When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
One of the great things about growing succulent plants is the lack of pests they attract. While pests are fewer on these plants, they may still sometimes attack. It is important to keep an eye out for small gnats, aphids, and mealybugs, as these are the most common succulent/cactus plant pests. Let’s look into cactus and succulent pests and learn how to get rid of them.
If you’re a succulent lover, finding small black gnats buzzing around your prized plants can be incredibly frustrating. While generally harmless, these tiny insects called fungus gnats can quickly become a nuisance in your home.
The good news is there are several effective methods to get rid of gnats on your succulents for good In this article, we’ll explore the causes of gnats on succulents and provide proven solutions to eliminate them
What Attracts Gnats to Succulents?
Before diving into extermination tactics, it helps to understand what draws gnats to succulents in the first place Here are the main culprits
Overwatering
The #1 reason for gnats on succulents is overwatering. Succulents are drought-tolerant plants that don’t require frequent watering. But excess moisture in the soil creates an ideal breeding ground for fungus gnat eggs and larvae.
Overwatering allows gnat larvae to flourish in the damp soil. As adults emerge, they are drawn to the succulent leaves where moisture collects
Dense Soil
Soil that is too dense prevents proper drainage, keeping moisture levels high. This moist environment enables gnats to reproduce rapidly.
Aim for a well-draining succulent soil blend with a mix of organic and inorganic materials.
Excess Organic Matter
Too much organic material like compost or humus retains moisture, which gnats need to thrive.
Covered Pots
Pots without drainage holes that are covered prevent evaporation, creating humidity gnats love.
Overlapping Watering Cycles
Watering again before soil fully dries out sustains damp conditions suitable for gnats.
Decaying Plant Debris
Dead leaves, stems and other debris accumulating under succulents harbor moisture and attract gnats.
8 Ways to Get Rid of Gnats on Succulents
Now that you know what causes gnats, here are the most effective methods to eliminate them from your succulents:
1. Allow Soil to Dry Out Completely
Stop watering and let the soil dry fully, at least 1-2 weeks. This kills gnat eggs and larvae in the soil, stopping reproduction. Bone dry soil removes the environment gnats need to survive.
Always let soil dry completely between waterings.
2. Remove Decaying Plant Debris
Gently remove any dead leaves, stems or debris under succulents. This organic matter harbors moisture and attracts gnats.
3. Use Yellow Sticky Traps
Hang yellow sticky traps around infested plants. The color attracts adult gnats where they get stuck. This instantly reduces the flying pests while you tackle other solutions.
4. Make Cider Vinegar Traps
Fill jars with apple cider vinegar, add dish soap, and poke holes in the lid. The scent lures gnats inside where they drown. Place these DIY traps around plants.
5. Apply Diatomaceous Earth
Sprinkle a thin layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth on dry soil. The sharp particles kill gnats through desiccation when they land on it. Avoid succulent leaves.
6. Use Neem Oil Foliar Spray
Make a diluted neem oil spray and lightly mist leaves. The oil coats plants with a gnat repellent. Always test first and apply in cloudy conditions.
7. Apply Insecticidal Soap
Drench soil and spray leaves with a diluted insecticidal soap solution. Targets larvae in soil and kills adults on leaves. Rinse residue after application.
8. Employ Chemical Insecticides
As a last resort, commercial insecticide sprays can eliminate severe gnat infestations. Follow label dilution instructions carefully and keep away from pollinators.
Persistence with these methods will eradicate gnats from your succulents. The keys are controlling moisture and interrupting the gnat life cycle.
Preventing Future Succulent Gnat Infestations
Once gnats are gone, here are some tips to help prevent their return:
- Allow soil to dry completely between waterings
- Provide fast-draining soil and drainage holes
- Water only when succulents show signs of thirst
- Apply gravel mulch to dry upper soil layers
- Promptly remove fallen plant debris
- Avoid excess organic materials in soil
- Use yellow sticky traps continuously
- Apply neem oil monthly as a repellent
Careful moisture control and preventative treatments will keep gnats away for good.
What to Do For Severe Gnat Infestations
For stubborn gnat problems:
- Repot into fresh, sterile soil to fully eliminate larvae and eggs
- Treat surrounding plants, as gnats spread
- Isolate heavily infested plants until gnats are completely gone
- Apply chemical insecticides or growth regulators
- Introduce beneficial predators like ladybugs or lacewings
With diligence, even severe succulent gnat issues can be overcome. Don’t let these tiny pests detract from growing succulents! Just use persistent pest management techniques until your plants are gnat-free again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gnats harmful to succulents?
No, gnats don’t directly damage or feed on succulents. They are mostly an annoyance due to their presence and soil breeding habits.
How do you know if succulents have gnats?
Look closely at the soil and under leaves for small flying or crawling black insects. Sticky traps will also catch populations. Larvae are tiny white worms in the soil.
Should I repot my succulents to get rid of gnats?
Yes, repotting into fresh dry soil eliminates larvae in old soil. Clean pots thoroughly too. Isolate heavily infested plants until gnats are completely gone after repotting.
Will hydrogen peroxide kill gnats on succulents?
Yes, hydrogen peroxide solution kills eggs and larvae when thoroughly soaked into the soil. Avoid plant contact. Let soil dry after treatment.
Can I use rubbing alcohol to kill succulent gnats?
You can make a diluted rubbing alcohol solution to drench soil which kills larvae. But this risks harming roots, so use caution and avoid contact with leaves.
With some diligence using these methods, you can successfully eliminate annoying gnats from your succulents. Just be vigilant, take prompt action at the first sign of gnats, and enjoy your gnat-free succulents.
Common Succulent and Cactus Pest Problems
While other bugs might occasionally snack on these cactus plants and succulents, they’re usually not found in high enough numbers to cause any real damage – like that of cactus beetles. However, the three most common offenders you may come across include the following:
Fungus gnats, similar to those pesky little fliers (fruit flies) that surround bananas and other fruit when it is a tad too ripe, may linger on or near your plants. Too much water in the soil attracts them. Avoid overwatering succulents to help keep fungus gnats away. If you’ve soaked your plants and then notice succulent and cactus pest problems like this, let them dry out. For houseplants, put them outside to speed up drying when temperatures permit. If soil is soggy, unpot and remove soil from roots to avoid rot. Rot develops quickly on wet roots and stems. Then repot in dry soil.
A swarm of small bugs around new foliage are usually the dreaded aphid. You may notice cottony threads among the young leaves. These bugs are about 1/8 inch (3 mm.) and may be black, red, green, yellow, or brown; their color depends on their diet. Aphids suck the sap from new growth, leaving foliage crinkled or stunted. These pests spread rapidly to other plants. Treatment varies if plants are indoors or outside. A blast of water usually dislodges them and they do not return. Houseplants often can’t be blasted with a spray of water. If foliage is too delicate, use an alcohol or horticultural spray. One application will usually take care of aphids, but keep check to make sure they’re gone and check nearby plants. Root aphids are a different variety of these pests that feed on the roots of your succulents. If your plants are yellowing, stunted, or just not looking well, check for root aphids. Loss of vigor and no other visible pest or disease symptoms is a good reason to unpot and look. These sneaky ones try to hide beneath the rootball, although they are sometimes found on top of the soil. Make sure you unpot outside, or at least away from other plants. A systemic insecticide or products containing Spinosad, new soil, and careful monitoring can help keep root aphids away. Dispose of infected soil far away from anything you are growing.
A white, cottony mass on your plants often indicates the presence of mealybugs. Eggs overwinter on woody stems and crawlers hatch in spring. These suck juices from soft spots on your plants, causing distorted growth and weakening the plant. As crawlers suck on the leaves, they develop a waxy coating that protects them. Feeding crawlers mostly stay in the same spot unless moved to another plant by ants. Ants covet the juice (honeydew) produced by feeding mealybugs and aphids, protecting the pests in their symbiotic relationship. Alcohol or horticulture soap spray dissolves the protective exoskeleton, eliminating the pests. Again, more than one treatment may be needed. Alcohol is available in handy spray bottles. Both 50% and 70% types work for treating pests. Don’t let these pests of succulents or cacti keep you from enjoying your plants. Learning what to look for and how to treat them is all you need to keep these plants looking their best.