Question
I have a huge beautiful snake plant that has recently become infested with little black bugs, that look alot like gnats.  What can I do to get rid of them without hurting my plant.

Thanks in advance.
Tracy

Answer
Hi Tracy,

Can you describe when and where you see the insects?  Also describe the cultural conditions, i.e. watering, soil moisture, etc.

There are small dark insects that resemble gnats.  They are fungus gnats and they feed on the fungi growing in the growing medium.  They are common pests in peat-based potting mixes and are usually present when potting mixes are constantly moist.  They do not fly like whiteflies, but they do appear near the plant when the blades/leaves are disturbed.  

Check out the following site to see whether these insects resemble yours.

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Urban/fungusgnat.htm

If they are fungus gnats, stop watering the plant.  The "snake plant" can go months without water.  Without moisture, the fungus gnats cannot survive.  Once they are gone, you can continue watering again.