Tiny White Bugs in Houseplant Soil? Fungus Gnat Larvae—Fix by Drying Out and Alcohol Watering

Identification

The minute white bugs are fungus gnat larvae. They feed on decaying roots caused by chronic overwatering.

Root Cause

Plants sitting in water-filled saucers develop root rot, attracting the gnats. The previous "fix" of repotting everything in bleach-washed pots was extreme and unnecessary.

Simple Solution

1. Dump excess water from saucers 1 hour after watering.
2. Water only when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
3. To kill existing larvae: water the plant with ½–1 cup of rubbing alcohol (adjust for pot size). This eliminates insects without overwatering.
4. Let the soil dry thoroughly afterward.

Prevention

Maintain a wet-dry cycle. Fungus gnats cannot reproduce in dry soil.