Question
how do i get rid of them?

Answer
Hi Margaret,

Those are fungus gnats. Their larvae (eggs) live in the soil where they feed on decaying organic matter, usually rotting roots. The flying adult gnats will die of their own accord within a week or so. The key is to treat the future generations living in the soil.

Remove and discard all loose soil from the surface of your plant rootballs. This will remove many of the larvae. Spread a very thin layer of sharp builders or river sand over the surface of the soil. Allow the soil of each plant to dry out as much as possible, watering just before teh plant is ready to wilt. This will deprive the larvae living in the upper portion of the soil of the moisture they need to survive. The sharp edges of the sand will carve up the larvae as they move to the surface of the soil. You should see a gradual decline in the number of flying gnats within about two weeks.

I have written an article on indoor plant pests, including fungus gnats, that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Need more information? Visit my website at www.HorticulturalHelp.com
or email me at [email protected] or call me at 917-887-8601 (EST)
 
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com