Eliminating Fungus Gnats from Houseplants: Alcohol Treatment and Prevention

A gardener battled fungus gnats in Easter lilies and palms after overwatering led to root rot. Moving plants outdoors and drying them out killed the gnats, but dead larvae (worms) later appeared around pots. Expert Darlene explains:

Cause and Solution

• Fungus gnats are attracted to rotting roots from overwatering.
• Larvae die when soil dries out and roots recover.
• Treatment: Replace 1/3 of watering volume with rubbing alcohol to kill remaining larvae.
• Vacuum dead larvae; avoid overwatering in future.
• Never let plants sit in drainage water—empty trays or use a turkey baster.

Home Depot's advice to discard plants is unnecessary; proper care resolves the issue.