Fungus Gnats?

**MrC** · 13-11-20, 07:13 PM

Those cardboard traps, I just lay them on the soil, but like a ramp so its not fully laid flat. Fuckers crawl out the soil straight on to it, barely see them flying round. Got fed up of those hanging tapes getting caught to my feckin hair and clothes, thought I'd transformers it, to quote Optimus Prime " For today, in the name of freedom, we take the battle to them!"

**bigmurphy** · 13-11-20, 07:41 PM

I second nematodes. Never failed me, make sure they are well in date and cool untill use. In the summer months I also use a much more sharp version of pearlite as a mulch thats suppose to shred their little bodys. I like to have so many yellow traps that I have had them stuck to my head numerous times lol.

**Herbitual** · 13-11-20, 08:08 PM

Originally Posted by bigmurphy

I second nematodes. Never failed me, make sure they are cool until use.

Well, I've offered them a gin and tonic with some warm honey roasted peanuts whilst they wait...I'll get some magazines in, too.

**Dionysos** · 13-11-20, 09:01 PM

Originally Posted by bigmurphy

I second nematodes. Never failed me, make sure they are well in date and cool untill use. In the summer months I also use a much more sharp version of pearlite as a mulch thats suppose to shred their little bodys. I like to have so many yellow traps that I have had them stuck to my head numerous times lol.

diatomaceous earth?

**Blue61** · 13-11-20, 09:03 PM

I have heard clay pebbles on top of the soil will
prevent fungus gnats from laying eggs in it.
Is this true or fake news...HaHa?
Realize this would be for prevention.
Sorry for the hijack Herb.

**IceCalibur** · 13-11-20, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by Blue61

I have heard clay pebbles on top of the soil will
prevent fungus gnats from laying eggs in it.
Is this true or fake news...HaHa?
Realize this would be for prevention.
Sorry for the hijack Herb.

Absolutely not (in my opinion), firstly..if you think about the shape of a clay pebble, given the shape, its has areas where there is a gap between the clay balls and the soil, insects such as fungus gnats can easily climb on them and around them (they fly too obviously) and lay their eggs. Diatomaceous earth is an option however I don't like the idea of breathing this into my lungs and I also don't like how it could change the PH of my soil?

The advice given so far has been spot on, but here are a few more I can think of ;

Predator insects, I've had great success with them on multiple occasions Herb, specifically 'Hypoaspis miles' and 'Mighty Mite' however, I do understand that some growers don't really like to go down this route but thought I'd mention it

To help keep numbers down I've also had really good results with fungus gnat traps, I wrote a guide here if you want a peek --> Home Made Fungus Gnat Trap ..again not an option for everyone as the Apple Cider Vinegar can whiff a little, but inside a tent with good ventilation, it's not an issue at all.

**Herbitual** · 13-11-20, 10:26 PM

Thanks, Ice. I'm annoyed as I've never had a bug issue before, but vaguely interested in nematodes (on order) and neem oil (on order). Sticky traps everywhere.

I'd suggest anyone buying Verve checks the bag for splits before buying.

**Blue61** · 13-11-20, 10:29 PM

Originally Posted by IceCalibur

Absolutely not (in my opinion), firstly..if you think about the shape of a clay pebble, given the shape, its has areas where there is a gap between the clay balls and the soil, insects such as fungus gnats can easily climb on them and around them (they fly too obviously) and lay their eggs. Diatomaceous earth is an option however I don't like the idea of breathing this into my lungs and I also don't like how it could change the PH of my soil?

The advice given so far has been spot on, but here are a few more I can think of ;

Predator insects, I've had great success with them on multiple occasions Herb, specifically 'Hypoaspis miles' and 'Mighty Mite' however, I do understand that some growers don't really like to go down this route but thought I'd mention it

To help keep numbers down I've also had really good results with fungus gnat traps, I wrote a guide here if you want a peek --> Home Made Fungus Gnat Trap ..again not an option for everyone as the Apple Cider Vinegar can whiff a little, but inside a tent with good ventilation, it's not an issue at all.

Thanks for the reply Ice. It didn't add up to me so thought I'd ask.

Good luck with them nasty's Herb.