Almost every lover of potted flowers knows the tiny flies that fly when you water the plants. Although fungus gnats are not dangerous, they are extremely annoying and in some people they cause severe disgust. With our tips you will quickly get rid of the little animals.
If the sciarid infestation occurs, the flower should be repotted
recognize fungus gnats
At first glance, fungus gnats resemble the tiny fruit flies, which can be found in large numbers in fruit, especially in summer. In contrast to these, fungus gnats always stay near flowers or indoor plants. The small, black flies rise from the soil when watering. With a magnifying glass, you can spot very small, glassy white larvae on the substrate.
Damage caused by fungus gnats
In the case of severe infestation, local plant damage occurs. Young plants and cuttings may die. Because the larvae eat at the root, stunted growth occurs. Indirect damage can occur through the spread of pathogens, which are carried further by the mosquitoes.
ways of combating it
Since fungus gnats are often already in the potting soil of newly purchased plants, you should always repot these plants in fresh substrate. Always thoroughly clean planters that you intend to reuse with very hot water.
Suitable for combating:
- Matches,
- Quartz sand, (15.85€) decorative gravel or clay granules
- coffee
- adhesive boards,
- dry potting soil,
- nematodes.
matches
Put four used sticks in the ground around the flower. The released sulfur components kill the larvae and no more mosquitoes hatch. Replace matches after a few days.
Quartz sand, ornamental gravel or clay granules
Sprinkle one of these materials about an inch thick over the potting soil. This prevents the female mosquitoes from digging into the substrate to lay their eggs.
coffee
Mix 100ml of coffee with 100ml of water and water the flowers with this mixture. The larvae are extremely sensitive to caffeine and die.
adhesive boards
These only help against the mosquitoes that have already hatched. The adult animals are magically attracted and caught by the bright color of the sticky traps that are stuck into the ground.
dryness
Since fungus gnats thrive in very moist substrates, you should avoid overwatering the flowers. If the animals have already settled in, you can take a two-week watering break. In addition, remove the top layer [lik u=blumenerde]Blumenerde[/link] and replace it with fresh substrate.
nematodes
The tiny roundworms of the genus steinernem felitiae infest the lavas of fungus gnats and kill them. They are simply mixed with the irrigation water and poured onto the potting soil. As a result, a stable strain of the nematodes, which are harmless to humans and animals, forms and protects the flowers in the long term.
prevent reinfestation
So that the tiny mosquitoes do not reappear after a short time, you should water all indoor plants and flowers moderately. Water only when the top layer of the substrate feels dry. Water that is standing in the saucer should always be tipped away.
tips
You should not use household remedies such as cigarette ash, baking soda or even disinfectants. All of these products kill the fungus gnats, but they also cause massive damage to the flowers.