SAVE YOUR SEEDLINGS – ELIMINATE FUNGUS GNATS FAST!

SUMMARY

Fungus gnats are tiny flying insects that thrive in damp soil, and their larvae can damage or kill seedlings by feeding on roots. If not addressed quickly, they can devastate young plants. This guide outlines proven methods to get rid of fungus gnats and keep your seedlings healthy.

FEATURES

• Identify the Pest: Recognize adult gnats and root-feeding larvae.

• Reduce Soil Moisture: Let soil dry between waterings to disrupt breeding.

• Use Sticky Traps: Catch adult gnats before they lay eggs.

• Apply Biological Controls: Introduce beneficial nematodes or BTI.

• Top-Dress Soil: Add sand or perlite to deter egg-laying.

• Maintain Clean Growing Areas: Remove decaying plant material promptly.

GUIDE DESCRIPTION

Fungus gnats are small, dark, mosquito-like flies that appear near soil surfaces in greenhouses, seed trays, and houseplants. While adult gnats are mostly a nuisance, their larvae feed on plant roots and organic matter, making seedlings especially vulnerable.

Step 1: Identify the Problem
Look for small flies hovering around the soil surface and inspect the top layer for tiny, clear larvae with black heads. Wilting seedlings despite adequate watering can be a sign of root damage.

Step 2: Reduce Soil Moisture
Overly wet soil is ideal for fungus gnat reproduction. Allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry before watering again. Improving airflow around plants can speed up drying.

Step 3: Use Sticky Traps
Place yellow sticky traps just above the soil surface to catch adult gnats. This reduces the number of eggs being laid and helps monitor pest levels.

Step 4: Apply Biological Controls
Beneficial nematodes (Steinernema feltiae) can be watered into the soil to kill larvae. Alternatively, BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) products can be used as a soil drench to target larvae without harming plants.

Step 5: Top-Dress the Soil
A thin layer of sand, perlite, or diatomaceous earth over the soil surface can deter adults from laying eggs and make it harder for larvae to reach the surface.

Step 6: Keep Growing Areas Clean
Remove fallen leaves, algae, and any decomposing organic matter that provides food for larvae. Keep trays, tools, and benches clean to reduce reinfestation risks.

By combining moisture control, trapping, and biological treatments, you can break the fungus gnat life cycle and protect your seedlings from damage.

Other Tips

• Avoid using compost with high organic matter for seed starting.

• Water from the bottom to keep soil surface drier.

• Quarantine new plants to prevent introducing gnats.

Conclusion
Fungus gnats can be deadly to seedlings if left unchecked. With proper moisture management, biological control, and cleanliness, you can eliminate gnats and give your young plants the best chance to grow strong.

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