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TIPS TO GET RID OF FUNGUS GNAT OR SOIL GNAT

 
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HOW TO PREVENT INFESTATIONS OF FUNGUS GNATS

Using sand to get rid of fungus gnats

December 14, 2022 - By Kéven Prescott, Vegetable Gardener - Horticulturist
 
 
 
get rid of fungus gnats
 
Dark-winged fungus gnat (Soil gnat, Sciaridae)
 
English name: Dark-winged Fungus Gnat
French name: mouche de terreau, sciaride
Latin name: Sciara sp. / Bradysia sp.
Class: Insects
Order: Diptera
Family: Sciaridae
 
Several people asked me why I put sand over my soil.

The reason is simple, let me explain why!
 
 
 
 
The larvae of the fungus gnat feed on fungi, organic matter, and sometimes plant roots.

In order for their larvae to feed, the flies will lay their eggs in the soil. The larvae will move within the first few centimeters of substrate to feed. This is so they can eventually become adults and lay their own offspring.

Chicken manure is highly sought after by fungus gnats (ideal organic matter).

To break the cycle, putting a layer of sand about 3/8 inch deep over your soil is a very effective solution. The gnat will search for a suitable place to lay its eggs, but when it arrives on the sand, it will not find the desired location and will continue to search for the suitable spot. The gnat will not find it and therefore will not lay any eggs.
 
 
 
 
Sand to control fungus gnats
 
Cycle interrupted
 
The life cycle of the fungus gnat is 28 days. Therefore, before having no more flies at all, we must wait for 28 days after putting sand on the soil of all our plants.

So it's a simple, effective and low-cost trick!
 
This trick is rarely mentioned in nurseries. The reasons are simple, sand costs practically nothing, it's not profitable, or they simply don't know the trick. 
 
 
The cost of this method
 
$3 for 20 kg of fine sand (sandbox sand).

You may be offered products that are often very expensive and very ineffective. Some adult flies may be killed, but these products will never stop the insect cycle.

Biological control (Nematodes, BTI) is also effective but more expensive than using sand.
 
 
Soil gnats
 
 
 
Tips to avoid fungus gnats :
 
  • Do not put chicken manure in plants that you bring indoors during the winter.

  • Put sand on your soil one month before bringing your plants indoors. (I have sand all year round on plants that will come back inside the house).
 
By using the sand technique, you will have no flies at the entrance and even less afterwards.
 
So why not to act preventively!
 
 
 
Video by Kéven Prescott related to this article : The Fungus Gnat
 
 
Kéven Prescott, Monsieur Salut! -  Vegetable Gardener - Horticulturist
 
 
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Fungus gnat
Sand to get rid of fungus gnats
 
 
 
Soil gnats
Sand on the top of pots for fighting against fungus gnats
 
 
 
 
Sciaridae
Dark-winged fungus gnats 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gardening USA presents articles and reports from contributors and experts on topics such as gardening, DIY, self-sufficiency, reusing, recycling, and nature in North America.

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Kéven Prescott
Kéven Prescott
Monsieur Salut!

Vegetable gardener - Horticulturist
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone : 5A
Québec City, Qc. Canada
Certified contributor
www.usa-gardening.com
 
 
 
 
 
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