What is eating my pumpkin leaves?

Question

I noticed some type of gnats crawling in the dirt of my potted pumpkin plants and on the leaves and stems. Could they be eating the leaves? Something is definitely eating the leaves. I have them sitting on my counter in my classroom.

Answer 1

Fungus gnats could be what you're seeing in the pot, and this article will help with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/children/fungus-gnats.htm

However, they do not usually feed on the leaves, so this is a bit puzzling. You can treat the plant with neem oil, which is an effective (and organic) pesticide and fungicide. This should help regardless of the pest. Here is more info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm