How To Keep Fungus Gnats Off Your Plants And Out Of Your GardenFungus gnats are garden pests that sometimes become a dreadful indoor nuisance. This happens when adult gnats materialize in great numbers from potted plants or even flower boxes that are found to contain damp soil that is laden with humus. They are mosquito like insects, which are attracted to light. Because of this they are most often seen at windows. Their larvae, or maggots, feed in soil that has a high amount of organic matter. They do injure the root systems of bedding plants such as poinsettias, geraniums, cyclamens, carnations and African violets. Foliage plants are also prone to fungus gnats. The symptoms of the various plants that are suffering from fungus gnats are possible foliage loss, yellowing, poor growth, loss of vigor, and even sudden wilting. These pests become extremely serious when an infestation occurs in mushroom houses. Although they are completely harmless to humans as well as animals, fungus gnats do inhabit dead plant materials and fungi. If you believe that you have these pests, a completely and reliable identity is best if you take a specimen to your local agent or local garden center. Part of the prevention process is twofold. Carefully inspect new plants prior to purchase, and do not take your plants outside for “a bit of sun and fresh air” then bring them back in the house. | |
Remember that these pests need damp soil to begin their lives. If your home is heavily infested, you may consider purchasing an electrocutor-light flytrap in order to attract and therefore kill many adults at night.
There is also a plethora of available “Sticky Traps that can be hung over the plant that will cause the pests to stick to the cards which when no longer useful can be thrown away, unfortunately though that only traps the adults, and does nothing against their larvae, or maggots.
In order to deal with that, it is highly suggested that you avail yourself of either a commercial pest control company, or remove the offending plants.
Commercial mushroom growers who are plagued by these garden pests ordinarily use naled (Dibrom), diazinon, or methoxychlor. Commercially run greenhouse growers have been known to use other means such as Gnatrol, or Vectobac. Most licensed commercial pest companies use oxamyl (Vydate
Do keep in mind that preventing them is much easier than eradicating them, and besides you wish to keep your houseplants as healthy as possible so that you can enjoy them for a long time to come!
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For more information and a photo of the FUNGUS GNATS visit here. Top Of Fungus Gnates
