181 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, PA 17202
Telephone: 717-263-9226
Fungus Gnats
Fungus
gnats are small insects (1/8 to 1/10 inch long) that are common in houseplant
soils that are kept moist. Though adults are mosquito-like in appearance, they
do not bother humans or pets. It is actually the larvae or maggots that can
injure plants by feeding on the roots. Symptoms include sudden wilting, loss of
vigor, poor growth or yellowing leaves. Use of sterile potting soil and
avoiding overwatering can help prevent infestations. Let the surface of the soil in the pot dry
before watering again. Existing
infestations can be controlled using products containing the active ingredient Bacillus
thuringiensis v. israelensis (Bti) – Gnatrol is one such product. Bti is a naturally occurring bacterium that
is complete safe for people and pets, and even most insects. It will only affect insects in the order
Diptera, or flies, and it must be consumed by the larvae (maggot) to be
effective. It is the same active
ingredient used in mosquito control operations, or in the mosquito dunks used
in birdbaths, or other small sources of standing water. As with all pesticides, be sure to read the
label and follow the directions.
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