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House Plant Gnat

Houseplant gnats are also called fungus gnats. They lay their eggs in the damp soil. When the eggs hatch, the immature gnats feed on decomposing, organic material in the soil. These gnats are attracted to fungus that grows in the soil of houseplants that have been over-watered.

The gnat measures approximately 1/8-inch in length and is black in color. Although an adult has an average life cycle of only eight days, they reproduce quickly and populations are not likely to die out on their own. Females lay approximately 300 eggs at a time and the eggs hatch within five to six days. The larva stage for gnats spans from 10 to 14 days. Fungus gnat larvae feed on material within soil and can cause severe damage to potted plants.

Gnats feed on the roots and root hairs of plants, as well. They are most harmful to small plants, but can also destroy large plants if the plant is already unhealthy or if the gnat population is extremely large.

Black Gnats

House Gnat