Common Mistakes 🤔

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❌ 1. Rocks, Gravel, Moss, or Sand as Top-Dressing

These might seem like they’d block gnats, but they don’t. Moisture still lingers beneath, and pests can still reach the soil—especially through drainage holes. Top layers can also trap mold, fungus, or other pests, hiding them until they become a bigger problem. Some of these materials are pricey, messy during re-potting, and ultimately ineffective for gnat control.

 

❌ 2. Sticky Traps Alone

Sticky traps feel satisfying—you can see the adult gnats you’ve caught. But they’re only part of the solution. Plenty of gnats avoid the traps, and the ones that do get caught don’t stop the others from laying eggs. Without addressing larvae in the soil, the cycle just continues.

 

❌ 3. Predatory Insects and Carnivorous Plants

These can help, but they’re often expensive and not always practical indoors. Carnivorous plants mostly catch adults within a small range, and beneficial insects—like nematodes—only work where they’re applied. Nematodes are sold in large packs meant for huge areas, can’t be stored after opening, and die once the gnats are gone (meaning you’ll need to repurchase). They also require consistently damp soil, which isn’t ideal for most plants and can even encourage more gnats.

Understanding the Real Cause

Fungus gnats lay eggs in moist soil or decaying matter. Overwatering is one of the biggest culprits, but gnats can also arrive with new plants, fresh potting mix, or simply fly in from outside.

 

A Simple, Effective Routine to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats for Good

  1. ✅ Use BTI Bits or Dunks in Your Watering Routine
    BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis) is a natural soil bacterium that kills fungus gnat larvae, mosquitoes, and blackflies—without harming people, pets, pollinators, plants, or fertilizers. Steep ¼ dunk or 1 tablespoon of bits per gallon of water for 1-24 hours before first use. Keep the container topped up and refresh the BTI every 30–60 days.
  2.  ✅ Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
    A natural, non-chemical way to damage soft-bodied insects. Only works when completely dry—mix into the soil or leave it for further protection once gnats are gone.
  3.  ✅ Yellow Sticky Traps
    Place one upright in each pot to capture flying adults. This helps reduce breeding while BTI takes care of the larvae. You can stop using them once your gnat population is under control.
  4.  ✅ Dry Out the Soil Between Waterings
    Most plants (other than the most delicate tropicals) prefer their soil to dry out a bit between waterings. Bottom-watering after your initial treatments can help prevent re-infestations.

Rethinking the 3 Most Common Fungus Gnat “Fixes”

A lot of plant care advice gets passed along like folklore—well-meaning tips repeated over and over without anyone stopping to question if they actually work. No one’s trying to mislead you; we all just want to help. But sometimes, there are better solutions.

What is BTI? Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis.

1. What is Bti?

Bti is a biological or a naturally occurring bacterium found in soils. (Bti is short for Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis.) It contains spores that produce toxins that specifically target and only affect the larvae of the mosquito and gnat, blackfly and fungus gnat. EPA has registered five different strains of Bti found in 48 pesticide products that are approved for use in residential, commercial and agricultural settings primarily for control of mosquito larvae.

2. Does Bti pose health risks to humans?

No. Bti has no toxicity to people and is approved for use for pest control in organic farming operations. It has been well tested by many studies on acute toxicity and pathogenicity (ability to cause disease) for Bacillus thuringiensis including studies specifically on Bti. Based on these studies, EPA has concluded that Bti does not pose a risk to humans.

3. Where has Bti been used for mosquito and gnat control?

Bti is used across the United States for mosquito control. Bti is approved for aerial spraying, which has taken place in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Michigan, among other states.  Bti can be sprayed over waterbodies such as ponds, lakes, rivers and streams.  Bti is used to kill developing mosquito larvae by being applied to standing water where those larvae are found. Bti can be used around homes in areas and containers where water can collect, such as flower pots, tires, and bird baths. Bti can also be used to treat larger bodies of water like ponds, lakes and irrigation ditches.

4. Will Bti work to control gnat and mosquito larvae?

Yes, Bti has been shown to be effective in reducing mosquito larval populations and could be effective in controlling mosquitos carrying Zika, dengue and chikungunya in places like Puerto Rico and other areas where these diseases have been identified.

5. Are insects becoming resistant to Bti? 

No. There is no documented resistance to Bti as a larvicide. A recent study (Tetreau et al. 2013) confirmed previous research showing a lack of Bti resistance in mosquito populations that had been treated for decades with Bti.

6. Are there special precautions to be taken during Bti spraying?

No special precautions are needed for applying Bti. A number of Bti products are sold as “homeowner” products and are easy and safe to use. People do not need to leave areas being treated. However, as is the case with many microbial pesticides, some commercial use Bti products may require applicators to wear a dust/mist filtering mask.

BTI Products

What is Diatomaceous Earth?

What Is Diatomaceous Earth and What Is It Used For?

Diatomaceous earth, often called DE, is a naturally occurring powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms known as diatoms. Over thousands of years, these microscopic organisms accumulated in freshwater lakes and oceans, eventually forming soft mineral deposits that are mined and finely ground into the powder we use today.

Despite its soft, chalky appearance, diatomaceous earth has unique properties that make it incredibly useful in gardening, pest control, household care, and even industrial applications.

How Does Diatomaceous Earth Work?

Diatomaceous earth works through physical action, not chemicals. Each particle has sharp microscopic edges that damage the outer layer of insects with exoskeletons. This causes them to dehydrate and die naturally.

Because it works mechanically rather than chemically, insects cannot build resistance to it, which makes it a long-term, effective solution when used correctly.

Common Uses of Diatomaceous Earth

🌿 Plant & Garden Care

Diatomaceous earth is widely used by plant owners to help manage soil-dwelling pests such as fungus gnats, ants, and other crawling insects. It is typically applied to the surface of dry soil, where it creates a protective barrier.

🐜 Pest Control

Many people use diatomaceous earth indoors and outdoors to control ants, roaches, beetles, fleas, and other pests without relying on harsh sprays or synthetic pesticides.

🏠 Household Uses

It can also be found in products for odor control, moisture absorption, and even as a gentle abrasive in some cleaning applications.

🐓 Agricultural & Industrial Uses

In agriculture, diatomaceous earth is sometimes used in grain storage to deter insects. Industrially, it’s used in filtration systems, insulation, and absorbent materials.

Is Diatomaceous Earth Safe?

Yes — when used properly and in the correct form.

✔ Food-Grade vs. Non–Food-Grade

There are different types of diatomaceous earth. Food-grade diatomaceous earth is considered safe for use around people, pets, and plants when applied as directed.

Non–food-grade (pool-grade) diatomaceous earth is chemically treated and should never be used for household or garden purposes.

✔ Around Pets & Kids

When lightly applied and kept dry, food-grade diatomaceous earth is generally safe around pets and children. However, it should always be kept out of reach and not used where it can become airborne.

⚠ Breathing Precautions

While non-toxic, diatomaceous earth is a very fine powder. Avoid inhaling it, as breathing in dust can irritate the lungs. Applying it gently and wearing a mask during application is recommended.

Why People Prefer Diatomaceous Earth Over Sprays

  • No harsh chemicals
  • No strong odors
  • No sticky residue
  • Doesn’t contaminate soil or water
  • Effective against pests that sprays often miss

Because it targets insects physically rather than chemically, diatomaceous earth is often used as part of an integrated pest management approach, especially for recurring problems like fungus gnats.

Final Thoughts

Diatomaceous earth is a versatile, natural solution with a wide range of uses—from plant care to household pest control. When food-grade diatomaceous earth is used correctly, it offers an effective and low-toxicity alternative to traditional sprays and chemicals.

If you’re looking for a simple, proven way to support a cleaner, more natural approach to pest control, diatomaceous earth continues to be a trusted choice for both beginners and experienced plant parents alike.

Diatomaceous Earth Products