Saturday, July 27, 2013

How To Cope With Fungus Gnats

By Belinda Norbert


Fungus Gnats are believed to be the most well-known pests found in houseplants. The length of a mature gnat is roughly 1/8 of an inch with pointed legs and expanded antennae. These miniscule and black insects look more like mosquitoes and can be seen leapingall around the plants. The little maggots consume the thin root hairs of plant life which brings about the discoloring of leaves. Correct watering of plants canstop the growth of gnats.

You dislocate the supply of food for gnats by allowing the soil to dry between watering schedules. In other words, determine plants with wet soil and let the top soil dry fully destroying any larva present. Remove adult gnats around the plants and windows using an ordinary vacuum cleaner. The key is to pinpoint the pests' sources of food so the necessary remedies can be performed. It is also possible to get rid of gnats with the fly swatter.

However, the assistance of professional pert control technicians may be needed if you are finding it hard to exterminate said insects. Use pesticides carefully since these can be harmful to human beings and domestic pets if not applied correctly. There are electric fly killers that you can purchase. These kill gnats through electrocution. Electric insect traps that discharge UV lights are also among your options.

Physical control methods are also accessible to property owners. The use of sand can control the larvae. Adult gnats normally lay eggs on the top portion (1/4 inch) of damp soil. By placing to inch of sand, you canempty fast and make the adult insects feel that soil is totally dry. Vinegar can also be useful in trapping fungus gnats as well as fruit flies.

Put apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish detergent in unfilled infant food jars. Secure the caps and puncture these with several holes large enough for the gnats to go in. The insects will definitely drown by diving into the vinegar solution. Biological remedies can include hydrogen peroxide and cinnamon which can control insect larvae.

On the other hand, cinnamon powder is an organic fungicide which is proven effective in preventing damping off. Sprinkle the cinnamon on top of the soil.




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