Because you guys asked, here it is…
Fungus gnats are a fruit fly–sized insect pest that primarily affects indoor houseplants. Attracted to the moisture of potting soil, adult gnats lay their eggs on the soil surface. About 3 days later, the eggs hatch into larvae. Two weeks after that, adult gnats emerge from the soil to repeat the process. Adults live for about one week.
👉Prevention:
📌Keep soil dry- Fungus gnats seek out moist soil, so allowing your houseplants to dry out a bit between watering can slow down or stop an infestation.
📌Let the top inch or two of soil dry out before watering again. Gnats may be deterred from laying their eggs if the soil is dry on the surface.
👉 Control measures:
Getting rid of fungus gnats is all about consistency. Follow these to methods.
📌Sticky cards traps: Take a yellow card/paper/chart paper and smear it with castor oil or any sticky substance. They are most effective when cut into small squares and placed directly on top of the soil or stick it in the soil like placards. Adult gnats will fly or crawl onto the card and become trapped. Fungus gnats are attracted to the color yellow, so using a yellow card is best.
📌Apple Cider Vinegar traps:
Simple and effective, apple cider vinegar traps consist of a shallow container with a small amount of apple cider vinegar, water, and soap nut solution or liquid dish soap. Use a shallow container and fill it with equal parts water and apple cider vinegar. Put a few drops of liquid dish soap into the mixture and Place the trap near the base of the affected plant or, ideally, inside the pot on top of the soil. Check it every few days to refresh with new vinegar and water.
📌Flypaper: Making flags similar to the sticky cards and place in the outdoor spaces like balconies to catch outdoor flies.
📌Neem oil treatment: Soaking the top layer soil by spraying neem oil helps in controlling the spread.
⚡More to come on this “pest control series” ⚡Stay tuned.
💚Happy Gardening!
