boobear20 Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 I have a small indoor herb garden that I have just started to keep. I have had it for about 2 months and it is doing fairly well. However, I am having trouble with these small gnat- looking things. I am concerned that they are bad for the plants. I am really new to this, so is it normal (just annoying to me!) or do I have to do anything to get rid of them? Can I safely get rid of them safely? Thanks for the patients, but I don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lavender Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 I think you are talking about something called fungus gnats. They are the result of very moist conditions and high organic content in the soil. The larvae do some minor feeding on roots and stems but if the plants are healthy they shouldn't cause a problem. Try letting your plants dry out and see if this gets them under control. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boobear20 Posted May 31, 2008 Author Share Posted May 31, 2008 ok thanks lavender! What do you mean by dry out? will it take long for them to go away? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lavender Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Don't water until the soil is dry to the touch when you stick your finger in it. (This is why plant people do not bother with manicures.) Once the soil is dry the larvae will probably all die off and you will have few if any gnats. If that doesn't work there are insecticide drenches and other things you can try. The gnats really are more or less harmless, but a nuisance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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