_

photo by Bright_Star

I love houseplants.  I love their beauty and their health benefits. I do not, however enjoy Fungal Gnats. Fungal Gnats can infest your indoor  potted plants in the blink of an eye.

These annoying little flies are a nuisance and they can spread quickly throughout your home. Many folks resort to trashing infested plants, but before you toss out that pretty Peace Lily Junior brought home from school, there are some quick facts you should know.

• Fungal Gnats are harmless to humans.  They do not bite.  They do not spread diseases to humans or animals, no matter how aggravating they may be.
• Fungal Gnats do not damage plant leaves.  However, they spread disease like root  rot from one houseplant to another as carriers.  Their larvae also enjoy feasting on plant roots.
• Fungal Gnats only live a few days. In those few days they will lay over 100 eggs.

Fungal Gnats can be controlled.

To end or prevent a Fungal Gnat infestation, dress the top of your potting soil with a layer of clean potting sand at least an inch deep. Now cover that with a layer of decorative gravel or smooth pebbles.

Fungal Gnats prefer to lay their eggs in the top one-inch of rich moist soil. By hiding the good potting medium under sand and rocks, you’ve stopped Fungal Gnat breeding. The adults will quickly die out and your home will once again be Fungal Gnat free.