Summit 116-12 Quick Kill Mosquito Bits, 8-Ounce

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Some fungus gnats are exceptionally hardy, being able to tolerate cold conditions through their possession of antifreeze proteins. Typically, overwintering organisms can either avoid freezing or tolerate freezing, but Excechia nugatoria can do both. For E. nugatoria, the production of noncolligative antifreeze proteins (NAPs) protects the head and thorax from freezing, but they do not protect the abdomen. Freezing of the head and thorax in other insects tends to have adverse effects on neural tissue, so it is not surprising that these protective mechanisms have been observed in certain species, but E. nugatoria is the only insect known to semi-freeze through the winter. By allowing the abdomen to freeze, evaporative water loss is reduced over the course of the winter. [7] [8] Management [ edit ] Mosquito Bits are not just for mosquitoes – these bits also kill fungus gnats larvae in the soil. Mosquito Bits are a biological control – Bacillus thuringiensis – that is non-toxic and is a naturally occuring bacteria. There are a couple of ways to use Mosquito Bits – either dissolved in water, or directly on top of the soil. You also want to control the ever-growing population of larvae that are feasting on your plants’ soil and roots (and eventually becoming those annoying adults).

Adults are about 2.5 mm in length. Larvae are tiny when hatched and can grow to 5.5 mm in length Lifespan A layer of sand or perlite above the plant soil is said to encourage fast draining and prevent the gnats from burrowing into your soil. Method The gnats will now crawl through the small holes in the cling film, but will be unable to escape and will drown in the vinegar You mix it into the top inch of soil for each plant. When the gnats dig into the soil to lay eggs, consume fungus, or emerge, it prevents them from continuing. Option #3 Pumice stonesTill the first inch or so of soil, bringing larvae and eggs to the surface and increasing air circulation Mosquito Bits contain BTI to kill fungus gnat larvae and mosquito larvae. This product is harmless to people, pets, beneficial insects, fish and wildlife. Soak Mosquito Bits in Water You also might want to consider keeping your compost in a bin with a lid so bugs can’t get in or out. In some places, this is actually a requirement due to local regulations. BTI, which is short for Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, is deadly to mosquito larvae and fungus gnat larvae but harmless to other living things. The bacterium is nature’s way of keeping fungus gnat and mosquito populations down. But fortunately, BTI has no effect on other insects (such as bees and butterflies). Nor does it harm animals, fish, birds, plants, pets or people. If you are opposed to harsher treatments, one excellent product to use is Mosquito Bits. Mosquito bits are basically corn cob granules which are coated in BTI bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis).

Adults lay eggs in the top inch or so of soil and the larvae feed on fungus and decaying matter within the soil There are many ways to achieve each step. I will list the ways that have worked for me and other ways that houseplant experts recommend so that you can choose a method that will work for you! Get a fan blowing air over the top of the growing medium. This helps dry out the top layer of your soil, and also helps prevent the fungus gnats from being able to fly around and lay more eggs. Also worth noting is that fungus gnats get their name because the larvae in the potting mix/soil feed on fungi and other microbes. They will naturally be more attracted to mixes that have compost, blood meal, kelp, etc. because there are a lot of microbes (which are also extremely beneficial for plant growth so it is a catch-22).

Neem Oil

Repeat this process once a week for at least 3 weeks. You can even do it for a full month to be safe. Remember that you must be persistent with any pest control and it is a good idea to treat even after you don’t see anymore pests. SYSTEMIC CONTROL Control your conditions so that you don’t encourage a proliferation of fungus gnats. If you allow the top inch of your potting mix to dry out, it will go a long way in controlling them. Small, flying insects that live and reproduce in moist, shady areas –which makes the surface of your houseplant’s soil the PERFECT home for them Hydrogen peroxide soil drenches, neem oil, pyrethrin, beneficial nematodes, Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis With the azadirachtin mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, pour an even amount of the solution across the soil surface to kill any present fungus gnat larvae. STEP 4: Replace the top layer of soil.

Do not overwater your growing media. Waterlogged growing medium in houseplants is a prime breeding ground for these insects. Don’t allow standing water to remain in saucers below houseplants or near growing media for long. Repair any irrigation system leaks that crop up, and keep your growing medium away from your potted greenhouse dwellers. Pasteurize the compost in your growing medium to eliminate any larvae that may be feeding on the organic materials there. Use commercial growing medium blends that have been treated with heat if you’re not into the idea of doing it yourself. Move any infected plant matter and growing medium away from others while you treat the problem. Biological Removal of Fungus Gnats The main limitation of this method is that it only kills adult gnats, and therefore doesn’t completely break the lifecycle, or do anything to kill the 100s of larvae and eggs which will still remain in your plant soil. That said, it did kill a fair deal of adult gnats, meaning that the Pyrethrins and the similar pyrethroid compounds are known to have insecticidal properties, including against fungus gnats. [14] Related pyrethroid insectides have also been used. Pyrethrin compounds are known to occur in certain chrysanthemum flowers.

Drying Out The Soil

Are your tulip bulbs not sprouting after winter? This is what the problem might be and how to fix it Fungus gnats in the family Sciaridae may be pests. They are typically harmless to healthy plants - and humans - but can inflict extensive damage to seedlings; their presence can indicate more serious problems. In houseplants, the presence of sciarids may indicate overwatering; they may be feeding on roots that have been immersed in water too long and are thus rotting, or the gnats may be attracted to fungus growing in saturated topsoil. Consequently, allowing the top two inches of soil [9] to dry may reduce their numbers. [10] The pests are sometimes also managed by placing a layer of sand [11] [12] pebbles, [13] or indoor mulch on top of the soil around plants.

This type of bacteria produces a toxin that hurts the larvae of fungus gnats and prevents them from being able to eat (it also kills mosquito larvae), but doesn’t affect your plants or roots. Products that contain this bacteria are sometimes listed as “BT” or “BTi” (to indicate the subspecies israelensis– which is particularly effective against fungus gnats). It is also safe for fish, pets, humans and pretty much everything besides larvae. It is safe for organic grows, even in the middle of the flowering/budding stage, and won’t hurt other microbes living in the soil.DE was very effective in killing off both larvae and gnats, with good results within a week. After around three weeks, the population was all but gone. Although it is effective, it is also quite expensive and because it indiscriminately kills all small insects, it can be a risky choice, especially for outdoor plants.