- Fungus gnats are tiny insects with clear wings and dark bodies. The adults do not bite and they are not dangerous to humans or to pets. They lay eggs in the soils of houseplants, so you will see the adult fungus gnats on and around plants as they deposit their eggs. They do not feed on houseplants. Fungus gnat larvae are pale with dark heads. They live in the soil of houseplants and feed on organic and fungal material within the soil. After they mature, the larvae become adults and begin the cycle all over again.
- Adult fungus gnats can be nuisances when they gather around houseplants, making it obvious that the plant is infested. When indoors, they also congregate around light sources like lamps and window. You might also see them around sinks and sources of water. You will not see the larvae in a houseplant's soil. While they usually feed on organic material inside the soil, they occasionally feed on a plant's root hairs. This can lead to a lack of vigor in a plant. In extreme cases, the larvae can damage a plant by burrowing into its tissue.
- To get rid of fungus gnats on a houseplant, you need to kill both the adults and larvae. The adults can be killed using pyrethrin and pyrethroid-based insecticidal sprays, like those designated for flying insects. To get rid of the larvae inside a houseplant's soil, use a soil drench consisting of a biological insecticide called Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis. Because you could have a few generations of fungus gnats in your home, you could need to use treatments more than once.
- Reduce your risk of having a fungus gnat infestation in your houseplants by never reusing potting soil. Fungus gnats are attracted to moist soil, so avoid over watering your houseplants. Water them deeply rather than frequently and allow the soil to dry in between waterings. Repair any broken screens and caulk any gaps in your windows. This will prevent fungus gnats from coming into your home.
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