Fungus Gnats

Garden Problems , Home Pest Problems , Pest Products ,

Fungus gnats, also know as fungus flies and Sciarid flies, are tiny insects whose larvae feed in damp soil rich in organic matter. They will chew the roots of plants and tunnel into soft stems.

Identify the problem
The fungus gnat larvae are very tiny 3-4 mm maggots. The adult flies are grey to black and 2-3 mm. They are often seen flying around plants in damp soil in gardens and indoor pot plants.
The damage the larvae case can include root and stem damage that allows fungal disease to further affect the roots and plants. The plants will then appear weak, wilting and diseased.
How to solve the problem
- Do not over-water plants or let pot plants sit in standing water.
- Use the Gro-Sure Houseplant Watering Indicator to prevent over-watering.
- Plant your houseplants and re-pot them using Gro-Sure Houseplant Potting Mix with Seramis®.
- Apply Kiwicare Gro-Sure Houseplant Insect Control spray, LawnPro Protect granules around the roots of affected plants or as a preventative treatment.
- Fumigation with NO Bugs Super Bug Bombs can help knock down the adult flies.
Did you know?
- Fungus gnats are gnats in the families Sciaridae, Diadocidiidae, Ditomyiidae, Keroplatidae, Bolitophilidae, and Mycetophilidae