In recent years, sand has become the weapon of choice for combatting fungus gnats. Simple as it seems, a half-inch layer of sand on top of the potting soil in each pot can keep fungus gnats from breeding. It works because sand drains and dries quickly, denying the fungus gnats the moist soil they prefer.
Also know, will fungus gnats lay eggs in sand?
Sand. Fungus gnats lay eggs among the top layer of moist soil or plant media. By dressing your plants with sand, it will give the appearance of being dry, and discourage the insects from laying their eggs there.
Fungus gnats only lay their eggs in the top inch of soil. Replacing that top inch with sand or gravel creates a dry environment and robs them of nutrient-rich fungus to munch on. Without their needed source of food available, they won’t want to lay their eggs.
Moreover, how do I get rid of fungus gnats permanently?
Mix one part peroxide with four parts water, and pour it through the soil at the root zone until it begins to come out of the base of the pot. The peroxide kills fungus gnat larvae on contact. Neem oil is also an effective soil drench to combat fungus gnat larvae.
Can I put sand on top of soil?
Does gravel stop fungus gnats?
It doesn’t have to be anything special. Simply laying down a layer of small gravel or sand at the top of the pot will prevent there being a home for the gnats to survive in. Make sure you’re taking the best care of your houseplants.
Will gravel prevent fungus gnats?
It’s crucial you use enough stones to deter the bugs. The stones don’t stop water from getting to the roots of your plants when you give them a drink, but they keep gnats from getting in to lay eggs in the soil. The ones that are already in there will be trapped under the layer of gravel.
