What can I do about gnats ion houseplants?

Answer by  strchild65 (74)

Don't over water houseplants and let soil dry out. Make sure pots have good drainage. For infested plants, use soapy water to spray on leaves and soil. Mix small amounts of Ivory soap or Murphy's Oil Soap with water. Another option is using a small amount of rubbing alcohol on soil. Drain dishes under pots regularly.

Answer by  lorel (274)

Gnats are breeding in the soil in your potted houseplants. Destroy their breeding cycle by applying just a small amount of bug spray on the soil. It won't be a major environmental hazard in your home, if you just use a little bit in that very specific area.

Answer by  withsmluck (793)

The best thing to start with to get rid of gnats around houseplants is to trim off and dead leaves since the decaying leave will attract the gnats. Also, make sure there is no standing water in or beneath the pot. If gnats are still present, try a mild pesticide.

Answer by  ScooterMike (145)

These gnats eat the dying plant material, so the first thing to do is make sure your remove all dead plant material. Replace at least the top few inches of soil. Also, lemon scented sprays seem to help, spray liberally around the lip of the pot.