Are you noticing little bugs flying around your plants? Fungus gnats are 1/8–1/10 inch long and resemble tiny mosquitoes. While harmless to humans and pets, they can damage plants by feeding on roots.
Symptoms of damage include:
• Sudden wilting
• Loss of vigor
• Poor growth
• Yellowing leaves
They thrive in moist, warm soils — making winter houseplants a perfect environment.
This December, we’re focusing on sustainability, plant care, and creative reuse — from saving seeds to repurposing holiday trees. May your season be green, bright, and thriving!
Miranda Huston, Horticulture Program Assistant
Cottonwood District
Treatments:
• Reduce watering; let the top 3 inches of soil dry out before watering again.
• Remove standing water in saucers.
• If drying out doesn’t work:
o Biological control: Bacillus thuringiensis v. israelensis (sold as Gnatrol, Knock-Out Gnats).
o Systemic granules: Water in to activate.
o Hydrogen peroxide drench: Mix 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide with 4 parts water. Use as a soil drench or spray.
• Traps: Yellow sticky traps catch adults; blue UV traps are also effective.
• Repeat treatments if necessary.
Fungus Gnats!
What to Do with Your Live Christmas Tree After the Holidays
Many municipalities allow cut Christmas trees to be placed curbside after the holidays to be burned or ground into mulch. If you miss the collection date or your local service doesn’t accept trees, here are some creative ways to reuse them:
• For birds: Place your tree in the landscape to provide shelter and protection.
• For fish: Sink your tree in a pond to improve fish habitats. The branches act as a reef, offering substrate for aquatic plants, cover for minnows, and shade that attracts larger fish.