Sunday, July 14, 2013

How To Cope With Fungus Gnats

By Belinda Norbert


Fungus Gnats are believed to be the most common pests found in houseplants. The length of a mature gnat is approximately 1/8 of an inch with elongated legs and prolonged antennae. These small and dark insects appear more like mosquitoes and can be noticed leapingthroughout the plants. The small maggots eat the thin root hairs of plant life which brings about the yellowing of leaves. Correct watering of plants canstop the growth of gnats.

Overwatering may cause wetness which attracts these insects seeking a normal source of decomposing plant matter and algae to prey on. You dislocate the source of nutrition for gnats by allowing the soil to dry up between watering schedules. In other words, choose plants with damp soil andnow let the top soil dry totally wiping out any larva present. Eliminate adult gnats close to the plants and windows using a regular vacuum cleaner.

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 available to homeowners. The use of sand can control the larvae. Adult gnats normally lay eggs on the top portion (1/4 inch) of damp soil. By putting to inch of sand, you can drain fast and make the adult insects think that soil is completely dry. Vinegar can also be effective in trapping fungus gnats as well as fruit flies. Pour apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish detergent in empty infant food jars. Secure the caps and puncture these with several holes big enough for the gnats to go in. The insects will definitely drown by diving into the vinegar solution.

Pour apple cider vinegar with several drops of dish detergent in unfilled infant food jars. Secure the caps and puncture these with several holes sufficient for the gnats to go in. The insects will undoubtedly drown by diving into the vinegar solution. Biological solutions can contain hydrogen peroxide and cinnamon which can deal with insect larvae.

Put together three percent of hydrogen peroxide with four portions of water. Allow the soil on top of house plants to dry before watering with this concoction. The peroxide will kill the gnat maggots. Then again, cinnamon powder is an organic fungicide which is proven productive in blocking damping off. Sprinkle the cinnamon on top of the soil.




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