various attractive forms like butterflies and birds, are an effective way to eliminate adult gnats. Gnats are drawn to light, so placing these traps near the infested area will help attract them.
Soil Replacement and Essential Oils
In severe infestations, replacing the top five centimeters of soil with a new substrate can be effective. Afterward, resist the urge to water immediately. Try a homemade concoction of cinnamon and rose geranium essential oils as an alternative watering solution. If you're dealing with a heavy infestation, a complete soil replacement may be necessary. Cover the new soil with a thin layer of perlite to keep future pests at bay.
Preventive Measures
Keeping gnats away in the future is as simple as not overwatering your plants. Make sure to aerate the soil and improve its drainage by watering from the bottom up.
Natural Remedies
Natural remedies can also help in the fight against gnats. Some proven gnat deterrents include sulphur matches, adhesive gnat traps, a mix of water and honey, cloves with lemon, black soap, cider vinegar, and aromatic plants. Consider growing some lemongrass, basil, chervil, mint, wormwood, and geranium to keep these pests away.