FUNGUS GNAT CONTROL

ABOUT FUNGUS GNATS
Fungus gnats are small, dark-winged insects often found around indoor plants and greenhouses. While the adults may seem like a minor nuisance, their larvae can cause more significant problems, especially in damp soil. The larvae are tiny, white, and worm-like, often residing in the top layer of moist soil. Fungus gnat larvae feed on fungi, organic matter, and sometimes even healthy plant roots, which can weaken plants and make them more vulnerable to disease. 

IDENTIFICATION OF FUNGUS GNAT INFESTATION
Fungus gnats are often mistaken for fruit flies, but they can be identified by their long legs, delicate wings, and erratic flight patterns around plants. Most of the fungus gnat’s life is spent in a developmental stage such as larvae or pupae in the soil, so the most effective control is to target these stages rather than attempting to control the short-lived flying adults. Key signs of an infestation include adult gnats hovering around the base of plants, slow plant growth, and signs of root decay in over-watered plants. Fungus gnats thrive in damp environments, making well-watered soil a prime location for their larvae to feed and develop.

CULTURAL STRATEGIES
Cultural strategies focus on creating an environment that is favorable for plants and less hospitable to pests. Cultivation practices such as maintaining healthy soil, crop rotation, mulching, and companion planting help to create unfavorable conditions for pests.  

PHYSICAL / MECHANICAL CONTROL STRATEGIES
Physical or mechanical control strategies involve the use of physical barriers, tools, or methods to prevent, monitor, or control pests. We offer several products to help with physical/mechanical control, such as:

• Yellow Sticky Traps to monitor and detect infestations early.
• Beneficial Insect Netting to keep the good bugs in and the bad bugs out.
• Diatomaceous Earth to create unfavorable conditions for soft-bodied pest insects.
• Mosquito Bits can also be used to control fungus gnats. 

BIOLOGICAL STRATEGIES
One of the most natural and effective ways to control pests is by introducing beneficial insects to your garden. Releasing beneficials creates a self-sustaining solution, where natural predators keep pest populations in check. This approach not only protects your plants but also supports biodiversity, making it an ideal choice for eco-friendly pest control.

Unlike harsh chemicals, natural predators take time to establish a population. This is why we recommend releasing the good bugs before pest infestations are heavy.

TARGETED FUNGUS GNAT CONTROL

• Beneficial Nematodes SF controls fungus gnat larvae in the soil. Also controls over 200 other soil-dwelling pests.
  
• Hypoaspis miles controls fungus gnat larvae in the soil. Also controls thrips larvae, some shoreflies, root mealybugs, and a variety of pest mites. 
  
• Dalotia "Atheta" coriaria (Rove Beetle) controls fungus gnat larvae in the soil. Also controls thrips larvae, some shoreflies, root mealybugs, moth fly, and pest mites. 

SOFT CHEMICAL CONTROL METHODS
If infestations have gotten too heavy, we also offer soft chemical treatments such as neem oil and insecticidal soap.