No matter how annoying fungus gnats can be. Chemistry is never the right way to rid a plant of pests. Luckily, there are many organic home remedies like neem oil. On this page you can read how to treat your plant with it and what effect you can expect.
Neem oil is a natural poison against fungus gnats
How Neem Oil Works
Neem oil contains the ingredient azadirachtin. If the fungus gnats absorb this substance, it changes the hormone balance in such a way that the metabolism no longer produces chitin. Chitin is an important substance for every living being, without which numerous metabolic processes are not possible. As a result, neem oil acts like a natural poison in the fight against fungus gnats. However, it does not harm the plant itself. There is no danger for you either if you come into contact with the product.
application
- Mix 1ml of neem oil with a liter of water.
- Add a dash of dish soap (acts as an emulsifier for better binding).
- Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
- Shake vigorously before use.
- Spray on the plant (especially on the underside of the leaves).
tips
You can either spray the neem oil solution on the affected plant (be sure to consider the underside of the leaves) or add the essence to the irrigation water. The latter is even more effective, since the larvae of the fungus gnat are usually in the plant substrate.
Benefits of Neem Oil Treatment
- very effective
- can also be used preventively
- also helps against other pests such as spider mites
- does not harm the environment, pets or yourself
Note: Unfortunately, by spraying or watering the plant with neem oil, you will only kill the larvae that live in the soil. If you do not take any further action, you will have to wait until the flying fungus gnats die naturally. Only then does the infestation disappear completely. However, it cannot be ruled out that new fungus gnats will find their way through the open window. It is therefore advisable to also hang up yellow stickers. You can find more home remedies for fungus gnats here.