Fungus Gnats are driving me nuts !!!!

12 years ago

HELP !!!!!!!

How do I get rid of these stinkin' Fungus Gnats??? They walk all over my potting mix, and are flying all over the joint.

Is there an organic control that I can use as a soil drench, or a commercial product that's not too toxic? I'd rather use a natural remedy, and not an insecticide that will stink up the house. I thought they were fruit flies, and threw out all the fruit.....but, it's the dreaded Fungus Gnats.

What will control these pests?

Featured Answer

kaboehm (zone 9a, TX USA)

6 years ago

Topping the soil with coarse sand also works.

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Comments (50)

joshy46013
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
You must be watering a bit too heavy or your medium isn't drying out quick enough which happens when you first get new bulbs and pot them up when they have no roots.

If I were you I would use a systemic insecticide as that is the only thing that seems to keep them at bay! Hopefully others will have a organic means to help ya.
jodik_gw
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I agree with Josh... cut back on the watering.

Fungus gnats love a moist environment, and if you provide them with one, they will happily stick around and breed.

By cutting back on the watering, you will do yourself and your Hippeastrum bulbs a huge favor. First, the gnats will go elsewhere... and second, Amaryllis bulbs do not like to remain too moist for long periods of time. They are rather susceptible to rot and fungus issues, and in reality, they prefer to be treated more like succulents, and some prefer a more bonsai-like medium... one that drains extremely well, and is of larger particulate that doesn't retain a perched water table within the pot.

If you don't allow your bulbs to dry out properly in between waterings, you'll likely start them on a road to demise. The root systems will drown, literally... and begin to rot. Such rot can quickly claim the bulb, too.

If you want to spray something, Bayer makes a 3 in 1 product that's a fungicide, insecticide, and a miticide all in one. It comes in a turquoise spray bottle labeled 3 In 1 something or other... I can't recall the name, but you'll see it... all decent garden centers carry it. I use it to keep spidermites and whitefly at bay.

A systemic granular product would work, too... Bayer makes a Rose and Ornamental insecticide and feed in one, in a blue bottle/container available at any decent garden center. Sprinkle a little on top of the soil, and as you water it in, it dissolves... the roots uptake the product, and it works from the inside of the plant, out. I use this product on plants I take outside for summer, and I re-apply about twice annually.

Honestly, fungus gnats are a sign you're going a little heavy on the moisture. Water only as the bulbs need it... which is when the medium has sufficiently dried out. You'll need to stick a finger down into the medium to check... as far as you can. If you feel moisture, hold off. Don't water until a soil check comes up dry.

A wooden skewer works for this purpose, too. You can get packs of 100 at a grocery store for about a dollar. They're actually shish-ka-bob skewers. Stick the pointy end down into the soil at an angle, toward the root ball, and leave it there for a little bit... pull it out and press it to your cheek. If it feels cool and moist to the touch, hold off on watering. If it comes out dry, your bulb needs a drink.

It's my contention that the soils or mediums sold retail are not truly what plants require. They hold too much moisture for most plants, and do not hold their structure well, at all. There is very little aeration, and most are formulated for the convenience of not having to water so often, but this is at the expense of plant health and vitality.

Please read the attached article... it will give you a little insight into mediums, moisture retention, and what plants really need.

Here is a link that might be useful: Container Soils - Water Movement & Retention XIV
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haweha
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Supply water exclusively from the bottom. Every other day. Quantities that are being absorbed within less than 10 min.
When the substrate surface has become dry, then spray on it with a long lasting insecticide.
bronxfigs: New York City/7b
Original Author
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thanks, one and all. I thought that the soil had dried out enough between waterings, but, I guess not. I'll use the old bamboo skewer trick from now on just to make sure. The Bayer, 3 in 1 product sounds OK...so, I'll try it out.

Question: Will the Fungus Gnats eat away my bulb, or, just plant matter in the soil?

Thanks a lot, and especially for getting back to me so quickly.

Frank
haweha
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
The maggots of these Gnats dishonestly pretend, to just feed on dead,organic matter, but actually they eat some live roots too, for dessert if not even for breakfast.For large bulbs, their activity is not really detrimental. Even if observation on diseased bulbs with outer scales rotting might suggest that they are the culprits - they are actually not the reason but the effect - they simply favorize soft, wet, rotting matter. HOWEVER! For young seedlings they can become fatal. They are actually capable of making the very first leaf collapse by secretly separating it at its base, from the little bulb. They can even drill themselves into the delicate basal plate of young seedlings' bulbs.This is generally lethal. The female Adults distribute their eggs across the cultivation bed, and they can ruin the whole project.
jodik_gw
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
The tiny flies, themselves, do not harm plants... but their larvae does feast on plant roots and other items within a moist growing environment.

So, yes... in the various stages of growth, fungus gnats can cause damage.

Your best bet is to cut back on the moisture, and use an insecticide formulated for the insect type you need to do battle against... in this case, fungus gnats. The Bayer 3 in 1 will work great.

No problem getting back to you... I'm having a poor health day, so I've been sitting here feeling crummy since this morning. :-)
bronxfigs: New York City/7b
Original Author
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
jodik:

Sorry you're not feeling up to par.

Soil gets drenched tomorrow, then dried out.

Get better soon, and, thanks.

Frank
haweha
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Jodi, prepare a hot soup from equal amounts of "diced" (cubed) Potatoes and sliced Onions; +salt and pepper. This will help a lot!
jodik_gw
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thank you for the good wishes, guys... I do appreciate it! :-)

I'm no stranger to poor health, however, with the constant companionship of Lupus and spinal injuries from an auto accident of many years ago. I so wish chicken soup would cure me... but I do love a good home made soup, especially in this kind of weather! That's an excellent idea, and just as I was wondering what to prepare for dinner! I'm thinking chicken noodle soup thickened with extra rice! Yummy!

I do have a cold on top of everything else, though, which came courtesy of my granddaughter! She's in Kindergarten, and in contact with all those other little kiddies and their germs and viruses. It's bound to happen when we visit, and I've almost come to expect getting sick after a visit. I wouldn't trade those visits for anything, though, and I'll risk the flu or a cold to see family... it's worth it!

Today was just one of those days where I had an extra hard time getting my butt in gear! Hot chicken soup with rice... coming up!
haweha
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Okay Hot chicken soup (with a lot of Celery Leaves) ON (Basmati) Rice TRUMPS! I agree.Potatoe+Onion Soup are times more easily prepared though, WHICH is a serious consideration IF you are half-dead.
Giggling!
bronxfigs: New York City/7b
Original Author
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
You made me get a yen for a bowl of some hot, homemade soup! Tomorrow, I'll make some chicken soup, I'll drench the soil, and I'll slurp some soup while the Fungus Gnats fly around my face. That's heaven.

jodik....sorry to hear that you suffer the effects of the conditions that you mentioned in your posting. My prayers are with you for a rapid recovery.

Best regards......Frank
jodik_gw
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thanks, guys... I appreciate the good thoughts.

I sometimes cheat if I'm pressed for time, and I open a can of soup and pour it over a container of quickly made Minute Rice! I know it's not as good as home made, but it does the trick when time is a factor.

Autumn and winter are both great seasons for home made, one pot meals... stews, soups, or anything made in a crock pot if you have one.

I do like adding the leaves of celery, along with the chopped vegetable, itself. It adds a wonderful flavor to soups. I also like using fresh herbs from the garden.

We just finished a large pot of beef barley stew that was made downstairs. Let me explain... my husband and I are caretakers for a large working farmette, complete with horses, dogs, goats, poultry, and a rose and perennial business. We occupy the studio apartment upstairs, and the owners live downstairs. We occasionally share cooking duty, making large pots of soups and stews when we're in the middle of busy seasons.

This is a rather busy time, as we're trying to batten down the hatches for winter. We don't always have time to prepare full meals, so we will make large pots of chili, or a stew or soup, and then we can grab quick bowls of it in between chores.

Speaking of chores... it's almost time to get out there and brave the wind and rain to get my chores done!

Be careful, Frank, that you don't end up with fungus gnat stew! Ew! ;-)

Isn't it interesting how these threads can morph from one thing into something entirely different? I enjoy the conversation, though. :-)
bronxfigs: New York City/7b
Original Author
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Isn't it strange that the grass always seems greener.....

A working farmette, complete with animals seems so quaint...to me,...a NYC boy/man. In another life I would have loved to be a "farm boy", and do "chores", work with the animals, fish in a meadow stream, pick apples..... Well, being born and raised in NYC, I guess I do have to live with animals, in a sense. And, the city looks and smells just like a pigsty. Now that I think of it, farm life would be a step up for me.

The soup's started, and is simmering on the stove. Now, I'll go drench the soil, and kill me some bugs. Enough day-dreaming.

Get better.

Frank
jodik_gw
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
You're so funny, Frank! LOL! New York City is definitely a far cry from the plains of Central Illinois!

Change of plans today... "chores" are put on hold so we can "make a run to town"... another quaint euphemism... for supplies!

You see, we live so far from general civilization that a run to town is a twenty minute trip, each way, so we make bi-monthly trips to re-supply the farm. This entails grocery shopping, a stop at the farm store, and one to order feed and other farm related items, and we sometimes stop and have lunch somewhere while we're out and about.

I lived in Chicago for a short time when I was younger, and I couldn't handle all the people, the noise, the traffic, the pressed in feeling... it was too much for me. I was born in the country, and I've lived here most of my life... out where the people are few and the animals many... where the nearest neighbor is a hike to get to... and where, if you'll pardon me, a person can squat behind the nearest tree without fear that someone is watching! :-)

We hunt, fish, grow our own food, and generally enjoy nature at it's best. There are hardships that don't occur in a city setting, but there are tradeoffs no matter where you live.

I'm off to change for the trip... can't go dressed like Farmer Jodi! ;-) Have a lovely day, and enjoy that soup!
heinie
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Fungus Gnat larvae feeds off the new soft roots of a plant and damaging the roots just under the growing medium surface which could lead to fusarium rot which could infect the bulbs as well. One Fungus Gnat can lay between 100 and 300 eggs per day in the medium of which 10% hatch. The male and female Gnats lay eggs. You can place a cut through potato on the growing medium with the cut side on the medium. Lift the potato after 2 or 3 days to see the larvae on the surface of the medium.

If you observe carefully you will notice the Gnats on top of the moist medium on large plants too but with the mass of roots it is not so critical. The Gnat eggs and larvae can be controlled by the soil-dwelling bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis which colonize the eggs and larvae and kills it. You should be able to find this product where you are. It is not an expensive product and well worth the use of it. I apply it once a month to control Gnats. It is non toxic.

I wish you luck to find the product to get rid of these pests.

Heinie
from South Africa
haweha
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
C'mon.
It might be the wishdream of some Male, to lay eggs. But IF they could, THEN they would not be "Male" any longer.Perhaps the source of your information provides an explanation, why you conclude that male Fungus Gnat were capable ofdoing the impossible. Is this online?
bronxfigs: New York City/7b
Original Author
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
jodik......

I nearly wet myself laughing when you describe what life is like living on the farm. I pictured some Minnie Pearl-type woman, with three teeth, smokin' tobacky in a corn-cob pipe, a la "American Gothic". If I had to get in a car and then drive twenty minutes just to get to a store, I grab a strap and look for a beam! Laugh now, please!

Anyway, enjoy your shopping trip.

Frank, from Da-Bronx
jodik_gw
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Oh, Frank! Talk about peeing from laughter! You are too funny! ;-)

No, we're not quite that close to Hee-Haw! I've still got my teeth, I cut the price tags off my outerwear before appearing in public, don't smoke a tobacco pipe... and to be quite honest, I can't stand country music!

I'm a girl of the 80's with big hair who loves heavy metal, fast cars and motorcycles, and I'm a huge MMA fan! That's right! Grandma is a platinum blonde with tattoos and piercings who refuses to dress like a grandma and loves to rock out to good music! :-)

I just happen to like living out where I can do what I want, when I want, without the neighbors peeking over the fence! You might call me a nonconformist, a progressive, or a liberal, even... with one caveat... I retain the right to keep my guns... so I can hunt, of course! ;-)

We did all of our running around, grocery shopping, picking up feed and whatnot for the farm, and we topped it off with a nice dinner at Outback Steakhouse. I'm very tired, but it was a nice trip. And now, we don't have to go anywhere for another couple of weeks.

We're not your typical farm type people... but we have always lived in a country setting. It's a great place to grow up, to raise kids, keep dogs and other pets, and I don't think either of us could ever live in a city or suburban setting. It's just not our style. :-)

You'd laugh if I told you all the things I've done throughout the span of my life... or, you might be surprised, or shocked even! I'm not really that old... unless you consider 50 old... I do, but I'm not dead yet! ;-)

Getting back to plants for a minute... I did some checking while we were out, and the stores around here are carrying the same old/same old for Hippeastrums this year. I did see some lovely Phals priced at $14.99, which isn't bad... but I can't grow them so it would have been a waste to buy one. Oh, well...

Have a lovely evening... I'm off to stretch my bones and watch "The Ultimate Fighter"!
bronxfigs: New York City/7b
Original Author
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
jodik:....

Glad you have a sense of humor. And yeah,....what's with that damn country music? They're always pissin'-n-moanin' about somethin'!!!

The soup was, just OK. I've made better. I drenched the soil, and I put some slices of raw potatoes down too. I hope something works.

Your country life sounds great, and I suspect that deep down, I too would have loved to have been more "farm-ish". I never really clicked with the big city, big gov't, mentality that infests every aspect of our lives, but then, independence and personal responsibility has been bred out of our way of thinking for decades. Just let someone else pick up the tab. Politically speaking, I'm living in the wrong state. America's finished. We'll be just like socialist-Europe in a few years. That's all I'll say about it.

Guns, yes guns. Too bad I can't hand you the rifle that I use. It's a replica of a single-shot, Remington rolling-block, 45-70 Gov't. carbine, open sights,...but accurate. Packs quite a punch with factory ammo, but the gun is heavy, so the kick's not too bad. You could easily handle it. Got handguns too... but, may be forced to sell them off because the cost of the license has skyrocketed, and I hardly use them anymore. "...Shall not be infringed...." what a crock!! I used to belong to an indoor range but the Obama EPA Nazis have made the rules of operating these ranges so oppressive, that there's no place to shoot indoors anymore. They're all closing down.

Thanks for all the input, everyone. I hope my Gnat problems will be over soon.

Be well.... Frank from, Da-Bronx
jodik_gw
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Frank, the bottom line is... it doesn't matter who is "voted" into leadership positions... our government doesn't make the decisions; power and wealth pull the puppet strings. It's been this way for decades, and the people have become too complacent. You want real news? You have to go underground to get it. It's not forthcoming from mainstream media, which is a dupe.

And giving credit where it's due... there are some European nations and others that at least try to place their people above profit... which America cannot seem to do, blinded by greed and self interest as it is.

When I was little, I though this was the greatest nation there was... as an adult, I know better. I give no allegiance to any political party; they're all corrupt. I prefer to think independently.

If I could get my husband to move to a warmer climate, we might be considered ex-pats, even now. I'm angered by American exceptionalism, our sense of global entitlement, and embarrassed by the reputation we've earned in the global community. We have no right... might doesn't make right.

And when I say "we", I don't mean the millions of average citizens who have little say in the process... I mean the very small percentage at the top of the food chain who hold the power, wealth and influence.

While I'm prepared to debate politics, I detest doing so. This country is being torn apart by politics, corruption, and greed. You and I, Frank, don't matter in the larger picture... as long as we remain complacent, consumers in a superficial world where money is king. We're expendable, usable as a labor force, and collateral damage when things go bad.

The funny part of it all is... in death, we're all equaled. No one wins, and there's no choice... which makes so much of what's happening in our world seem so sad and pitiful, so senseless.

But enough of things we have little control over... this is supposed to be a happy forum, dedicated to bulb addiction!

When it comes to a sense of humor, we laugh at things that shock others! Life is too short to maintain a serious demeanor or a thin skin!

I have no idea what slices of potatoes are supposed to accomplish... but I do know that allowing your bulbs' soil to dry out will help considerably.

I'm sorry to hear your soup didn't come out the way you wanted... mine differs slightly every time I make it, because I don't follow a recipe. I just kind of wing it, adding in what I've got at the moment. But don't worry... temperatures are dropping by the day, and you've got all winter to perfect that one pot meal! :-)

Shortly, I must brave the cold winds and get my soaker hoses rolled up and stored for winter, get the kennel cleaned and fed, and dig up my Colocasia bulb for winter storage. It's sunny today, but I think that bright sunshine is deceptive... the wind even sounds cold! I hate winter...

Have a lovely day!

Ooh! I just thought of something! You know those yellow sticky things that attract flies and insects? They're used in commercial greenhouses to trap whitefly, fungus gnats, and other flying insects. Those would work... if you can find some at your local garden centers. They're just small, yellow sticky cards that you place near your plants, and the flies get stuck. Link below... living in New York, I'm sure you can find some locally.

Here is a link that might be useful: Yellow Sticky Insect Traps - Google
bronxfigs: New York City/7b
Original Author
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
jodik:

I agree with many of the thing you stated, and disagree with some things also. But that's not for this time and place.

The slices of raw potato is supposed to attract the maggots living in the soil, I guess. I'm just following a suggestion posted on this topic. I too was thinking about those sticky, yellow fly traps. I'll give a look at the local garden center.

Thanks for all the input. I enjoyed the exchange of information.

Best regards, Frank
kaboehm (zone 9a, TX USA)
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Cups of water seem to attract them. I've seen people put in liquid dish soap to keep them from flying out. We had an infestation at work and hot cocoa seems to really get their attention!!
:-)
K
bronxfigs: New York City/7b
Original Author
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
kristi:

I just dusted the potting mix with some granules that supposed to kill these, and other pests. Now I'm letting the soil go really dry, and then Ill water the granules well. I think that I read that these mosquito rings that float in the water might work also. I think they contain BT. I don't know....I just hope something works.

Thanks, all.

Frank
jodik_gw
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Another thing that will work is Diatomacious Earth, a naturally occurring mineral. There are different grades... food grade for human consumption, and horticultural grade for use in the growing industry.

I just happen to have some food grade DE... we use it as a supplement, and it's great for lowering blood pressure, lowering bad cholesterol, aiding in digestion, helping with clear skin and strong nails, eradicating parasites, etc... but I've also sprinkled it in various places, like on the windowsill and on plants, to help kill insects. It does a bang up job!

It's very important to make sure you use the proper grade for the proper purpose. You wouldn't want to consume any grade other than food grade, for example. I buy it in 10 pound bags, and we use it for several purposes. It's just a naturally occurring, mined mineral... silica. It's something we used to get in our diet, but we no longer get enough due to industrial food processing methods.

There are many thing you can try to get rid of fungus gnats, but allowing the soil to dry out is an easy first step to take. Beyond that, you'll want to eradicate any consecutive hatchings. Sprays, systemics, sticky paper... they'll all work. It's really your choice.

Due to the occasional tiny insect that can't be helped, I keep a few precautionary items on hand. It never hurts to stay prepared. Spider mites love a dry environment, and I've got one. Whitefly can also be an issue, and scale can be picked up on new plants introduced into the fold. NBF is another pest you don't want, and there are others.

If you're going to keep any kind of plants around, it's good to have access to something that will keep insects from taking over!

I, too, enjoy the exchange of information, and just general conversation... even if we do go off-topic. They say you shouldn't discuss things like politics or religion in polite company... because there are always differences of opinion... and I've never been shy about voicing my opinion! ;-)

It's downright cold outside... so I've come back in to hibernate for the afternoon! A nap sounds really nice... have a good evening, people!

Here is a link that might be useful: Food Grade DE
hippeastrumadmirer
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Why not mix the top 2 inches of the soil with dimataceaous earth, that way it kills the larvae and when you rewater you can re add some?
bronxfigs: New York City/7b
Original Author
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
hippeastrumadmirer/jodik...et al.

Thanks for the great non-toxic suggestions, especially, re: the Diatomaceous Earth. This seems like a great start to help me rid the soil of these pests.

Question:
Many have suggested that I let the soil really dry out....but, for how long, and will I have to repeat this to kill off new gnats as they hatch? I have no problem letting soil get bone dry, but my concern is that there will probably still be some moisture left under the bulb base even if all the soil around the pot is dry.

One more point. It's the maggots that do all the damage to roots, etc. If I see no more of the FLYING GNATS for an extended period can I assume that the maggots have been killed off?

Thanks, one and all.

Frank
jodik_gw
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
You can allow the soil to get pretty dry without harming the bulb... so, I would use the wooden skewer method and keep testing the soil for moisture. Once the skewer comes out dry, you can water again. If you've used a chemical product as a drench, you can wait the allotted time, given in the product directions, before re-applying to kill any consecutive egg hatching. I would think by the 2nd or 3rd application, the problem will be completely eradicated.

From then on, you'll want to avoid over watering. Forget what the tags or boxes that came with your bulbs said... "keep soil moist" doesn't always work for bulbs. They prefer to dry out between waterings.

Just keep those wooden skewers inserted, at a slight angle leading to the center of the root zone, and take them out to check every few days, or so. You'll get to know when your bulbs need more moisture.

Keep in mind that the medium you're probably using is peat based, which translates into "very moisture retentive"... too moisture retentive, in my opinion. The amount of air circulation in your home will also be a variable. I keep a ceiling fan running on the lowest setting 365 days a year, changing rotation direction seasonally. Not everyone can do this, of course... but a little air flow will help with decent evaporation and all that... as long as it's not cold air flow from an open window in winter! I'm sure you know what I mean! :-)

Anyway... I wouldn't stress it. Just follow the directions for whatever product you've chosen to use, whether it's a spray or a systemic, or whatever... don't go overboard and use more than one product. You don't want to harm the plant!

Fungus gnats won't do massive damage unless you allow them to by ignoring them. Since you're not doing that, I wouldn't worry. Use one of the products mentioned... a spray would be the fastest... and leave it at that. Done deal. A couple of consecutive uses for hatchings, and you're done. After that, it's only a matter of remembering not to over water.

For future issues, should there be any, you'll have the product already on hand... left over from this episode.
bronxfigs: New York City/7b
Original Author
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thanks for all the additional information, and now I'm more confident then ever that I will be able to rid my plants/soil mix from these pests.

I will keep better tabs on my watering routine also as you all suggest. I thought my mix was a very free draining because it is mainly small bark pieces (ReptiBark) and Turface...with a little composted manure thrown in for good measure. It is very friable and not sticky even when wet, so I think the Gnats came from the composted manure.

Thanks again for all the kind help.

Frank
e36yellowm3
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I bought some of these sticky blue cards that attract thrips when I bought home some new AVs and it turns out they work like a charm on fungus gnats too. You can find them at various gardening places or AV supply places and online. They're pretty inexpensive and no pesticides are involved. The fungus gnats reek havoc on seedlings for sure.

Alana
jodik_gw
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Hey, Alana! :-) Yes, those sticky cards are great! They attract many different flying insects and bugs that get around.

Frank, fungus gnats are not considered a huge problem. Certainly not something that can't be taken care of easily enough.... so, no worries. If you use a bark based medium with the addition of composted manure, then I'm betting the composted manure is exactly what they're attracted to.

Most people use bagged, peat based mediums, and this is the main kind of medium you'll find fungus gnats attracted to... mainly because it holds lots of moisture for a really long time... but you know this.

If you're already using a more structured, aerated, bark based medium, then any composting item in there would be holding moisture and attracting the little guys. That would be my bet. Don't forget, too, that turface holds some moisture. So, any fungus gnats indicate a probable propensity toward over watering... try the wooden skewer method, and I think you may be surprised at how much moisture you've got going on in the pots, under the initial surface... which can appear quite dry while there's still moisture underneath.

Really, though... fungus gnats aren't considered a major issue, and they're easy to get rid of... NBF is the worst thing when growing amaryllids, and this is the pest you hope never to encounter!

It's all good, Frank! Treat the little guys with a systemic or spray and call it a day. Then, just keep an eye on what's going on deeper in those pots with the skewers.
bronxfigs: New York City/7b
Original Author
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thanks everybody!!!

Question:

In general, would the addition of Diatomaceous Earth as a soil mix ingredient be a bad strategy to prevent Fungus Gnats, etc. from infesting the growing medium(s)?

Frank
jodik_gw
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Since you're already using a larger particulate, Frank, I'm thinking that DE might not be the best option... first of all, the horticultural grade is kind of dangerous to work with, requiring a mask so you don't inhale any particles. It's mainly used in commercial growing setups. The particulate, from what I recall, is very small and dusty, damaging to the lungs, and it might be washed out of your medium through the thorough waterings you're giving. It's been quite a while since I've used the commercial grade DE, though... things might have changed. You'd have to look into it.

I don't mean to confuse you... I hadn't been aware that you were using a fir bark based medium when I suggested it.

In all honesty, if I were you I would just use a chemical product and be done with it.

If you're bound and determined to go organic, there are some recipes online for more natural types of insecticide concoctions, though I've never found them to be particularly effective, myself... you know the type... a little dish soap mixed with cayenne pepper and garlic and whatnot.

The first rule of gardening, Frank, is that container growing differs immensely from growing in the ground. In my experience, organic methods are better served in the outdoor garden beds... while a more inorganic approach works best for growing in confined spaces, like pots.

The two environments are hell and gone from each other. Therefore, it's probably better to stick with something tried and true... the application of Bayer systemic granules, or a 3 in 1 spray that will control every pest there is.

Simply take the pots into your bathroom, set them in the tub, spray them... and close the door as you exit. You can even run an exhaust fan. Come back in a short while, move the pots back to their original places, rinse out the tub... and voila! Done! That's exactly what I would do.

It's only one little bug... and a common one at that... I don't know that it's worth making its eradication complicated or costly.

They're your bugs, though, Frank! You have to decide how you want to approach the hunt! ;-)
bronxfigs: New York City/7b
Original Author
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
The insecticide has been used and now I'm waiting for the little SOBs to drop dead.

Bye....Frank
e36yellowm3
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Hey Jodi - good to "see you" again! Hope all is well.

Alana
jodik_gw
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
As well as can be expected, Alana... and you? I hope everything is good at your end! :-)

Don't worry, Frank... as the medium dries out, the adults will go elsewhere or meet their demise due to your application, and the larvae will succumb to the same chemicals. You'll be fine. :-)

As a gnat, the lifespan is short... so they'll die soon, regardless! The trick is simply to make your soil and plants uninhabitable while they're alive.
mariava7
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Mosquito Dunks would take care of gnats.
Do a search on it here.
Lots of infos about it has been written already.

((((Jodi)))
jodik_gw
12 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Hugs to you, too, Maria! I hope all is well with you and your lovely family! How are your beautiful daughters? And how are all your wonderful bulbs and other plants doing? And your bulb breeding... how is that coming along?

You've been such an inspiration to me... it was you who prompted me to dive into learning as much as I could about bulbs, and then more about their culture. You were the beginning of it all for me... I've come so far, and learned so much... and I thank you for sharing! It was your success that started me on the way to mine! :-)
hummersteve
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Fungus Gnats will be attracted to moist soil and will find a way to get in even on covered cuttings you may be trying to root. One thing I have found that works for me is "bonide systemics granuals" follow directions and just mix into the top 2" of soil , no eggs with hatch and it wont harm your plants/cuttings. You might want to have some yellow sticky cards near to catch any flying adults.

You can almost guarantee any tiny flying insects near plants will be gnats. But it you have fruit laying around on the counter you may have fruit flies instead or a combo of both. A good trap for fruit flies is a small dish of apple cider vinegar and add a couple drops of dish soap like dawn. Cover this with plastic wrap and poke a few holes for the fruit flies to go in and they wont come back out , this work well for fruit flies which people sometimes mistake of gnats.
kaboehm (zone 9a, TX USA)
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
A cup full of a sudsy solution (a little dish soap and a splash of apple cider vinegar) is an amazing and safe trap!
K
Jasdip
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Kaboehm, fungas gnats aren't attracted at all to the vinegar trap. That works for fruit flies.

Years ago I had fungas gnats one wet, dreary winter.
I poured very hot water through all of my plants. Surprisingly it didn't hurt my houseplants at all, and it completely got rid of the gnats.
kaboehm (zone 9a, TX USA)
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
It killed the fungus gnats around my seedlings...I use it for fruit flies too in the kitchen. Actually, almost any liquid works for the gnats. I routinely leave a cup of liquid fertilizer sitting out and any rouge gnats drown. Haven't had any problems with either flying pest since I've been leaving a liquid trap out.

I hear spraying them with windex or alcohol works too.
Kristi
lam702
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Our office houseplants have fungus gnats, they've spread to every plant in the office. I've read different things, we want to use something organic if possible. We have put out the apple cider vinegar, but I'd like to try some kind of soil drench. I've used hydrogen peroxide on my seedlings to keep damping off at bay and it seems to work. Is that a possible soil drench for house plants? if so, what concentration (seedlings 9 parts water/1 part peroxide) I am thinking with the plants, I should make that a bit stronger. Another thing I've read about is peppermint. I have a good amount of fresh peppermint, if I simmered peppermint leaves in water and used that as a drench, does that work? Any tips most appreciated.
kaboehm (zone 9a, TX USA)
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
hehehe....we had a horribly infestation in a coworker's plants. They were very attracted to coffee and hot cocoa! Seems like you couldn't walk away from your desk for more than 2 seconds without having gnats go for a swim in your drink.

Interesting though on the hydrogen peroxide.

I have an insect spray that is nothing more than peppermint and clove oil. You might try that as well.

Good luck!
Kristi
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
This situation requires a 3 part approach: you need to kill the larvae in the soil, the adult gnats (who promptly lay more eggs to become larvae) and remove or correct the conditions that results in the gnat infestation in the first place.

1) Larvae control. Hydrogen peroxide is an effective control. Use 3% hp at 1 part hp to 4 parts water. Wait until the soil dries a bit then water thoroughly with this solution.

2) Adult control. Adults have a very short lifespan - only 7-10 days - but during this period, females are constantly laying eggs. Covering the soil surface with a layer of coarse sand will discourage females from laying eggs on the container soil. No eggs = no larvae = no adults.

3) Finally, you need to adjust watering practices. Fungus gnats are attracted to consistently damp soils. Generally, populations will be most heavy if the plants are being watered too frequently and the soil not allowed to dry out between waterings. At least the top two inches should dry thoroughly between waterings. The females won't lay eggs on dry soils (what the sand fools them into thinking) and the shallow larvae will not survive in dry conditions.

Your houseplants will probably thank you for it as well - more issues arise with overwatering houseplants than allowing them to become too dry.

Cinnamon can help as well. Dusting the top of the container uniformly with ground cinnamon will destroy the fungal organisms the larvae feed on, killing them as well. Also useful for damping off problems.

But you must address all three parts of the problem to have successful control.
kaboehm (zone 9a, TX USA)
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
You can also remove the top 1-2" of soil and replace it with fresh soil.

I've also read on this list that you can top it all off with course sand (item #2 above) and that will put an end to the gnats as they can't penetrate the sand to lay eggs; that breaks the cycle. I'd guess that several on the list use a thin layer of sand on seedlings for this purpose. If my memory serves me well, we've discussed it many time, because it seems to be something that everyone struggles with at least once.

Good luck!
Kristi
AuntJemima
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I've had this problem even when i stopped watering all summer. I decided the chemical sprays were killing me more than them in the long term so i switch to gnat off which is non chemical and also tried a biological bacteria which also helped control them.

Putting a couple cm of sand at the top of the pot certainly helped (i then put some seramis at the top of that to prevent the sand getting blown around).

However, when peeling some big bulbs i had never watered i noticed little larvae in between the layers of the bulbs. So i think they are something else just go in via the neck and enjoy any dying layers of bulb. :/ So for me it seems i can't completely eradicate them. I very seldom water - to the extent some bulbs actually went dormant.

I find the gnats are often fatal for small bulbs. Big ones can take more of a hit before their leafs start dying.
aacor11
7 years ago
I have fungus gnats and I noticed that they do bite my skin if they have nothing to drink. Maybe you won't believe it but I feel their bites
Anon Person
6 years ago
Check out this product made from recycled glass, specifically made as top-dressing that fungus gnats cannot live on or lay eggs in. Perfect solution!

http://growstone.com/the-goods/gnat-nix-fungus-gnat-control/

If you want to get more serious about destroying all possible fungus gnats, forever, try this bacteriological agent called "gnatrol" that actually pierces fungus gnat eggs in the soil:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MCQJ2SY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

just a little bit in the water for seedling pods will prevent fungus gnats from emerging from the soil, ever! This is microbiological warfare against the gnats.
Brian Sakamoto (10a, CA, USA)
6 years ago
When I first got into Amaryllis, I did not expect the swarm of gnats in my house, but Mosquito Dunks (also Mosquito Bits) helped me get them under control. They are bacteria harmless to humans and pets but deadly to the baby larvae before they turn into flies. I have these dunked in dechlorinated your water in my watering can so my soil gets a dose each watering.

Also, for my indoor pots I use Miracle Grow indoor mix designed to be less prone to gnats with no compost or bark. Use at least 50% perlite so that your soil drains quickly.

Fungus Gnats are driving me nuts !!!!

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