How to tackle the menace of fungus gnats in your home
Fungus gnats are small pests that can become a significant issue for our plants. Their presence is troublesome, and the larvae pose a danger to the root system. How can you eliminate them?
Fungus gnats are small insects that often appear in our homes when we introduce new plants from the shop. These inconspicuous flies, measuring just 6 millimetres in length, can effectively irritate any admirer of potted flowers. A characteristic feature of fungus gnats is their black colour and yellow abdomen, making them easily noticeable against the green leaves of plants. How do you get rid of fungus gnats? Try this method.
Why are fungus gnats dangerous for plants?
The main problem associated with fungus gnats is their larvae, which develop in the soil. As soon as they hatch, they begin to consume young roots, which can lead to their complete destruction. A plant affected by the infestation changes its appearance and often begins to die.
Although adult flies themselves are not harmful to plants, their presence around pots is irritating. Fungus gnats can also easily transfer from one plant to another, which further increases the scale of the problem.
How to combat fungus gnats?
If you notice fungus gnats in a pot, you can use several proven home methods to remove them. One of the most popular is preparing a garlic infusion. Simply peel and crush a whole head of garlic, then pour roughly 240 millilitres of hot water over it. After the infusion has cooled, add 720 millilitres of water to make just over a litre of an effective homemade remedy. Pour this infusion into the pot.
Another method that helps in fighting fungus gnats is using chamomile tea. You need to prepare an infusion with 10 chamomile tea bags and about 475 millilitres of hot water. After cooling, water the affected plants with the resulting liquid four times a week for about two weeks. Chamomile effectively eliminates fungus gnat larvae, which are the biggest threat to plant health, while also improving soil condition and preventing further spread of pests.
How to prevent the appearance of fungus gnats?
To avoid future problems with fungus gnats, it is worthwhile to apply a few simple preventive measures. Each new plant purchase should be quarantined, keeping it away from other flowers for a few days to a few weeks. It is also important to store potting soil in a sealed container, in a dry and cool place, to prevent pest development.
An essential element of prevention is also the appropriate watering of plants. Avoid overwatering, which creates ideal conditions for the reproduction of fungus gnats. Remember that prevention is often easier than combating an infestation, so it's better to be safe than sorry.
