How to Rid your Garden of Gnats without Throwing Out Your Plants
Gnats can be a real nuisance in the garden. Those tiny dark grey/black flies that seem to like hanging around the soil surface can quickly become an infestation if not taken care of properly. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of them without having to throw away your plants and start fresh.
Sticky traps are effective at catching adult gnats and can help you monitor the level of infestation. Mosquito Dunks, which contain Bacillus thuringiensis, can be added to the watering can and used to saturate the soil. This will kill larvae in the soil. Hydrogen peroxide diluted with water can also be sprayed on the soil as it kills eggs and larvae. Adding mycobacteria (Myco-Blast) to put good bacteria around the roots is another way to protect against gnat larvae. It is also important to keep fungus down by using a fan or other methods.
If these methods don't work, you can try Gnatrol, which is a form of Bonide Hornworm killer. Some people suggest adding a layer of sand 1/2" deep to stop gnats from entering the potting soil.
In addition, cooking the soil is an effective way to sterilize it and prevent further infestations. Be sure to use a meat thermometer when cooking the soil so that it reaches a high enough temperature to kill all pests.
Finally, remember to always check incoming plants for signs of infestation before planting them and use yellow sticky traps throughout your garden space to catch any adults that may have escaped treatment. With proper prevention and treatment techniques, you should be able to keep your garden free from gnats.Gnats can be a real nuisance, but with the right methods and techniques you can keep them away from your garden. Sticky traps, Mosquito Dunks, hydrogen peroxide diluted with water, Myco-Blast bacteria and Gnatrol are all effective ways to get rid of gnats without having to throw out your plants. Cooking the soil is also an option if other treatments don't work. Finally, remember to always check incoming plants for signs of infestation before planting them and use yellow sticky traps throughout your garden space as a preventative measure against future infestations.
What are the tiny dark grey/black flies around the soil surface?
They sound like fungus gnats.
How to get rid of them?
Use sticky traps, Mosquito Dunks, a diluted spray of hydrogen peroxide on the soil, or Myco-Blast bacteria.
What is Mosquito Dunk?
It is an easy to find product at Walmart or Amazon that kills larvae in the soil.
What dilution / % of Hydrogen Peroxide should be used?
1 part 3% peroxide to 8 or 9 parts water.
What is Mycos?
Mycos stands for Mycobacteria, bacteria that form a symbiotic relationship with the fine roots of the plant, protecting them from the gnat larvae.
Does freezing the soil kill the eggs, larvae, & adults?
No, freezing the soil has no effect.
Does cooking the soil work?
Yes, it does work.
Is a meat thermometer suitable for fluffy soil?
No, a meat thermometer doesn't seem to work in fluffy soil.
What are the white things on the yellow sticky traps?
They could be other types of insects.
What should I do if I don't have yellow sticky traps?
You can make your own using a piece of cardboard, some tape, and some Vaseline.