10 Ways to Get Rid of Gnats in Houseplants Fast

2. Introduce Yellow Sticky Traps: Your Silent Gnat Warriors

Now, after we’ve chatted about getting your watering habits on point (which is HUGE, seriously), let’s talk about dealing with the adult gnats that are already flitting about. One of my absolute go-to methods, especially when I first notice a problem, is using yellow sticky traps. They might not look like much, but these things are little yellow ninjas in the fight against fungus gnats!

Why Yellow? The Science-y Bit (Made Simple!)

It’s kinda funny, isn’t it? Why yellow? Well, for some reason, many flying houseplant pests, especially those annoying adult fungus gnats, are super attracted to the color yellow.¹ I’ve heard some folks say it might mimic the color of fresh, tasty foliage or flowers they like. Whatever the exact science-y reason, the important thing is it works like a charm!

The beauty of these traps is that they’re a completely non-toxic pest control method. So, if you’ve got curious pets or little ones running around your Chicago apartment or Dallas home, you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals. They simply lure the gnats in with their color, and then the sticky surface does the rest.² No fuss, no sprays, just silent capture. This helps reduce the gnat population by nabbing the adults before they can lay more eggs in your plant soil.³

My First Sticky Trap Victory Dance

Oh, I gotta tell you, the first time I used yellow sticky traps, I was a bit skeptical. I’d seen them in garden centers, looking all bright and, well, sticky. I thought, “Can something this simple really make a dent?” I had this one Boston fern that was just swarming – it was ground zero for gnats in my house, and it was driving me bonkers!

So, I picked up a pack of those little butterfly-shaped ones, because, why not make your gnat control a little decorative, right? I poked a few into the soil around the fern. The next morning, I went to check, and you guys… it was covered! I mean, it was a little gross to see all those tiny black specks, but mostly, it was SO incredibly satisfying. I actually did a little happy dance right there in my sunroom! It felt like I finally had a real weapon against those relentless little pests.

How to Use ‘Em Like a Pro (It’s Easy, Promise!)

Using these sticky traps is about as easy as it gets, which is perfect when you’re busy with work, family, or planning your next DIY project. Most of them come with little plastic stakes or wires. You just peel off the protective paper (careful, they really are sticky!) and then stick the stake directly into the soil of your affected indoor plants. I like to place them near the base of the plant, kind of angled towards where I see the most gnat activity.

You can also find traps that come with twist ties or little hooks, so you can hang them from branches or plant stands if that works better for your setup.⁴ The main thing is to place them where the gnats are most active. And then? Just let them do their thing! You’ll want to check them every few days. Once a trap is pretty full, or if it loses its stickiness (maybe it got dusty), just carefully pull it out, toss it in the trash, and pop in a new one. It’s one of those gardening supplies I now always keep on hand.

Pretty and Practical? Yep!

And here’s a little bonus: because those adult gnats are a common issue, manufacturers have actually started making these yellow sticky traps in all sorts of shapes – butterflies, flowers, simple squares, you name it. So, they don’t have to be an eyesore in your carefully curated home decor. You can find options that are surprisingly discreet pest solutions, blending in with your beautiful houseplants instead of screaming “pest problem here!” It’s a small thing, but it makes a difference when you love your plants and your stylish space.

So, yellow sticky traps are fantastic for nabbing those adult gnats out of the air. They give you immediate satisfaction and really help break that pesky life cycle. But what about tackling the problem deeper down, right where it starts in the soil, without constantly disturbing the top layer? There’s another watering technique that many plant parents in places like Seattle or Philadelphia swear by.

Curious about how you can water your plants effectively while making the topsoil less inviting for gnats to lay their eggs? Click that “Next” button to learn all about the wonders of bottom watering!