Fungus Gnats - Knowledgebase Question

North Vernon, In
Avatar for johnathanmul
Question by johnathanmul
May 21, 2009
How can I get rid of fungus gnats? I was told to flush them out with water, but I am afraid of drowning my plants. Is there something I can use to kill them and keep them from coming back?


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Answer from NGA
May 21, 2009
Here are two strategies for controlling fungus gnats. They breed in moist potting soil, so you can break the breeding cycle by allowing the surface of the soil to dry out. If you have plants that need moist soil simply place a quick draining and fast drying layer of gravel or sand on top of the potting soil. This will act as a barrier to the soil. Or, you can drape plastic wrap over the soil (cut a slit so you can place it close to the stems of your plant, then overlap the cut ends so the pests cannot find a way to the potting soil). You have to be a little patient with this method because you have to wait through the next generation's maturation before they are gone for good. In other words, once the generation now already in the soil become adults and die off without being able to reproduce, there should be no more gnats. Another method is to use a product called Gnatrol as a soil drench, another is to use an insecticidal soap as a soil drench. Of course, always follow the label instructions carefully. I hope this helps!

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