Ugh! Gnats/fruit flies/fingus gnats all over my plants and soil.
nephifofum
11 years ago
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birdsnblooms
11 years agoTiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
11 years agoRelated Discussions
Help with gnats / larvae in my plant!
Comments (10)Labeano - the initial advice that Jefe gave is good advice. His comment immediately above is also spot on. If you use a soil that is well aerated and primarily composed of ingredients that don't break down quickly (pine bark, Turface, crushed granite, perlite, pumice ....., it will be very difficult to over-water, a primary reason for gnat infestations. In addition, the slow decomposition of the organic component (pine bark) is unlikely to support much in the way of gnat numbers unless you work very hard at over-watering. A high % of fine organic components in the soil, especially those that decompose quickly, and organic fertilizers like fish/seaweed emulsion can also cause an explosion in soil borne pest populations (promotes algae growth, too). Mike also makes a good point. I would consider very carefully whether it is wise to use a "chemical garden bug killer on top of the soil", as was intimated upthread. It's probably best to accurately identify the actual pest, and then use the least offensive remedy that includes your pest in its net of effectiveness to bring the numbers of pests back to an acceptable level, or eliminate them. There are MANY chemicals that are used in outdoor applications that are wholly unsuited to, and too dangerous for, indoor use. Al...See MoreGnats in the soil...?
Comments (1)Sorry, when I first started writing this post, all I wanted to ask was whether it was possible for gnats eggs to be 'dormant' in purchased soil... but now that I re read this message, it occurs to me I posted it on the wrong forum. I'm not sure how to delete it, though, so I'm leaving this message instead......See MoreFungus Gnats have taken over!!!!!
Comments (17)Hi, I'm new here and had a question about neem use. I have used it in the house on mature plants- it takes a while, but seems to work. I've heard about peppermint tea too- that is said to wipe them out pretty quickly. I have some in my small greenhouse- not many, but I don't want them to get out of control. I have seedlings in there too. So, my question is, can I use neem on seedlings? Should they be bottom watered with the solution? Is it safe to spray it directly on them. I use it now on my benches, but I really want it to go into the soil after the little bastards living in the soil (pardon my french!) Hope you can help! Tessa (aka dirtdigr) Visit me at... Here is a link that might be useful: Blunders with shoots, blossoms 'n roots...See Morefruit flies/gnats
Comments (20)I hope it's okay to resurrect an old thread, but I have a question re mesh screen and fruit flies ... From this page here, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/determine-mesh-size-window-screen-25184.html, we can calculate how tight a mesh screen is by cutting out a 1 square in piece of fiberglass or other mesh screen and counting how many holes there are in that square inch to figure out the "density" or frequency of the holes to determine the size. But what size will actually keep out fruit flies, anyone know? I don't actually know the size of mesh screen holes that will keep these pesky flies out. Does anyone? I've looked and looked on the net but haven't found a thing. I brought home a roll of figerglass mesh home from my local hardware store but took it back yesterday because it seemed the holes were big enough for the flies to get through. At any rate, didn't want to risk it so didn't open package as the mesh wasn't cheap. Before I go out and buy again, want to know best size to use. Thanks for any help re this! :D...See Morerhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
11 years agoPolly381
11 years agonephifofum
11 years agotifflj
11 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
11 years agobirdsnblooms
11 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
11 years agorhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
11 years agomaureenlavallie4
8 years agolmontestella
8 years agorina_Ontario,Canada 5a
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoemisanwald
8 years agoMentha (East TN, Zone 6B-7A)
8 years agoAlex Bean
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agojamilalshaw26
8 years agorina_Ontario,Canada 5a
8 years agojamilalshaw26
8 years agoDanielle Rose
8 years agomaureenlavallie4
8 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
8 years agoUser
8 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
8 years agothenaturalist
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agojamilalshaw26
8 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
8 years agothenaturalist
8 years agothenaturalist
8 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
8 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
7 years agoCathleen Homer
7 years agoamber
7 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
7 years agostewartsjon
7 years agoSarah Wyatt
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agocaityross
7 years agoPaul MI
7 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
7 years agoPaul MI
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoAlyssa (Zone 6)
7 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
7 years ago
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