Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats are tiny black "flies" that are attracted to overwatered houseplants. While generally harmless, they can be very bothersome. The best way to control fungus gnats is to let your houseplants dry out between waterings (but not so dry as to harm the plant). If they continue to be a nuisance, approved insecticides can be used to drench the soil.

UF/IFAS Sites

• Master Gardener Q&A: What Are These Little Flies?

UF/IFAS Publications

• Darkwinged Fungus Gnats, Bradysia spp.
• Managing Pests of Indoor Plantscapes

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Watering and Fertilizing Houseplants

Other Sites

• Fungus Gnats--Iowa State University Department of Entemology
• Fungus Gnats--National Gardening Association
• Fungus Gnats--Ohio State University Extension
• Fungus Gnats--Purdue (IN) Extension
• Fungus Gnats as Houseplant and Indoor Pests--Colorado State University Extension
• Fungus Gnats: Do You Have Them?--University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension
• Fungus Gnats on Houseplants--New Mexico State University Extension