Most people add plants to their spaces to elevate their overall look; houseplants bring nature’s tranquility indoors. But what if, after welcoming these gorgeous plants, some unwanted guests also arrive? I know the frustration you must go through when dealing with pesky flies like fungus gnats or fruit flies around your houseplants.
Don’t worry, take a walk with me, and through this impactful blog post, which includes both preventive and immediate actions, I will share 7 practical and expert-backed tips to eliminate them effectively.
7 Expert Tips
1. Identify The Culprit First
Knowing what you have to deal with is the 50 percent solution to your problem. You have to know the difference between fungus gnats, fruit flies, and other common pests so that you act accordingly. Look below for all the common houseplant pests with pictures.
2. Let The Soil Dry Between Waterings
Giving the soil proper time to dry between each watering session is very crucial; it not only prevents root rot but also eliminates the risk of fungus gnats.
If you are not sure when to water, use your finger and touch the soil; if you feel moisture. It’s not the time yet, or you can use a moisture meter.
3. Use Sticky Traps To Catch Adult Flies
Strategically placing sticky traps will deal with adult flies roaming around your houseplants. You can place them above the plant’s canopy, entry points like windows and vents. It traps adult gnats. Which are more likely to lay eggs that completely break down their breeding cycle?
4. Replace The Top Layer Of Soil
Most basic tip, but ignored by many, as gnat lay their eggs and hide them in the top inches of the soil. So, if they have already infested, it’s better to remove the upper layer of soil, but before removing it, let it dry completely.
As a preventive care, you can also add a layer of gravel or sand as a protective barrier.
5. Try Neem Oil Or Hydrogen Peroxide Solutions
The most common natural remedy among gardening enthusiasts for those who don’t know this is that you need a spray bottle, liquid soap, neem oil and water- Add 2-3 tablespoons of liquid soap and 5-6 drops of neem oil into the water, give it a mix and spray it on your plants in every 14 days.
6. Introduce Beneficial Insects – Optional
Convert your pot soil into a battleground by adding predatory nematodes ( Microscopic worms that eliminate gnats larvae ) or BTI ( Bacterium that secretes toxins which are harmful for pest larvae).
7. Improve Airflow & Lighting
Flies love to thrive in a humid environment. Avoiding overwatering and improving drainage will maintain the humidity.
Maintaining sufficient space between plants or elevating them by using stands will improve airflow. You can also prune the overgrown foliage. Arrange your plants near a south-facing window or use an artificial light.
Conclusion
Flies around your houseplants can be more than just a nuisance—they can harm your plants, too. By following these expert tips, you’ll create a clean, healthy environment that discourages pests from returning. Stay consistent, and your indoor jungle will stay fly-free and thriving.
