How to Check for Gnat Infestation in Roots

Fungus gnats are a common insect pest of plants, capable of damaging many different parts of host plants. The species of gnat most likely to damage the roots of your plants is the fungus gnat, commonly seen infesting potting media in indoor house plants. Due to the extensive health problems that fungus gnats can cause by feeding on plant roots, gardeners should act to remove them right away. The first step to controlling fungus gnats is to confirm their presence. Fungus gnats are about 1/8 to 1/10 inch long, gray or black and with long legs, antenna and one pair of wings.

Yellow sticky cards or traps

Instructions

- 1
  Check windows and doorways for fungus gnat activity. Fungus gnats typically make their way indoors through windows, doorways, cracks and other openings when they are attracted by moist potting media. If you observe other fungus gnats around the windows and doorways in your home, the chances are good that fungus gnats are infesting your houseplant roots.
- 2
  Place sticky yellow traps above the plant. Yellow insect traps are available at gardening supply stores; place one above the plants that you suspect are infested and check them two to three times per week for trapped gnats.
- 3
  Dig up potting media and check for gnats. Gnats feeding on plant roots will be visible in the potting media itself, so digging up chunks of potting media around your houseplant's roots is a simple means for confirming gnat activity.

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