10 Ways to Get Rid of Gnats in Houseplants Fast

9. Deploy Beneficial Nematodes: Microscopic Pest Assassins

This might sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but trust me, Beneficial Nematodes are your friends. They are tiny, microscopic roundworms that can be a total game-changer for biological pest control in your indoor garden. These are the good guys, not the plant-damaging kind!

What ARE Beneficial Nematodes Anyway? (Tiny But Mighty!)

So, what exactly are these invisible warriors? Beneficial Nematodes, specifically the species called Steinernema feltiae, are naturally occurring microscopic organisms found in soil all over the world.

They are not harmful to plants, people, or pets. Instead, they have a very specific target: the larvae of certain insects, including our nemesis, the fungus gnat!

How These Microscopic Warriors Conquer Gnat Larvae

Once they find a larva, they enter it and release a specific type of bacteria. This bacteria quickly kills the gnat larva from the inside out – pretty epic, right? The nematodes then feed and reproduce within the dead larva, releasing more nematodes to continue the hunt. It’s a self-sustaining natural gnat solution for a while!

Here’s the amazing part: these beneficial nematodes actively hunt down fungus gnat larvae in the potting soil.

My First Time Unleashing the Nematode Army (And the Surprising Results!)

I first heard about beneficial nematodes from a gardening friend up north, I think she was in Minneapolis, who had amazing success with them in her indoor herb garden. I was intrigued!

Honestly, ordering live microscopic critters online and having them shipped, especially down here to San José del Cabo, felt a bit strange. But I found a reputable supplier. Applying them was super easy – just like watering my plants.

And the results? Within about a week or two, the number of adult gnats flying around my treated plants dropped dramatically. It was amazing to know those tiny pest assassins were silently working in the soil mix!

Getting Your Hands on These Good Guys (And Keeping Them Happy!)

You can purchase beneficial nematodes from many online retailers or well-stocked garden supply stores.⁵

They usually arrive packaged in a powder, gel, or on a sponge, in a dormant state. They need to be kept cool (often refrigerated, but check the specific instructions!) until you’re ready to use them. Always look for that expiration date, too!

Waking Up Your Warriors: Mixing and Applying Nematodes

When it’s go-time, you’ll “wake up” your nematodes by mixing them with cool, dechlorinated water, following the package directions carefully. Think of it as their pre-battle pep talk!

Then, you simply water your houseplants with this nematode solution. It’s best if the potting soil is already a bit moist before you apply them. You’ll want to keep the soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged!) for a few days after application so the nematodes can easily move around and find those gnat larvae.

The absolute best part is that they are completely safe for your plants, pets, and your family.⁶ This is true eco-friendly pest control.

Are There Any Downsides? (Not Really!)

The main thing to remember is that beneficial nematodes are living organisms, so they do have a shelf life.⁷ You’ll want to use them relatively soon after they arrive for the best results.

Also, they primarily target the larval stage in the soil. So, you might still see some adult gnats flying around for a bit (which is where your sticky traps and ACV traps come in handy!).

Using beneficial nematodes is like having a microscopic, gnat-larvae-hunting cleanup crew working 24/7 in your houseplant soil. It’s a fantastic, natural approach! But what if you need a quick, on-the-spot solution for those adult gnats you see flitting around your plant leaves right now? There’s a super simple spray you can whip up in seconds for immediate action.

Ready for a quick knockdown trick? Click ‘Next’ to learn about a light soap solution spray!