Dreistadt, S. H. rev. 1986. Fungus Gnats and March Flies. Oakland: Univ. Calif. Div. Agric. Nat. Res. Publ. 7051. Repot plants in the immediate vicinity of the heavily infested plants or treat them with fungus gnat repellent. You might also be bringing fungus gnat eggs into your home through the potting soil. If the conditions are favourable for reproduction, fungus gnats can enter soil bags through the small ventilation holes and lay their eggs while the bags are in storage. This often happens with the unprotected soil stored at DIY stores and garden centres. Unfortunately, the fungus gnats can also make their way into potting soil bags during transport and while being stored at your home. It is therefore impossible to entirely rule out the possibility of an infestation, even with high-quality soils such as our Plantura potting soils. When you buy new plants, we recommend repotting them directly into new soil that is not infested. This will also ensure that your new plant grows well.

Fungus Gnats – What Works And What Doesn’t How To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats – What Works And What Doesn’t

Once a gnat infestation is controlled, there’s still a good chance they’ll return if you don’t take proper fungus gnat prevention measures. Carefully discarding the topmost layer of potting soil outdoors and replacing it with sterile mix is only part of how to prevent fungus gnats in houseplants. The above gnat treatment methods will be most effective if you also take the following steps: Regents of the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Nondiscrimination Statement If you are opposed to harsher treatments, one excellent product to use is Mosquito Bits. Mosquito bits are basically corn cob granules which are coated in BTI bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis). Soak a mosquito dunk containing Bti in a gallon of water overnight. The next day, use that water as a continuing drench into the potting soil. STEP 2: Mix azadirachtin pesticide with water (optional).I’ve only noticed fungus gnats in my basement (where I have a grow light set up) and the temperature stays around 74-75F. In my sunroom, which normally stays in the upper 60s F, I’m not sure I’ve seen a single fungus gnat there. The mites, like the nematodes, will feed on the fungus gnat larvae, eliminating the problem before you even see an adult fungus gnat take to the skies. Eliminate Fungus Gnats with Diatomaceous Earth Repeat this process once a week for at least 3 weeks. You can even do it for a full month to be safe. Remember that you must be persistent with any pest control and it is a good idea to treat even after you don’t see anymore pests. SYSTEMIC CONTROL For the best way to learn how to get rid of a gnat infestation,you should know that there are many ways to get rid of gnats that don’t require you to spend a ton of money. Control your conditions so that you don’t encourage a proliferation of fungus gnats. If you allow the top inch of your potting mix to dry out, it will go a long way in controlling them.

fungus gnats quickly and cheaply Get rid of fungus gnats quickly and cheaply

Note that fungus gnat larvae won’t be affected by this treatment method, so the insecticide will need to be reapplied frequently to be effective. These instructions generally apply to using pyrethrin to get rid of fungus gnats, but defer to the manufacturer’s instructions in all cases. SUPPLIES Fungus gnats ( Orfelia and Bradysia species) are dainty, dark flies much akin to mosquitoes. Adults have segmented antennae longer than their heads, which distinguishes them from shore flies, also often found in greenhouse environments. While you are controlling your potting mix moisture, you will need to also trap any of the adult fungus gnats. Fungus gnats are weak flyers and you will see them normally flying pretty close to your plants. For fungus gnats, the manufacturer recommends using 4 tablespoon, or 1/4 cup, of Mosquito Bits per one gallon of water.

Bob Vila and its parent company, Recurrent Ventures, puts conservation and sustainability at the forefront of nearly everything we do. Though effective, some of the solutions offered in this content are not organic or sustainable. Bob Vila’s staff encourages readers to make informed choices about maintaining their home and property, and opt for solutions that will not have detrimental effects on the health and longevity of this planet and its inhabitants. Fungus gnats ( Orfelia and Bradysia species), also called darkwinged fungus gnats (Sciaridae), are dark, delicate-looking flies similar in appearance to mosquitoes. Adult fungus gnats have slender legs with segmented antennae that are longer than their head. Their long antennae distinguish them from the more robust shore flies, which are also found in greenhouses, associated with algae and decomposing organic matter, but have short bristle-like antennae. Although a few species are up to 1⁄2 inch long, fungus gnat adults commonly are about 1⁄16 to 1⁄8 inch long. Wings are light gray to clear, and the common Bradysia species have a Y-shaped wing vein.