Best Soil Cover For Indoor Plants To Avoid Gnats

On the hunt for the best soil cover options for indoor plants to fight fungus gnats? Indoor plants enhance the overall atmosphere of our homes and workplaces, while also improving air quality.

However, a common concern amongst plant enthusiasts is the presence of gnats which can easily be seen at the top of the soil. 

These little flying insects can be quite bothersome, and they often tend to breed in the soil of indoor plants. Luckily, there is a solution: using the right soil cover can possibly help keep gnats at bay and maintain a healthy environment for your beloved plants.

Soil covers are a natural and effective way of controlling gnats, as they essentially provide a barrier between the damp soil, where the gnats often lay their eggs, and the environment of your indoor space. 

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They come in various forms, such as sand, gravel, and even decorative moss or stones. Choosing the best soil cover for your indoor plants not only helps reduce the likelihood of gnats, it can also add an aesthetic touch to your green spaces.

What Causes Gnats in Indoor Plants? 

More than anything, a fungus gnat problem is often caused by a plant having moist soil for too long. Fungus gnat larvae and adult fungus gnats and quickly turn into a fungus gnat infestation if you overwater your plants. 

For the best results, it’s best to monitor your soil and embrace the idea of dry soil being ok for a day or between waterings. 

In addition, you want to make sure your plants are in a breathable plant pot with drainage holes. This is the best way to provide your plant the proper environment to avoid the development of fungus gnat eggs. 

However, having a soil cover has many advantages in addition to potentially addressing your fungus gnat population. 

When selecting a soil cover, there are a few key aspects to consider. The material should be non-toxic and safe for your plants while also allowing proper drainage and aeration. Some materials may be more suitable for certain plant types, so having a general understanding of your plants’ needs will be helpful in making a well-informed decision. 

Additionally, you may want to consider the appearance of the soil cover in relation to your personal taste and the overall aesthetic of your space.

Through careful research and testing, we have compiled a list of the best soil covers for indoor plants to keep gnats at bay. Our recommendations prioritize functionality, safety, and aesthetic appeal, ensuring that your plants thrive in a gnat-free environment.

What is a soil cover for indoor plants? 

 A soil cover simply serves as an effective method to retain moisture in the soil and plant roots. The top layer of soil can easily dry out making one think all of the plant soil is in need of water. However, the organic material in the soil blend and the type of pot that you use can help prevent fungus gnat adults and larvae. 

Best Soil Cover Indoor Plants for Gnats

We have compiled a list of the best soil cover indoor plants to help you combat gnats effectively. Explore our top picks below to find the perfect solution for your needs.

Mosser Lee White Sand Soil Cover

The Mosser Lee White Sand Soil Cover is a must-have for indoor plant enthusiasts looking to improve the appearance and health of their plants while keeping gnats at bay. Covering the soil is a great way to help maintain an optimal amount of moist conditions in the soil and promote plant growth. 

Pros

• Enhances the look of potted plants and terrariums
• Improves water drainage and soil aeration
• Easy to work with and offers a convenient size

Cons

• May not be as white as advertised
• Might not completely eradicate gnats
• Smaller in quantity than expected

The Mosser Lee White Sand Soil Cover not only elevates the overall aesthetic of houseplants, but it also offers functional benefits such as improved water drainage and loosening compacted soil. We’ve found that spreading this white sand across the topsoil in our plants significantly enhanced their appearance, especially when placed in decorative clear vases or with succulents in rock gardens.

While the Mosser Lee soil cover helped in reducing gnats, it might not completely eliminate them. However, it serves as a good starting point and, usually, works well with other pest control methods or products. The sand offers a great texture and effectively protects and retains moisture, contributing to the overall health and growth of our indoor plants.

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One drawback we experienced was that the shade of the sand was not as white as we had anticipated. It appeared more beige than pure white, although not a deal-breaker, it’s worth noting. Additionally, the size of the bag, containing 5 lbs of sand, might appear smaller than expected. Nonetheless, Mosser Lee White Sand Soil Cover is definitely worth considering for those looking to improve their indoor plants and control gnats and have to deal with all those small flies. 

USKICH Sticky Traps Gnat Killer

We recommend the USKICH Sticky Traps for those seeking a safe and effective solution to eliminate gnats and fruit flies from their indoor and outdoor plants.

Pros

• Long-lasting, UV resistant, and waterproof
• Safe, made of eco-friendly materials
• Easy to set up directly in the soil

Cons

• Only available in black color
• May not catch every gnat
• Not a complete solution for gnat infestation

We used the USKICH Sticky Traps on our indoor and outdoor plants and found them to be highly efficient in trapping gnats and fruit flies. The adhesive on the traps is very strong and lasts a long time, making it unnecessary to replace the traps frequently.

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The traps are made of environmentally friendly materials, posing no harm to people or pets. We appreciate that the traps are easy to install – simply peel off the cover sheets and insert the sharp bottom of the trap directly into the soil.

However, we noticed that the traps are only effective at catching a majority of the gnats, not all of them. This could be an issue for those looking for a 100% effective solution for gnat infestation. Additionally, the traps are only available in black, which may not appeal to some who prefer a brighter color for aesthetic reasons.

YourDaDa 40 Pcs 5 Shapes Yellow Sticky Traps

The YourDaDa Sticky Traps are a highly effective and non-toxic solution to eliminate indoor plant gnats.

Pros

• Easy to use and set up
• Extremely sticky and effective at trapping various insects
• Non-toxic, pet-safe, and kid-safe

Cons

• Some shapes may be difficult to peel
• May not be attractive to all gnats without added bait
• Traps can be accidentally split during peeling

We recently tried the YourDaDa Sticky Traps in our home after discovering a gnat infestation brought in by a bag of potting soil. These traps were straightforward to set up, with the option of inserting them directly into the soil or hanging them up near our houseplants. The traps are available in five natural designs: birds, kitty faces, butterflies, sunflowers, and roses, blending seamlessly with our indoor garden.

Made with top-grade, extremely sticky glue, we noticed that these traps effectively captured up to 99% of the gnats that came into contact with them. Additionally, the traps are waterproof and UV resistant, meaning they remained effective even after watering our plants. It’s worth noting, though, that peeling the backing paper off the traps might be a little tricky for some shapes, and care should be taken to avoid splitting the traps.

The non-toxic and odorless design of these traps makes them safe for use around children and pets. However, we found that using a bit of honey or jam as bait increased the traps’ effectiveness, as they seem to not be initially attractive to all gnats. Once we added these natural bait options, there was a significant increase in the number of captured gnats.

Mosser Lee ML1112 Black Sand Soil Cover, 5 lb.

This soil cover is an effective solution for controlling gnats while adding an attractive touch to your indoor plants.

Pros

• Enhances the appearance of house plants
• Improves water drainage and loosens heavy soil
• Protects and retains moisture in the soil

Cons

• Color may appear more dark green than black
• Inefficient packaging may lead to messes upon delivery
• May require a thick layer for optimal gnat prevention

We recently tried the Mosser Lee Black Sand Soil Cover for our indoor plants and noticed significant improvements, not only in appearance but also in soil quality. The black sand enhanced the look of our potted plants and terrariums, making our succulents and rock gardens more eye-catching. This soil cover also helped by loosening compacted soil, improving water drainage, and protecting the soil moisture.

However, we did notice that the black sand appears more dark green than pitch black, but this didn’t detract from its overall effectiveness. When using it to prevent gnats, applying a minimum of one-inch deep layer is crucial for success. On another note, our delivery experience was a bit messy due to inadequate packaging, so be prepared for potential spills upon opening the box.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Mosser Lee Black Sand Soil Cover has been a great addition to our indoor garden care routine. The benefits in appearance, improved water drainage, and gnat prevention make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to upgrade their indoor plant care and add a touch of visual appeal.

Grow Margo Yellow Sticky Trap

The Grow Margo Yellow Sticky Trap is a must-have for tackling gnats in your indoor plants, thanks to its effectiveness and ease of use.

Pros

• Effectively attracts and catches gnats
• Easy to insert into soil
• Long-lasting, UV-resistant, and waterproof adhesive

Cons

• May attract and catch bees if used outdoors
• Extremely sticky, making it difficult to handle
• Limited color option (yellow)

We recently tried the Grow Margo Yellow Sticky Trap to control gnats around our indoor plants and were pleased with the results. The yellow monstera leaf stickers are not only visually appealing but also highly effective in attracting and trapping gnats, thanks to their bright color and high-quality adhesive. As a bonus, their sharp bottom can be easily inserted into the soil without needing any additional tools or support.

One issue that we encountered while using these sticky traps is their strong adhesive, which can be challenging to handle. However, the adhesive does make these traps long-lasting and weather-resistant. It is important to note that these traps should be used indoors, as using them outdoors may lead to accidentally catching bees.

Another drawback of these traps is the limited color option, which might not fit everyone’s aesthetic preferences. Nonetheless, the yellow color does play a significant role in attracting pests, and the traps manage to blend in well with our plants.

ALLRoad 54 Pcs Fungus Gnat Traps

These ALLRoad Gnat Traps are worth considering for those struggling with indoor plant pests like fungus gnats and fruit flies.

Pros

• Effective pest control
• Non-toxic and eco-friendly
• Long-lasting use

Cons

• A bit difficult to peel off the white paper
• Not visually appealing
• Might not catch all types of pests

We tried out the ALLRoad Fungus Gnat Traps in our home and were genuinely impressed with their effectiveness. The bright yellow color of the traps is not only eye-catching for us but also attracts plant pests onto the adhesive. In a short amount of time, we noticed a decreased number of gnats around our houseplants.

Aside from being effective, we particularly liked the fact that these traps are non-toxic and eco-friendly. We have pets and small children in our home, so it was reassuring to know that these traps are safe to use around them. They are also waterproof and UV-resistant, meaning we didn’t need to worry about replacing them frequently.

However, there were a few drawbacks. Peeling off the white backing paper to reveal the sticky surface of the traps can be slightly tricky. Moreover, although efficient, the traps aren’t particularly attractive and may not complement your home’s aesthetic. Finally, while we noticed a decrease in the number of fungus gnats, the traps may not be equally effective against every type of household pest.

Mosser Lee Pearl Stone Soil Cover

The Mosser Lee Pearl Stone Soil Cover is a great purchase for those looking to add an aesthetic touch to their indoor plants while retaining moisture and preventing gnats.

Pros

• Enhances the appearance of potted plants
• Retains moisture and protects soil
• Aids in controlling fungus gnats

Cons

• Quantity may be insufficient for larger gardens
• Size may not suit all pot sizes
• Cost may be high for the amount received

We recently used the Mosser Lee Pearl Stone Soil Cover on our indoor plants and found that it added a lovely touch to our potted plants and terrariums. The pearl stones brought color, texture, and variety, creating an appealing visual effect. Apart from beautifying our plants, they also served a practical purpose by protecting the soil and retaining moisture, which helped our plants thrive.

We also noticed a significant reduction in fungus gnats since we started using the Mosser Lee Pearl Stone Soil Cover. We previously tried using neem oil and other sprays but found this soil cover to be more effective. Although it generally works well, it’s worth noting that the quantity may not be sufficient for larger indoor gardens, and you might need to purchase multiple bags to cover all your plants. 

Additionally, the size of the stones may not suit all pot sizes, making them less suitable for smaller plants.

Buying Guide

When selecting the best soil cover to prevent indoor plant gnats, there are several key factors to consider. In this buying guide, we will provide you with valuable information to help you make an informed decision.

First, consider the material of the soil cover. Some common materials used for soil covers include:

• Sand
• Gravel
• Decorative stones
• Coconut coir

Each material has its pros and cons. For example, sand and gravel are affordable and readily available, while decorative stones may be more aesthetically pleasing. Coconut coir is an eco-friendly option that helps retain moisture in the soil.

Next, take into account the size of the soil cover particles. Ideally, the particle size should be large enough to prevent gnats from tunneling through but small enough not to hinder water drainage and root growth.

Ease of use is another important factor. Some soil covers may be more difficult to apply and manage than others. For instance, sandy materials might be more challenging to spread evenly, as opposed to gravel, which may be simpler to handle.

Consider the effectiveness of the soil cover. A good soil cover should be able to prevent gnats from entering the soil and larvae from emerging. Look for user reviews or unbiased professional recommendations to gauge the success of a particular soil cover.

Lastly, please be sure to think about using sterile potting mix, or changing out your plant with new potting soil. This in addition to the covers, avoiding overwatering to avoid wet soil for too long, and choosing the right type of plant pot are some of the best methods to avoid the common problem of houseplant pests. 

In summary, when selecting a soil cover to control gnats in indoor plants, consider material, particle size, ease of use, and effectiveness. Making the right choice will help to create a healthy environment for your plants and keep those pesky gnats away.