Fungus gnats are mosquito-like flies that do not bite and are often mistaken for fruit flies. They are frequently found in the top 2-3 inches of soil. Gnats prefer a moist environment and feed on organic matter. Dyer, M. H. (2021). Adult fungus gnat. Gardening Know How. Retrieved February 13, 2022, from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/fungus-gnats.htm. The problem with fungus gnats is even though they don't have a long lifespan one female gnat can lay up to 200 eggs. Once a fungus gnat problem arises, it does take some time to get rid of them. Typically, fungus gnats eat algae, decaying matter, and fungi. The larvae are known for eating plant roots. Additionally, gnats can easily spread plant diseases from one plant to another which can be problematic. Fungus Gnat Life Cycle. (2022). How to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats - Quickly & Permanently. Retrieved February 13, 2022, from https://worstroom.com/how-to-get-rid-of-fungus-gnats/. Luckily, fungus gnats are fairly easy to treat. There are many options on the market to control fungus gnats. I have personally tried Mosquito Bits, yellow sticky traps, hydrogen peroxide, sand, and bottom watering. The most effective method I have found is Ecological Labs Microbe Lift Mosquito Control. It is very cost effective, completely eliminated the infestation, and requires minimal effort. I mix in 2-3 drops per gallon of water to keep fungus gnats away. I found that Mosquito Bits are decently effective at treating for fungus gnats but not as great as the Ecological Labs Microbe Lift Mosquito Control. I would discourage sprinkling the bits directly into the soil as this leads to them turning moldy. The most ideal way I found to use Mosquito Bits is to make a tea. To make tea mix 4 tablespoons of Mosquito Bits into one gallon of water. Let this mixture sit for 30 minutes and then strain out the bits. Use this tea to water your plants as normal. Sticky traps are great for catching adult fungus gnats during an initial infestation. However, if you have pets be prepared for the sticky traps to at some point get stuck onto your pets’ fur especially if you have cats. If you do decide to try sticky traps make sure you buy the yellow ones because fungus gnats are attracted to the color yellow. Sticky traps are definitely not a long-term solution and over time they are not pleasing to look at. For the hydrogen peroxide method, you can mix 4 cup water to 1 cup hydrogen peroxide 3% and spray down the soil once a week. Sand is probably the messiest option and not the cheapest. The idea is to create a barrier so that the fungus gnats cannot get to the soil. 10/10 do not recommend. Bottom watering is when you don't water from the top down but instead set the plant into a saucer or sink filled with water and let it absorb from the bottom up through capillary movement. This method can help keep the top few inches of soil dry to discourage fungus gnats. Systemics containing imidacloprid are also a great way to kill fungus gnats. I personally use Bonide annual tree and shrub insect control (liquid imidacloprid). It also comes in granules. References:
Cransaw , W. S., & Cloyd, R. A. (2016, April 15). Fungus gnats as houseplant and indoor pests - 5.584. Retrieved February 13, 2022, from https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/fungus-gnats-as-houseplant-and-indoor-pests-5-584/
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