Getting rid of fungus gnats
The bane of my existence is the fungus gnat ( Bradysiaspp . ) . This subtle little creature ’s larva love life to dwell overly wet filth . Their larval feeding habits can damage works roots , even stunt or vote down seedling or less conventional plant . adult allow for the land and fly , often to fleet direct into your lip or nose . Here are 8 ways to get rid of fungus gnats in your houseplant . For best success I care to combine a few methods . look on the video above for more details !
1. Dry out the plant
Fungus gnat are attracted to moist soil with fungus and rotting constituent materials to tip on . The best way to eliminate them is to water less .
2. Set a sticky trap
The colour yellow attracts fungus gnats , so positionyellow sticky trapsjust above the land aerofoil . grownup fly to the trap , become stuck and die before reproducing .
3. Use a Bt product to control fungus gnats
Attack fungus gnat larvae with Bt ( Bacillus thuringiensissubsp.israelensis * ) , a bacterium available in several forms that is go for to the soil and watered in . Even if the plant is very wet , go ahead and make the program . Just let the plant dry out before treating again . Here are a few products that have worked for me :
Mosquito Bitsand Mosquito DunksSprinkle granules on the territory or unthaw in piss before water in .
Knock - Out Gnats ™ Dissolve granule in water or sprinkle them on land , then water in .
GnatrolThis has always been my go - to control . thin the liquid in water .
4. Cover the soil
A layer of sand orrice hulls¼- to 1 - inch thick dry out quickly after you irrigate and cater a dry , inhospitable place for adult to lay eggs .
5. Choose potting mix wisely
Fungus gnat always come in freshpotting mix , having infiltrated wet traveling bag stored out of doors . Peat and coir - based potting mix dry out better and are less likely to advance gnat , while premix with bark and compost are more susceptible .
Potting Mixes to Combat Fungus GnatsFungus Gnat Preventing Potting MixCoir Potting Mix
6. Set a potato trap
Slice a potato in half and place the cut side down on the soil . Fungus gnat larvae will be drawn to the spud to feed . Check daily and supplant larvae - overrun piece .
7. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil
Though not quite as efficient as Bt , these natural insecticides can kill fungus gnat larvae when watered into the land . Spraying the foliation is not effective for fungus gnats .
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8. Use natural predators
Nematodes ( Steinernema ) and predatory mites ( Hypoaspis ) provender on fungus gnats and their larva and can be applied to the potting commixture as eggs that will hatch and begin to feed . They will gradually attack the job until there is nothing left for the predators to feed on .
Where to discover Natural PredatorsArbico OrganicsNatures Good GuysNematodesPredatory soupcon
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