Fungus Gnat Control | pestcontrolsupplies.com

gnat control

Adult fungus gnats are about 1/8 to 1/10 inch (2.5 mm) long, grayish to black, slender, mosquito-like, and delicate with long legs, antennae and one pair of wings. Identification can be made by the vein patterns in the wings. Dark winged fungus gnat adults have eyes that meet above the base of the antennae.

Fungus gnats occasionally become a nuisance indoors when adults emerge in large numbers as mosquito-like insects from potted plants or flower boxes containing damp soil rich in humus. Adults are attracted to lights and are often first noticed at windows.

As with all species of flies, the first method of control is through sanitation. Wet organic material on which flies can lay their eggs must be removed, destroyed, therefore eliminating any future breeding sources. Killing adult flies will reduce infestation, but elimination of breeding areas is necessary for good management.

Inspect plants carefully before purchase for signs of insect infestation. Always use sterile potting soil to prevent introduction of fungus gnats. Overwatering, water leaks and poor drainage may result in buildup of fungus gnats. Allowing the soil to dry as much as possible, without injury to the plants, is effective in killing many maggots. Houseplants taken outside during warm weather may become infested with insects before being brought back indoors. Inspect plants carefully and discard if heavily infested and unable to save. Remove all old plant material and debris in and around the home. Practice good sanitation.

Most product labels will allow you to apply where pests have been seen or found, or can find shelter. You could use a general surface, spot, mist, or crack and crevice application. Treating the soil or foliage of a problem house plant for instance may give you some temporary relief. Apply an aquarium gravel on top of the soil to discourage breeding.