Greatful for Gnats

Yes, that's right - I'm grateful for gnats.

Ah, the saga of the Christmas cactus continues...

After a strange fungus took over my Christmas cactus soil, I removed every drop of soil and replanted the cactus (not really a cactus - in the orchid family) into a new container.  So far, so good on a healthy plant. 

Now, the cactus has attracted swarms of gnats and they've multiplied by the hundreds. 

Never in a million years would I think that I could become a gnat expert (or at least a "let's get rid of the gnats" expert).

I've learned so much about gnats - for one - the kind that live in houseplants are fungus gnats - not too yummy of a title, huh. 

Someone asked, "Why are the gnats flying around my head?"

I immediately replied, "They love carbon dioxide, so they're feasting on your breath."  I read that if gnats are flying around your head, you should find someone that is taller than you to stand by - they'll always bother the tallest person.  How odd. 

I bought some sticky papers to put in my cactus.  Whatever is on the papers attracts the gnats.  The gnats land and get stuck.  The sticky papers only take care of the adult gnats.  The eggs are literally a whole other can of worms. 

I researched and found several products to use that are non-toxic, yet have not been able to locate them in local stores. 

So for now - the sticky papers will have to work their magic until I can locate the non-toxic products. 

As a result of my gnat research, I read other useful and interesting gardening tips that will support my future planting endeavors. 

I'm grateful for gnats - are you? 

What challenge can you turn into a gratitude?  How can the process of turning challenges into gratitudes work your bliss muscle?

I'd love to hear your comments and discoveries.