Fungus Gnats Control Nz
Sundews are sticky carnivorous plants that can also keep fungus gnat numbers to a minimum.
Fungus gnats control nz. Be careful not to over water especially during winter months when plants require less water. Although they look a lot like tiny mosquitoes fungus gnats are small flies in the orfelia and bradysia species. To kill fungus gnats you need to use bacillus variance israelensis bti also called h 14 strain. Like many other greenhouse pest insects fungus gnats and shore flies are readily captured on yellow sticky traps.
Fungus gnats feed on decaying plant matter and fungi and thrive in moist conditions such as soil which is where they lay their eggs says derek gaughan founder of the diy pest control. Fungus gnats sciaridae spp are the most common houseplant pest and are distinguished from fruit flies drosophila spp because of their darker color. Fungus gnats do best in damp soils. When you apply a bti soil drench to your plants it saturates the soil harmlessly coating the roots of the plant while providing a toxic snack for the fungus gnat larvae.
Natural pest fungus gnat control with hypoaspis miles. The fungus gnat larvae are very tiny 3 4 mm maggots. Be careful not to overwater especially during winter months when plants use less. While fruit flies hang out primarily near fruit rotten food and funky fridges you ll find fungus gnats in wet plant soil in sewer areas and in household drains.
Fungus gnats and fruit flies are different. Inspect plants thoroughly prior to purchase for signs of insect pests. Turn up soil carefully near the base of the plant and look for the glossy clear larvae. They are often seen flying around plants in damp soil in gardens and indoor pot plants.
They can be identified by their narrow legs light gray or clear wings and segmented antennae that are larger than their heads. The adult flies are grey to black and 2 3 mm. Spray houseplant insect control spray around both soil and plants for gnats. A combination of control techniques is required for successful management.
Fungus gnats do best in damp soils. If there s fungus gnat larvae in the soil spray the soil directly to thoroughly moisten the top then avoid watering until the soil has dried to at least a 2 depth. Environmental fungus gnat control. Oil sprays can harm palms and ferns spray deem around the roots instead.
When potting avoid organic material that holds water such as algae which may encourage egg laying. The adults grow to about 1 16 to 1 8 inch long. These are fairly tiny insects. Reject any plant sending up flying gnats.