Fungus gnats are a common nuisance, especially for plant enthusiasts. Their love for carbon dioxide means they’re often found buzzing around your face. Even a few adults can become overwhelming, and the thought of them in your food or tea is unsettling. So, Do Gnats Lay Eggs In Food? Let’s explore this and how to get rid of them.
Fungus gnats on sticky trap
Sticky traps are effective in catching adult fungus gnats.
Do Fungus Gnats Harm Your Plants?
While the adult gnats are annoying, the larvae are the real issue. A small infestation is more of a nuisance to you than harmful to your plants. However, in large numbers, the larvae can start feeding on your plant’s roots, stunting growth, especially in seedlings and younger plants.
What Conditions Do Fungus Gnats Prefer?
Fungus gnats thrive in warm, moist conditions and soil rich in organic matter. Overwatering is a major attractant. They can persist through winter, and their eggs can even lie dormant in dry soil, waiting for the right conditions.
The Potato Test
If you’re unsure whether you have fungus gnats, the potato test can help.
- Slice a raw potato.
- Push the slices, laid flat, into the soil of plants you suspect are infested.
- Check the slices after a few hours for larvae happily feeding on the potato.
If you find larvae, start treatment immediately.
The Easy Way to Kill Fungus Gnats for Indoor Plants
The key to eliminating fungus gnats is to target both larvae and adults simultaneously, breaking their life cycle. A simple two-step method involves sticky traps for adults and BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) for larvae.
What You Need:
- Sticky traps
- Mosquito Bits (or Mozzie Bits) containing BTI
1. Which Sticky Traps Work Best?
Yellow or green sticky traps work well. Green traps are designed for indoor plants and require no preparation. Yellow traps can be laid flat on the soil surface, sticky side up, after removing the paper from one side.
2. Which Mosquito Bits Work Best?
Look for products containing BTI granules, often sold as Mosquito Bits or Mozzie Bits. The brand isn’t as important as the active ingredient: BTI.
How to Use Sticky Traps to Kill Fungus Gnats
Place sticky traps near infested plants to catch adult gnats. For yellow traps, cut them in half or quarters before removing the paper. Lay them flat on the soil surface, sticky side up. Green traps can be placed directly into the soil using the included peg.
How Do You Use Mosquito Bits to Kill Fungus Gnats?
Create ‘Mozzie Tea’ using BTI granules.
- Mix 4 tablespoons of Mosquito Bits per 4.5 liters (1 gallon) of warm water.
- Soak for at least 30 minutes.
- Remove the granules using a mesh bag or by scooping them out.
- Water your plants as usual with the ‘Mozzie Tea,’ ensuring the surface is saturated.
Using a mesh bag simplifies the process of making ‘Mozzie Tea’.
Is It Better to Top Water or Bottom Water When Treating Fungus Gnats?
Top watering is more effective because the larvae tend to concentrate in the top 5 cm of the soil. However, bottom watering can work if the top surface becomes wet.
How Do Mosquito Bits Kill Fungus Gnats?
Mosquito Bits contain BTI, a naturally occurring bacterium that is deadly to mosquito and fungus gnat larvae but harmless to other living things.
Is BTI or Mozzie Bits Safe for Plants, Pets, and Beneficial Insects?
Yes, BTI is safe for plants, pets, birds, bees, livestock, fish, and humans. It’s a natural way to control fungus gnat populations.
Can You Add Fertilizer to the Same Water as Mozzie Bits?
Yes, you can. Prepare the ‘Mozzie Tea,’ let it cool, then add your fertilizer before watering.
What About Using Tanlin Drops?
Tanlin drops are a convenient alternative. Add 3 drops per 1 liter of water for an infested plant, or 1 drop per 1 liter as a preventative measure.
How Do You Make ‘Mozzie Tea’ If You Have Mozzie Dunks Not Mozzie Bits?
If using Mozzie Dunks:
- Break one dunk into quarters.
- Soak one quarter in about 4.5 liters of water overnight.
- Remove the dunk and water your plants as usual.
How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats?
Treatment typically takes 1 to 2 months, covering one to two life cycles. Consistency is key.
How Often Do You Need to Repeat the Treatment to Kill Fungus Gnats?
Repeat the ‘Mozzie Tea’ treatment every two weeks or every time you water, along with consistent use of sticky traps.
How Do You Stop Fungus Gnats Coming Back After Treatment?
Preventative measures include:
- Sprinkling Fungus Gnat Barrier over the soil surface.
- Adding Tanlin drops each time you water.
Can You Use Diatomaceous Earth to Kill Fungus Gnats?
Diatomaceous earth (DE) can be effective, but it’s essential to use food-grade DE and wear a mask to avoid inhaling the fine dust, which can cause lung damage.
How Do Fungus Gnats Get Into Indoor Plants?
The most common sources are new plants and soil stored outside. Isolate new plants for at least 2-4 weeks and consider preventative treatment with Tanlin drops. Avoid watering indoor plants outside.
Conclusion
Fungus gnats can be a frustrating issue for plant lovers, but understanding their life cycle and preferred conditions can help you effectively eliminate them. The combination of sticky traps for adults and BTI treatments for larvae, along with preventative measures, will keep your plants healthy and your home gnat-free.
