h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I've got a quick question for any or all of you gree thumbs.

I've got a dozen or so houseplants around my flat. I've got them in ceramic pots, which look nicer than plastic or terra cotta, but can develop drainage issues, especially during winter.

From time to time, I've noticed some fungus gnat larvae crawling around in a few of them, especially my basil plants, my African violets (which, I understand, can be seriously damaged by fungus gnats), and some new wildflower seedlings. When I see them, I do try to let the soil dry out before watering again.

Nearly all of the information I've found on fungus gnats, be it online or in books, states that these larvae are generally merely a nuisance, but can become a problem. The general concensus is to apply an insecticide. But I do *not* like to use insecticides, especially now that I'm going to have a cat or two around the place.

Have any of you any suggestions as to how to control fungus gnat larvae without the use of insecticides?

I found this website which may help

http://www.mcb.uct.ac.za/Pest&Fung.htm

I note that they talk about a product called Bio-Neem - the neem tree is an indian tree - the leaves are a natural insect repellent - NOTE: repellent not insecticide - I have a friend who managed to get hold of neem leaves and boils them into a solution which she sprays on her house plants - as it is a repellant it doesn't kill the pests it just moves them on - and it has been used for centuries in India - it is apparently non-toxic to animals and humans.

My Granny swore by an aged soapy water and garlic solution for everything - use pure laundry soap - worth trying?

Both sugestions are well worth trying! I actually already use neem as a toothpaste, so can have a go at that this weekend!

I'll try the soapy water/garlic solution next.

Thanks!