---
title: "I have a tote of soil, perlite, and orchid bark that I have had to…"
description: "I have a tote of soil, perlite, and orchid bark that I have had to repot my plants. I’ve had it for a couple months. I noticed gnats in the tote!! Do I toss…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/3jky3ZP8KDVOZXFqMKSLp0"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Misty"
published: "2026-08-25T16:13:37.351631Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ceo-MO_g0AaI9K878QSGBzi8FP1cqDxDAo2iI2ql4Mc/TWWM9DYzQHSm1wiJiMqoCQ.webp?size=large"
---

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# I have a tote of soil, perlite, and orchid bark that I have had to…

_Posted by Misty on 2026-08-25_

I have a tote of soil, perlite, and orchid bark that I have had to repot my plants. I’ve had it for a couple months. I noticed gnats in the tote!!

Do I toss it? Treat it with Neem Oil? What do I do?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ceo-MO_g0AaI9K878QSGBzi8FP1cqDxDAo2iI2ql4Mc/TWWM9DYzQHSm1wiJiMqoCQ.webp?size=large)

## 7 comments

### Amateur plant mama commented on 2026-08-25

I honestly would toss it but I've been having a heck of a time with gnats lately.

#### Misty replied on 2026-08-25

Me too! I’m bringing all my plants back indoors for the winter. I have been treating them once a week while outside, but…these things are ruthless!!🤬

### Aimee loves plants commented on 2026-08-25

I would toss it too. Those are so hard to get rid of. I would not want to take any chances.

### bina commented on 2026-08-25

You could try baking the mix to sterilize it!  
Preheat to 200 degrees F  
Spread on baking sheet 1 to 3 in deep  
Bake 45 min  
Cool completely before using

Should kill all stages of the gnats :)  
May stink up your kitchen a bit

#### Rhus replied on 2026-08-25

Someone said they use shallow baking dishes and cover them with foil, then leave them covered til they cool, and it makes the process stink way less. Maybe that would be worth a try!

#### Misty replied on 2026-08-25

Interesting…thanks for the idea

### Mads commented on 2026-08-25

You could add BTI or beneficial nematodes to the soil. They’re not cheap tho, so it’s a question of spending money to save the soil, or pay to replace the soil.

However! If you buy the solution, you have it again for next time fungus gnats show up! I got this stuff recently from Amazon.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/F3A6oDxB5AFrwMY-8AmGdM9PkD4LkZ4epCTa5XS85C4/Xqx5wL_vSVig-Vep2WrCjA.webp?size=large)

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