Nats in the potting soil

Help! Ive got Nats in my citrus potting soil. Someone said it may have come from a bit of miracle grow i added to my composted pine bark mix and plant tone. I understand the larva can eat the roots. I spray the top with malathion but that seems to be an endless battle.

How do I get rid of them. One advice i saw was to apply a layer of sand on top of the pot, in that they nor larva couldn't dig through. Im now trying that and the Jury is still out.

I also read that a drench of soapy water would kill them. Question is how
much soap and what kind? Im a little scared of what i put on these babies of mine. So Id like some tried and true advice if anyone has it.

I have like 18 plants and to repot now, out of season, is out of question. Id much rather find a cure than repot later. Lots of work. In that i just potted them in Jan and Feb.

Thanks,
Eddie Williamson Raleigh NC

I used a product called Gnatrol that completely eliminated them. It is a virus that attacks the larvae and mosquito larvae too.

I use SaferSoap. You may need to use it a few times but it works great for many pest problems.

I too have used gnatrol. Bought it from amazon and got good service. It is a bacillus bacteria that ruins the digestive system of the larva. Must be used a couple times to break the life cycle. Does not kill the short lived adult fungus gnats- use sticky paper or bug spray if you are inpatient. My understanding is they do not harm plant or human- just an annoyance and worse this time of year.

Thanks very much Guys. Ive ordered some Gnatrol and some Safer Soap both,
mostly to use soap as a spray. This was driving me crazy and doing a Google on nats in potting soil yielded poor results.
Thanks Again
Eddie

If you need more info google "fungus gnats."