#goodplantdesign – finding solutions to client queries – pest control

An existing client approached me asking if I had ever encountered fungas gnats in an office space with plants? In one of his offices in London, their pest control provider suggested that overwatering of the plants could be the source of the issue. Had I experienced this before, and if so, how was it solved?

Fungus gnats can indeed be a nuisance in an office environment and overwatering is often the cause. However, it is not always related to the plants themselves. It could also be due to other factors, such as leftover food items or water sitting somewhere. These gnats may be noticed on plants or by window sills, but the source of the problem is usually elsewhere. To solve the issue, it's important to identify the source, which could be in the kitchen, bathroom or even in the pipes.

Typically, a professional plant company should know not to overwater plants. However, it's not uncommon to find instances where a plant company is watering the plants, along with a cleaner or a staff member. In such cases, using tags can be useful to indicate which plants are being tended to by an expert.

To address the issue of fungal gnats or indeed any other type of gnat, a team effort is necessary. This includes pest control, cleaners, landscapers and staff. When everyone works together, the problem can be resolved more efficiently.

As an interior landscaper, a few tips to help control the situation include using yellow stickers to trap the gnats, spraying regularly and watering sparingly can be effective measures. Water meters can also be used to ensure that the water reaches the end of the planter or a stone layer can be used to deny gnats access to the soil. We also recommend regular maintenance and reporting services to assess the situation every week or fortnight.

However, it's important to remember that landscapers are not pest control experts. While we rely on our experience, it's vital to contact pest control professionals who have the necessary knowledge and access to sprays that we don't have licenses for.