So, you finally brought home that gorgeous Monstera or Fiddle Leaf Fig, gave it a stylish pot, the perfect sunny corner, and maybe even played a little jazz to set the mood.
Everything was going great… until you noticed tiny black bugs doing aerial tricks around your plant babies.
What. Is. Happening?!
Welcome to one of the most frustrating yet super common challenges in indoor gardening: fungus gnats.
But don’t worry—at DH Garden Centre, we’ve seen it all. Whether you’re a seasoned plant lover or just starting your green journey, these pesky bugs are no match for a few simple, organic, and effective solutions.
🌱 What Are Fungus Gnats, and Why Are They in My Houseplants?
Fungus gnats are tiny black flies that resemble fruit flies, but they’re not after your bananas—they’re after your plant soil. More specifically, they’re drawn to moist, organic-rich soil where they can lay their eggs. The larvae then feed on organic matter (sometimes even roots!), and before you know it, your peaceful plant corner turns into a tiny flying circus.
😩 Why Do Fungus Gnats Show Up?
Fungus gnats love certain conditions, and if you’re unknowingly giving them the VIP treatment, they’ll move in fast. Here’s what they look for:
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Overwatered soil (especially when the top stays constantly wet)
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Poor drainage
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Old or compacted potting mix
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Organic-rich soil that stays moist too long
If you’re someone who lovingly waters your plants every other day (hey, we get it—we love them too!), you may be making your soil too cozy for gnats.
🧽 How to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats (Naturally & Effectively)
Let’s kick these freeloaders out—with a plan that’s safe for you, your plants, and the planet.
1. Let the Soil Dry Out
Gnats thrive in moisture. The simplest way to disrupt their life cycle is to let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry out before watering again. This dries out the larvae and keeps new eggs from hatching.
💡 Pro Tip from Darrell: “Don’t water on a schedule—water when the plant tells you it’s thirsty. Touch the soil. If it’s still damp, hold off.”
2. Try Bottom Watering
Place your pot in a shallow tray of water for 10–15 minutes. This lets the roots drink from below while keeping the top layer dry—right where the gnats usually hang out.
✅ Bonus: Bottom watering also encourages stronger root growth!
3. Top with Sand or Diatomaceous Earth
Add a thin layer (about ½ inch) of horticultural sand or food-grade diatomaceous earth on top of your soil. This creates a barrier that gnats hate and makes your pot look clean and tidy.
4. Use Yellow Sticky Traps
These are gnat magnets. Place yellow sticky traps just above the soil surface or hang them near the plant. The gnats are attracted to the color, and once they land, they’re stuck.
They might not be pretty, but they’re super effective.
5. Neem Oil Spray or Mosquito Bits Tea
Both are natural, non-toxic ways to kill larvae in the soil:
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Neem oil spray: Mix with water and spray the soil and plant base. Neem disrupts the life cycle of gnats (and other pests).
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Mosquito Bits tea: Soak the bits in water overnight, then pour the liquid into your plant’s soil. It kills the larvae without harming your plant.
💚 We stock all of these at DH Garden Centre—just pop in or DM us @dh.garden.centre on Instagram!
💬 Darrell’s Real Talk
“Even seasoned plant lovers deal with gnats. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad plant parent—it just means your soil’s a little too comfy. With the right tools, knowledge, and a bit of patience, you’ll have those gnats packing their bags in no time.”
— Darrell Smith, Owner of DH Garden Centre & DH Landscape Solution
🏡 Your Plants Deserve Peace. So Do You.
Fungus gnats are annoying, but they’re totally fixable. With a few small changes and the right tools, you can reclaim your green space and bring peace back to your plant-filled home.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have to go it alone.
At DH Garden Centre in Kitsilano, Vancouver, we don’t just sell plants—we offer real solutions, organic products, and friendly advice from people who genuinely care about your garden’s success. Whether it’s refreshing your soil mix, choosing the right pot, or finding a gnat-safe watering routine—we’re here to help.
📍 Visit Us or Shop Online
📍 DH Garden Centre
3742 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6R 2G4
📞 604-929-7335
🛒 Shop Online 24/7
📲 DM us on Instagram: @dh.garden.centre
