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F*cking fungus gnats
- Thread starter b3rnd
- Start date
I may be imagining a connection that isn't really there, but it seems like the fungus gnats aren't a problem after my seedlings establish a certain amount of root growth. I'll continue to see fungus gnats in a few of my dead cells, but they seem to go away from the seedlings that have grown out just a little.
It makes me wonder if the roots have an anti-fungal action.
It makes me wonder if the roots have an anti-fungal action.
DontPanic said:
Fungus gnats are a pest that's blown way out of proportion. They really aren't a threat, if proper growing conditions are met. In nature, I very highly doubt that you'll ever see a plant succumb to fungus gnat infestations. Most people just don't like their presence. In fact, they're actually quite useful for healthy growing conditions.
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Fungus gnats feed on organic matter - mainly stuff on the ground, in piles. When they can't find that, they'll go for what's available. For us, that means young roots. No, they will not bother with roots once they've hardened.
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The very best way to keep fungus gnat problems at bay, is to plant in deep containers. They don't favor surface dwelling, but if you've planted your seed starts in jiffy plugs, they're gonna be right where you don't want them. Overwatering will also exacerbate the problem.
I noticed a couple of gnats flying around my seedlings in the garage this week. I've had them show up every year, although they never became a real problem, I just hate seeing them. I have the mosquito dips on standby, not sure if I'll use them or not. Probably better to start doing something sooner than later.
The best thing about gnats is that they aren't aphids
The best thing about gnats is that they aren't aphids
I’ve been dealing with them bastiges , mainly on my 2 OW plants, been hitting them with soapy water spray. I also top dressed with a good layer of sand on all my plants. They are not a problem at this moment , but they are probably getting their game plan ready for a big push.
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F'ers .... I've seen a few already. You're right, they're building for the big push. They're waiting for my tomatoes!PtMD989 said:
Last year, I found they weren't a problem, and then all of the sudden, their population exploded. Like, to the point where I could grab 15 out of the air. I repotted all of plants, and that helped, along with yellow sticky traps.
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KevinThePepperhead said:
Don't apologize for a forum idiosyncrasy as this happens all the time....
Simply click on the Report feature and ask the Mods to delete the one not needed.
Im going to try Mouthwash on the plants.
https://balconygardenweb.com/listerine-uses-in-garden-mouthwash-uses-garden/
https://balconygardenweb.com/listerine-uses-in-garden-mouthwash-uses-garden/
Thanks for all the tips people! I ordered some gnatrol from the USA, hard to get that stuff in Europe. I haven't used it still.
I also put a fan blowing, put out some sticky traps and repotted most of the plants. It seems to have kept them at bay, which is why I haven't applied any bti.
I've accepted the prescense of a few fungus gnats. I've spoken to a few plant enthusiasts that told me the same solid7 mentioned in this thread. It is much less of a problem than a nuisance. A few gnats probably won't do much harm, especially once the plants are more mature and have settled in bigger pots.
I also put a fan blowing, put out some sticky traps and repotted most of the plants. It seems to have kept them at bay, which is why I haven't applied any bti.
I've accepted the prescense of a few fungus gnats. I've spoken to a few plant enthusiasts that told me the same solid7 mentioned in this thread. It is much less of a problem than a nuisance. A few gnats probably won't do much harm, especially once the plants are more mature and have settled in bigger pots.
That fan probably helps add a little dryness and is a deterrent since they aren't strong fliers. Keep drip trays clean and dry as possible...Hang sticky tape with yellow near bright light. Might catch a few adults. They like yellow and bright light. Cheers
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Bookers said:
Thanks for the advice, Bookers. The fan definitely helps dry the top layer of potting mix out and they really don't like the turbulence. They get blown around and they land on the wall behind (perpendicular? to the fan), so I put some sticky traps there and it caught a whole bunch of them. Let out a little diabolical laugh when I saw them, hehe.