IPM series: Fungus Gnats, The Uninvited Guests
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đ±At Growing with Intention, we understand that every growerâwhether a seasoned pro or a beginnerâfaces pest issues. It is part of the journey. The key is to stay calm, find your resources, assess the situation, and take the necessary steps to correct it.đ
One common pest that many of us encounter are fungus gnats. These tiny insects can easily hitch a ride into our homes through the soil and plants we buy. Sometimes, they're lurking in the soil, and we donât even know until we see them buzzing around.
First Step:ID the pest đŠ
Fungus gnats are small, dark, and fly around your plants, often mistaken for fruit flies. They typically measure about 1/8 inch in length and have long legs and antennae. You might also notice larvae in the soil, which are tiny, white, worm-like creatures with black heads.
 Fungus gnats are not just annoying; they can also damage young plants and seedlings by feeding on their roots. But donât worryâthere are effective ways to combat them.
2nd Step: đ„Fighting Fungus Gnats
 1. Water with BTI drops-A biological control, these drops can be added to your water to help eliminate fungus gnats. MICROBE-LIFT BMC2 is in my rotation for preventative maintenance. If one sneaks in, my biologicals should kill any offspring before it becomes a problem.
2. Use Mosquito Bits Mosquito bits contain a bacterium called *Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis* (BTI) that is toxic to fungus gnat larvae. Simply sprinkle the bits on your soil or mix them with water to create a solution you can water your plants with.
3. Neem Oil Application: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of neem oil with 1 gallon of water. Add a few drops of mild dish soap to help the oil mix with the water. Spray this mixture on the soil and plants, focusing on the base of the plants and the soil surface. Repeat every 7-10 days until the gnats are gone.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide Application: Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) with 4 parts water. Water your plants with this solution. The hydrogen peroxide will kill the fungus gnat larvae in the soil. Repeat every few days until you no longer see gnats.
5. Patience & Persistence: Understand that getting rid of fungus gnats takes time and consistent effort.Â
3rd Step: Preventive Measures
Dry Out Soil: Allow your soil to dry out between waterings to discourage fungus gnats.
Isolate New Plants: Before introducing new plants to your houseplant area, keep them isolated for a while to ensure they are pest-free.
Only buy soil stored indoors. Purchase your potting soil from small grow shops instead of big box stores. You can talk to the owner and find out where they order their soil from and ask if itâs kept indoors the entire time. Get to know your local dirt dealers to ensure you get clean soil. These things happen even then, but you will have support to get through your fungus gnat issue.
We know that fungus gnats happen to absolutely everyone. The key is to stay proactive and implement these strategies to keep your plants healthy and thriving.đ±