Summit 116-12 Quick Kill Mosquito Bits, 8-Ounce

Product Information

Concentrated azadirachtin naturally occurs in neem oil. It’s safe in hydroponic use as well as in greenhouses, gardens, and indoors. Use it per the manufacturer’s directions in the same way you would use neem oil. If these cheaper, natural methods still haven’t managed to rid you of your gnat infestation, then you can escalate things with these more powerful gnat killers. Hydrogen Peroxide Another alternative (or addition) to Mosquito Bits is using Beneficial Nematodes. Nematodes are very tiny, microscopic worms that kill fungus gnat larvae. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of nematodes per 1 gallon of water, then water plant as normal. Nematodes are safe for people, pets, and plants. This video shows you what fungus gnats look like, and also go over how to get rid of them (or just read the rest of the article!) Step 3: When you water your plants, use a method such as bottom watering to ensure you never let your plant sit in water. vadim kaipov / Unsplash Solutions for getting rid of fungus gnats

Beneficial nematode species can also play a major part in eradicating the fungus gnat larvae. You won’t be able to see these microscopic soil-dwellers, but they will take out the fungus gnat larvae along with hundreds of other soil-dwelling pests. For people treating an indoor plant, add these nematodes to your soil with a pot popper. Larger garden or full yard coverage can be achieved using commercial formulations, which disperse the nematodes evenly with water. This type of bacteria produces a toxin that hurts the larvae of fungus gnats and prevents them from being able to eat (it also kills mosquito larvae), but doesn’t affect your plants or roots. Products that contain this bacteria are sometimes listed as “BT” or “BTi” (to indicate the subspecies israelensis– which is particularly effective against fungus gnats). It is also safe for fish, pets, humans and pretty much everything besides larvae. It is safe for organic grows, even in the middle of the flowering/budding stage, and won’t hurt other microbes living in the soil. When using pellet-type formulations of bacillus thuringiensis, you will get better results if you crush it up before sprinkling on soil, or mix it with water. Always make sure to get Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis (other types of BT are better at caterpillars). Powder and dry formulations of bacillus thuringiensis seem to work better than liquid ones. Fungus gnats are really only of concern if they are causing damage to seedlings or cuttings; established plants are not harmed.

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

BT is very effective in killing off the larvae and will disrupt the lifecycle of the population, meaning that you can be totally gnat free within a fortnight or so. Within days of applying the bits, you’ll notice There are many ways to achieve each step. I will list the ways that have worked for me and other ways that houseplant experts recommend so that you can choose a method that will work for you! This is why I advise you to switch to a non-organic potting mix for prevention to keep away fungus gnats. No soil, no problems. Water your plants with a small amount of water to moisten the soil (so it is ready to absorb the nematodes); If you only see a couple fungus gnats here and there, it’s really not a big deal, but sometimes you will be surprised just how many fungus gnats you can have once you start to trap them!

Small, flying insects that live and reproduce in moist, shady areas –which makes the surface of your houseplant’s soil the PERFECT home for them About four to six days after the eggs are laid, the gnat larvae emerge. These larvae are extremely tiny at first. During the roughly two-week period in which fungus gnat larvae grow, they rapidly increase in size by eating their way through organic matter in the soil. Once they’ve achieved maximum larval growth, there will be a 3-4 day pupal phase. The pupae will be hidden under the soil’s surface, and when the fungus gnat adult emerges, they start laying eggs again. Because they thrive in damp areas, plants that need to maintain some level of moisture or plants that are overwatered are particularly prone to fungus gnats Control, Chemical: Unless a fungus gnat infestation is severe, chemical controls are not warranted. If adult numbers are excessive however, insecticides containing pyrethrins or synthetic pyrethroids can provide temporary control. If you decide to use insecticides, select a product that is labeled for indoor use on houseplants, and read and follow all product label instructions. Apply insecticides to plants and to the surface of potting soil where adults typically rest. DO NOT spray the air with these products as such treatments are ineffective. Even in those situations where insecticide use may be warranted, keep in mind that chemical treatments should not be your sole management approach. Insecticides should always be used in combination with other non-chemical practices (see above).

Division of Extension

Pyrethrins and the similar pyrethroid compounds are known to have insecticidal properties, including against fungus gnats. [14] Related pyrethroid insectides have also been used. Pyrethrin compounds are known to occur in certain chrysanthemum flowers. Sprinkle food-grade Diatomaceous Earth over exposed parts of compost pile – this kills some of the gnats and larvae, but is completely harmless to humans. Diatomaceous Earth is very sharp on a micro level, and will pierce the outside of tiny bugs or larvae, killing them. Yet to macro creatures like dogs, cats and humans, Diatomaceous Earth is completely harmless and can even be eaten

Mix Mosquito Bits with water, then use the water to water your plants. Mix about 4 tablespoons of Mosquito Bits per 1 gallon of water. Allow the bits to soak for at least 30 minutes before using the water. Water plants as usual for at least three waterings. Repeat as necessary. If fungus gnats need fungus and decaying matter to survive, where is the fungus coming from? Fungus grows in wet conditions and is an essential part of the environment (where it breaks down organic matter like dead leaves). Fungus spores are around us everywhere pretty much all the time, but these spores will never start growing without moisture. Warm and wet conditions in the soil of a cannabis grow are what cause fungus to grow and matter to decay. Sometimes you won’t even be able to see the fungus or decaying matter with the naked eye. But once the conditions are right, fungus gnats thrive in the top layer of your soil whether you can see fungus or not. The larvae of most species feed on fungi growing on soil, helping in the decomposition of organic matter. However some species are predatory, including those in the genus Arachnocampa of family Keroplatidae – the "glowworms" of Australia and New Zealand. [1]The sand layer did seem to reduce the population somewhat, but it was by no means a complete solution. However, it did seem to be a great preventative measure, which could stop infestations from setting in in the first place.

Step 1: Isolate the affected plant from the rest of your collection to prevent the gnats from laying eggs elsewhere. Step 2: Water affected plants with the hydrogen peroxide mixture, soaking the plant to kill larvae lurking in the soil. Don’t worry if the soil starts to fizz, as this is what happens when hydrogen peroxide breaks down. If you’re using a pyrethrin concentrate rather than a pre-mixed spray, combine it with water according to the product label directions. In the case of Bonide’s concentrate, mix 1 tablespoon of pyrethrin insecticide into a suitable spray bottle that contains a little over 3 cups of water. When handling any insecticides or pesticides, it’s always recommended to wear appropriate safety equipment like gloves, eye protection, and a face mask. STEP 2: Spray the foliage and soil of affected container plants. Pyrethrin sprays are also effective against fungus gnats and their larvae. To use pyrethrins, lightly mist all plant surfaces and the top of the soil. You don’t want the plants dripping wet, a thin mist will be enough. If there are fungus gnat larvae in the soil, spray the soil directly where adults typically rest to thoroughly moisten the top, then avoid overwatering. Let the soil dry to at least a 2″ depth. Reapply these in three to four weeks until the problem has subsided and the insects are gone.

Some Quick Fungus Gnat Facts

Spray Neem Oil onto the surface of the soil, and on the plant or pot where there are fungus gnats. Neem Oil kills eggs, larvae, and flying fungus gnats (as well as other pests). After you’ve made sure the compost pile isn’t too wet, cover pile with tarp or plastic sheeting. This helps disrupt the life cycle of fungus gnats. You have to control adult fungus gnats to stop those pesky gnats from flying around your house and laying hundreds of eggs. In the open garden fungus gnats are not a problem and part of a well balanced biodiverse garden ecosystem The liquid must be at least a quarter-inch deep (I usually use about a half-inch) and the trap must be placed near the plants you are trying to attract fungus gnats from.