Wednesday, July 31, 2013

How To Cope With Fungus Gnats

By Belinda Norbert


Fungus Gnats are said to be the most well-known pests found in houseplants. The length of a mature gnat is approximately 1/8 of an inch with pointed legs and extended antennae. These tiny and dark insects seem more like mosquitoes and can be observed leapingall over the plants. The young maggots consume the thin root hairs of plant life which brings about the yellowing of leaves. Correct watering of plants canavert the proliferation of gnats.

Overwatering leads to wetness which takes in these insects seeking a normal source of rotting plant matter and algae to feast upon. You dislocate the source of nutrition for gnats by enabling the soil to become dry between watering schedules. In other words, determine plants with damp soil andnow let the top soil dry fully eliminating any larva present. Get rid of adult gnats around the plants and windows making use of an ordinary vacuum cleaner.

The primary factor is to figure out the pests' resources of nutrition so the necessary solutions can be accomplished. It is likewise possible to do away with gnats with the fly swatter. Nevertheless, the help of expert pert control technicians may be needed if you are finding it difficult to get rid of said bugs. Use pesticides with care because these can be harmful to people and domestic pets if not applied correctly. There are electric fly killers that you can invest in. These kill gnats through electrocution. Electric insect traps that release 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 a couple of drops of dish cleaning soap in empty infant food jars. Fasten the caps and puncture these with several holes large enough 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 manipulate insect larvae.

Blend three percent of hydrogen peroxide with four parts of water. Allow the soil on top of house plants to dry before watering with this mixture. The peroxide will eliminate the gnat maggots. On the other hand, 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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