---
title: "does anyone know how to get gnats out of the soil of my plants and…"
description: "does anyone know how to get gnats out of the soil of my plants and why it is happening?"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/aGAK-4ayRFKntIfFxTpxsQ/eMqv_B8eSkejRnza26lpBQ"
community: "Expert Level Greenspace"
author: "plant freak"
published: "2024-03-31T20:29:40.152431Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/zdyrjruk9pxkybl9y7lh.jpg"
---

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# does anyone know how to get gnats out of the soil of my plants and…

_Posted by plant freak on 2024-03-31_

does anyone know how to get gnats out of the soil of my plants and why it is happening?

## 4 comments

### Ryan commented on 2024-03-31

You’re overwatering. I’ve used mosquito bits to make a soil soak and it works really well.

### Plant Father commented on 2024-03-31

are your plants in plain potting soil? or has it been amended with additional drainage material, like pumice and perlite? most of the time when people have fungus gnat infestations it’s the soil they’re using. gnats are attracted to the peat in many commercial mixes. miracle gro is well known for being full of pest eggs and larvae, typically because the bags are stored outdoors. you may also be overwatering your plants. fungus gnats breed and thrive on moist soil since they eat the fungus that also breeds and thrives in moist conditions.  
for future reference, this group is intended for horticulture/botany nerds to share science-y fun facts, more advanced (“expert level”) tips and tricks, etc. if you have a question regarding a plant problem, “pests, diseases, and problems” will be more appropriate and is more likely to attract the attention of users willing to solve problems and answer questions than this group.

### Leigh commented on 2024-04-06

I had the same issue. I used Nematodes in the soil and it knocked them out completely. It took a little over a week though until I saw a difference.

### V🌱 commented on 2024-05-04

I sprayed the soil down with neem and then sprinkled cinnamon on the soil for any fungus that might be drawing in the gnats. I am unsure as to whether this will do anything/is good or bad for the plant, but that’s all the info I’ve got for ya!

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