Question
How do I get rid of flying gnats from indoor house plants.  They seem to be coming from the soil.  

Answer
Jacquie,

They are fungus gnats. They are there because the plants are being overwatered. Even when the surface of the soil feels dry there is a lot of moisture lower in the pots.

The ultimate solution is to allow the plants to get dryer between waterings. You can eliminate the bugs in the soil by watering the soil with straight rubbing alcohol. It will not hurt the roots of the plants and it will kill the insects on contact.

Then do not water the plants again until the soil feels dry and the pots feel light weight when picked up or tilted. Be sure to let them dry out betwen each watering. The roots of your plants need a breathing spell between waterings, they cannot sit in a constant swamp. Also 2 hours after you water the plants you should empty the drain trays by dumping them or suctioning them out with a turkey baster.

When you repot the plants add extra perlite to the soil mix, 1/2 soil/ 1/2 perlite. It will add more air spaces in the soil and make them drain better. If you keep them dryer the fungus gnats will not return. Never repot before2 inches larger than the old pot. Good luck.

Darlene