Absolutely right braddahs! There are lots of alternatives. I've used neem and karanja meal in soil mix and they work great, providing another source of N. I have not tried nematodes. There's H2O2 drenches for pupa/larva and cider vinegar traps for adults and even cinnamon. I'm sure there are more solutions- this side of lighter fluid and hair spray haha. Spraying soil surfaces with neem is what I typically start with for management. Whatever drifts onto the sides of containers or on the floor provides a barrier. What I do like about Bti is that it has many uses indoors as well as outdoors (those dang caterpillars.) It is organic and doesn't harm beneficials. Bti has to be part of your IPM arsenal. Buy it in powder form or concentrate as it is more economical that way.
I think we can agree that wet soil surfaces provide habitat, dry tops inhibit infestation.
“Most of the fungus gnat’s life is spent as a larva and pupa in organic matter or soil, so the most effective control methods target these immature stages rather than attempting to directly control the mobile, short-lived adults. Physical and cultural management tactics—primarily the reductions of excess moisture and organic debris—are key to reducing fungus gnat problems." UC IPM
I have large saucers underneath my pots as I water primarily from the bottom to achieve the dry tops. Good stuff braddahs. Thanks for the great suggestions.
mu
I think we can agree that wet soil surfaces provide habitat, dry tops inhibit infestation.
“Most of the fungus gnat’s life is spent as a larva and pupa in organic matter or soil, so the most effective control methods target these immature stages rather than attempting to directly control the mobile, short-lived adults. Physical and cultural management tactics—primarily the reductions of excess moisture and organic debris—are key to reducing fungus gnat problems." UC IPM
I have large saucers underneath my pots as I water primarily from the bottom to achieve the dry tops. Good stuff braddahs. Thanks for the great suggestions.
mu