---
title: "Hello everyone! I was hoping I could get some advice for fungus…"
description: "Hello everyone! I was hoping I could get some advice for fungus gnats. I had purchased contaminated soil from a big box store, big mistake. Any way long story…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/63f2ca1fc238f7f57e17204e"
community: "Anything about plants"
author: "Krystal"
published: "2023-02-20T01:17:19.395Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/everythingHousePlants.jpg"
---

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# Hello everyone! I was hoping I could get some advice for fungus…

_Posted by Krystal on 2023-02-20_

Hello everyone! I was hoping I could get some advice for fungus gnats. I had purchased contaminated soil from a big box store, big mistake. Any way long story short I have used sticky straps in my plants. I got rid of most of them but it’s been a couple of years and I can’t seem to get rid of them completely. Any advice is truly appreciated!

## 8 comments

### Bunny commented on 2023-02-20

Hello! There’s a multitude of things you can try from Mosquito Bits (sprinkled on the soil, systemic) to watering thoroughly with a solution of peroxide and water (1 part peroxide, 4 parts water). Neem oil pretty much does nothing besides smell.

If the plants can tolerate it, wait to water when the soil is dry. Fungus gnats need moisture for their eggs and larvae in the soil.

In my personal experience, I moved away from using soil and use my own medium mixture. To get rid of the existing annoying pests, I purchased a Mexican butterwort that decimated the adults in a week. If you find them locally, get 2 or 3, place them in locations where the infestation seems the worst and let them work.

#### Krystal replied on 2023-02-20

Thank you very much for your advice I will most certainly be trying what you advise. Have a great rest of your night!

#### Bunny replied on 2023-02-20

I’m happy to help! Like Elon mentioned, sterilizing the soil works, too. I’m not sure how I forgot that. I think it can leave an odor (although not long lasting).

### Elin commented on 2023-02-20

Bunny’s advices are great. I also want to add that if the new soil is contaminated with fungus gnats you can sterilise it before you use it. By applying heat to the soil you can kill the fungus gnats in the soil. Boiling water, microwave or oven are known to use when sterilising the soil ☺️

### Maggie commented on 2023-02-21

Hey! My fungus gnat recommendation is adding the mosquito bits to soil, sticky traps, and cinnamon in the top of your soil! Good luck

### Krystal commented on 2023-02-22

Thank you everyone your advice has been tremendously helpful. I will be sure to update everyone on my progress. Have a great night everyone!

### Erin P commented on 2023-03-19

I used nematodes to get rid of my fungus gnat infestation. Haven’t seen one since I treated, I’d say it was completely successful!

#### Krystal replied on 2023-04-22

Thank you for your advice very much appreciated!

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