Would the air be blocked if i put sand on top layer of soil?

hello. I have gnats/mites flying around and to prevent them putting their eggs into soil and destroying the roots i put an inch of fine sand as a top layer. Would that hurt the plants?

Would the air be blocked if i put sand on top layer of soil?
moisture or decaying plant material is the cause of the gnats. the sand will not prevent them from proliferating. reduce the amount of water and/or decaying plant material and the gnats will disappear.



an inch of sand shouldn't hurt the existing plants, but probably looks a bit strange.
Reply:Not at all.
Reply:No, If you look at most playing surfaces like a football field or baseball field, they put sand on top of the soil because it help with drainage. Grass still grows through the sand.
Reply:no, it won't hurt your soil, fact is it should improve your soil especially if you have something like hard clay , but, what makes you think that will prevent the gnats from entering your soil to the roots of your plants? there are so many different insecticides that is so easy to use and I don't think sand would help, I have many different plants in my yard, and the best thing I have found is to get one of those, electric insect killers that you put water in, then I put about 4 spoons ful of fruit scented dish washing liquid in the water, it will attract all bugs it seems and kill them, I had trouble with Japanese beetles and this has cured the problem as well, and it kills so any biting insects, it is a wonder the gov, has not recommended it, my plants and roses look wonderful since I started using this thing.