Question
I have three house plants in my office, and there are TONS of those little gnats
hanging around them.  I just recently started working here, so I don't know how
the problem started, but I have to fix it soon, they're everywhere and they're
driving me crazy.  Please help!!

Answer
Courtney,

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 pot.

The ultimate solution is to allow the plant to get very dry 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 plant and it will kill the insects on contact.

Then do not water the plant again until the soil feels dry and the pot feels light weight when picked up or tilted. Be sure to let it dry out betwen each watering. The roots of 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 it or suctioning it out with a turkey baster.

When you repot the plant add extra perlite to the soil mix, 1/2 soil/ 1/2 perlite. It will add more air spaces in the soil and make it drain better. If you keep them dryer the fungus gnats will not return. Good luck.

Darlene