--- title: "I see a lot of posts asking how to handle fungus gnats. I had a bad…" description: "I see a lot of posts asking how to handle fungus gnats. I had a bad time with them last year. Did a lot of research and trial/error. So, here is a summary of…" url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/0bQetI9XH6RInXuWsDM2ej" community: "Pests, diseases and problems" author: "jlsKenzy" published: "2026-08-20T18:03:02.172399Z" language: "en" image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/HwjMrPOHmLTkQ5A0solZePTdaHKQmkzzBieVnrs36j4/WbxhiiUyQ-W25TCx2e17hw.webp?size=large" --- [Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Pests, diseases and problems](https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ.md) # I see a lot of posts asking how to handle fungus gnats. I had a bad… _Posted by jlsKenzy on 2026-08-20_ I see a lot of posts asking how to handle fungus gnats. I had a bad time with them last year. Did a lot of research and trial/error. So, here is a summary of advice and products, not just what works for me, but what others mention that works for them too. Yellow sticky traps or other flying bug traps: Great as general maintenence for the adults and an indicator of the severity. But this does not get rid of them! There are still eggs and larvae living in the soil. This is where the focus needs to be in order to get free of them. Systemic granules: I use everytime I repot or bring a new plant home by mixing it into soil. It makes the plants less "tasty" to bugs and not just gnats. It needs to be reapplied about 6-8 months. Takes time to see results initially, so definitely use for control and maintenence. Mosquito bits "tea": Works for some by adding it to their watering routine. I didn't see too big of difference. But, I think using this is good for control and maintenence. Diatomaceous Earth: This was my game changer. I spent over 4 hrs on a Sunday (I have 150 plants) sprinkling it onto the dry soil of my plants. Within days there was such a dramatic decline. I cried when I realized I spent a full day working in my home office and I had not batted away 1 single gnat or that I didn't need to refill my water glass because 2-3 gnats decided to go for a swim in it. People also mention beneficial nematodes or other natural bugs as being their success. I don't know too much about this and haven't used any, but it may be worth a try. Finally this gnat spray: If sensitive to smells, be careful. It's a strong scent. If I notice a gnat stuck on a trap, I spray the soil of that plant and the ones next it. I'm finding it good for maintenence. It's been well over a year. I would love to say my home is 100% gnat free, but I can go weeks without seeing one, so I'll say 99%! Good luck with your battle! ![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/HwjMrPOHmLTkQ5A0solZePTdaHKQmkzzBieVnrs36j4/WbxhiiUyQ-W25TCx2e17hw.webp?size=large) ## 8 comments ### Diana commented on 2026-08-20 Saving this for reference!! Thank you! ### Buzzard commented on 2026-08-20 Thanks for all this help! ### Pippin Took commented on 2026-08-20 Thank you so much! ### Jamie commented on 2026-08-21 Thank you. I have tried mosquito bites tea but was unsuccessful. Just ordered the Systemic granules and diatomaceous earth! Can’t wait to apply to my plants. #### jlsKenzy replied on 2026-08-21 With the DE, make sure the soil is dry, or it clumps and won't work. Then bottom water to keep the top dry. Good luck! ### Amy commented on 2026-08-21 You have an amazing amount of plants! I used beneficial nematodes for my gnat problems after trying the sticky traps and diatomaceous earth. The nematodes eradicated all the gnats and it’s been years since I’ve had gnats again. That was my game changer ### Nicole commented on 2026-08-22 Thank you!! ### Planta member commented on 2026-08-23 Mosquito bits world best this way: place in water overnight then use that water for watering the plants. Thais method worked for me when I had an infestation. --- _Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). Reading is open to everyone. To post, comment and like, get the Planta app: https://getplanta.com/download_