Help! fungus gnats invasion!?
Question:My potted plants have these little small creatures invading them. Im not sure what they are, but they have a clear body and a dark black head. After some research, i have concluded that i might have FUNGUS GNATS. Does anyone know how i can stop them from ruining my plants. MY cilantro is slowly dying =] thnx
Answers:
Fungus gnats require moist soil conditions to live and reproduce. To eliminate them is quite simple;
1) Treat/spray your soil with some Insecticidal Soap (can be found at most hardware/garden shops). This application will eliminate existing fungus gnat larvae in the soil.
2) Place about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch of clean sand over the top of your potting mix. This will provide a physical barrier that will prevent further egg-laying by the adults into the moist soil.
Any flying gnats (adults) will die eventually and the reproductive cycle will be destroyed by eliminating their habitat.
Hope this information helps solves your problem. GOOD LUCK!
-Certified Professional Crop Consultant with over 30 years of experience and a Degree in Plant Science
You can try putting diatomaceous earth in the pot. The edges are very sharp, and cut the bodies of the gnats' pupae. Do NOT use diatomaceous earth if you are allergic to seafood.
For non-edible plants, I use Physan in the water, but since this is a plant you may be using for cooking, I'd stick with diatomaceous earth. You can also use insecticidal soap such as Safer's soap.
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