---
title: "My calathea is infested with gnats. I’ve already tried to treat them…"
description: "My calathea is infested with gnats. I’ve already tried to treat them with a store bought soil mix in but it seems like it made it worse. Do I have to repot…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/WWVef39eTDm-cAyqn5862w?language=es"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Bella"
published: "2024-04-04T18:56:16.126303Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/pestsDiseasesAndProblems.jpg"
---

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# My calathea is infested with gnats. I’ve already tried to treat them…

_Publicado por Bella el 2024-04-04_

My calathea is infested with gnats. I’ve already tried to treat them with a store bought soil mix in but it seems like it made it worse. Do I have to repot her? I just repotted her a few weeks ago from the nursery pot

## 2 comentarios

### Kate comentó el 2024-04-04

To keep fungus gnats under control, I add mosquito bits to my watering can and let it soak into the water. You can also get Captain Jack’s dead bug brew and mix that in with the watering as well, or spray onto the leaves and soil. I also keep some yellow/sticky fly paper around to catch the adults.

I think there is also a way to control the population/ward them away by cleaning off leaves and spraying soil with an insecticidal soap. You can buy or mix at home with common ingredients like: water, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Castile soap (NOT dish soap), and combos of peppermint, tea tree oil, etc.  
I also sprinkle cinnamon on to the top of the soil as I’ve read it keeps fungus gnats and other pests away as most insects dislike cinnamon, peppermint, lemongrass/citronella type scents.

Lastly, bottom watering plants can help keep fungus gnats down as they are attracted to and lay eggs in moist soil conditions. By bottom watering you are preventing them from getting into wet top soil too easily.

#### Bella respondió el 2024-04-04

Thank you so much

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