Question
Hello,

I have 3 large indoor trees and a few smaller plants in my home.  I've had them for about 4 months now and have progressively accumulated more and more knats because of them.  I can't seem to get rid of them.  At the suggestion of others...I've tried soapy water, coffee grounds, and chewing tobacco on the soil of the plants to no avail.  They are everywhere and are becoming a real annoyance.  I have 2 small dogs and a toddler at home...I've been trying to find a safe, non-chemical way to get rid of the knats.  Does one exists?  How do I get rid of them?

Thank you!

Answer
Hi Nicole;
Soil gnats can be such a problem! They will not hurt the plant, but they can be quite a nuisance.
The gnats live in the soil, hence the name "Soil Gnats".  I am sure one of the plants you brought home from the store had them and they have now made a nice home in all of your plants!
I am familiar with all of the treatments you have tried.  The best thing to do, if possible, is to let the soil get dry between waterings.  The gnats feed on the fungus which grows in the moist potting soil.  By allowing the soil to dry, the gnats food supply (fungus) will dry up and without that, they cannot mature into egg laying adults.
You can try putting a few of those fly traps in the area-you know, the icky ones that the flys stick to.  The gnats will stick to them also.  This is non-chemical so you don't have to worry about your baby or animals.
There is also a product called systemic, which you put into the soil.  That will sometimes kill off the ones living in the soil.
Hope this helps you-
Good luck Nicole!
Leslie