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Fungus gnats and like pests

15 years ago

I thought I would share this information. I have had bouts with fungus gnats and the like for a long time...I finally found a product ---at Walmart_- that's called "Garden Safe" Houseplant and Garden Insect Killer, kills on contact. This sutff is amazing...no more pests anywhere! Period! I even used on my Hibiscus that were stressed out bad with dropping yellow leaves and it had appeared they were infested with White Fly, of course from Walmart. This product killed all the insects and no harm to the plant, just thought I'd share

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Comments (7)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
15 years ago
super.. but ....

fungus gnats are usually indicative of soil kept too damp ....

fix the soil problem .... and then you wont need the product ...

it is much easier.... to avoid the problem .....

but i understand.. once the plague is evident.. something has to be done ....

ken
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
15 years ago
As with all toxic substances, everyone should weigh the pros and cons of bringing these chemicals into the house and garden. The active ingredient in this particular product, pyrethrin, can cause problems with sensitive people and pets....and there are a flurry of new studies being done on the effects of pyrethrins and autism (as well as other diseases).
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Mosquito Dunks makes a mosquito bits product. If you just sprinkle this (BT) on the top of the soil, it takes care of the problem and you don't need to keep setting out soap/etc. mixture. Everytime you water, a little of the BT goes into the soil and kills any larvae.
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Jose I use Fungicide 3 from Garden Safe. It contains Neem Oil and I can vouch for how good it works. I recommend using the other organic means along with the Garden Safe product. Vinnie Here is a link that might be useful: Fungicide 3
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I can't address your questions about the use of sundew plants as a successful pest manager. I can't help but think that a good many beneficial or benign critters might become victims, though. The sundews attract insects by their sweet secretions, making them (I'd think) a magnet for bees and other nectar feeders. Squishing and spraying with strong streams of water from the hose should be your first line of defense. Keep checking for ladybug larvae and other predators to join in the fight. Neem can be used if you aren't having any luck with the physical means. But remember, plants can do just fine with a few aphids pestering them. You just don't want them to get out of control, which they can do in a hurry. The squishing and water sprays ought to do the trick. I'd save the neem for the bigger problems.
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A bad infestation of fungus gnats is usually an indication that your soil is kept too wet. They are attracted to the moisture and leave once the soil dries out. So no, I wouldn't "soak the soil" with Neem although both it and Bt are safe to use on tomatoes. I might lightly spray it but first I'd try just let the surface of the soil dry out more. Most of us way over-water our plants anyway so try watering only when the soil is dry finger length deep down. The plants will do better and the gnats will leave. I have linked some recent discussions about them and controls below. Dave Here is a link that might be useful: Fungus gnat discussions
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calliope
15 years ago
All the whiteflies I have known in my 20+ years in the gardening business just laugh at pyrethrins, both old and new generation. I have yet to see it effective against whitefly.
ladyharley
Original Author
15 years ago
Oh, I so beg to differ with you! My hibiscus was infested with white fly and this product completely irradicated them...saved my hibiscus.
Kimmsr
15 years ago
As a general rule there is no need to spray any kind of toxic material on plants to control insects if they are being grown correctly, if the plants are strong and healthy, because they will not be attractive to the pests.
As Ken stated, "it is much easier.... to avoid the problem" in the first place by proper cultural practices.
mrs.lsermos
15 years ago
Something is attacking my Lavander! There are these tiny why gnat-like things on my Lavander plant, I kept it in the kitchen, next to a window and everything was fine, until about a week ago I noticed first a few bottom leaves drying, so I thought maybe I was putting too much water in it, and now, these critters have appeared, does anyone have any idea of what they are or how can I take care of them? Thanks!
calliope
15 years ago
Lady Harley, I didn't say this product wouldn't be effective against whitefly, I said pyrethrins won't touch them. What Rhizo didn't tell you was that Garden Safe Houseplant and Insect Killer also contains canola oil. I can tell you that oils are effective against whitefly. They are one of the "soft" products I can think of effective against whitefly (soaps aren't because of their waxy surface) and canola is currently being used as a biochemical insecticide.

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