Are Fungus Gnats a bother for your Houston home this Winter?
Posted by Lynton Web Team on Thu, Dec 01, 2011
If you've ever noticed a dead gnat or two inside your home, particularly on windowsills and other places you keep your houseplants, what you're likely seeing is a fungus gnat. Nothing to be alarmed about, fungus gnats are a common site in the homes of many a green thumb. So, what do we know about fungus gnats, and how can you reduce their presence in our Houston homes?
Fungus gnats are commonly found indoors during Fall and Winter months, when the soil is cooler and over-watering is common. If you use organic soil, you will likely have increased instances of fungus gnat appearances compared to homes that don't.
So what's the problem with fungus gnats?
In their larval stages, fungus gnats feed on plant roots, often causing root rot, sometimes killing the plant. Fungus gnats are also transmitters of two known pathogens: Pythium and Phytopthora. If you notice young seedlings turning black and shriveling, those pesky fungus gnats are likely to blame.
Tips on Avoiding a Fungus Gnat Problem:
The lifecycle of the fungus gnat is only about a month, and they're only in adult "gnat" form for about a week, but they can reproduce like crazy, making them a real concern for many plant-growing homeowners. Pasteurization is a common and reliable solution to fungus gnat prevention. The simplest way to do this is to microwave your soil or stick it in the oven long enough to reach 180 degrees for about half an hour. Once your soil has been heated and cooled, remember to store it in an airtight container until use to avoid recurrences.
If you already have a fungus gnat infestation, over-the-counter pesticides can be purchased at your local hardware store to kill them off. Sticky traps can also be effective, and the introduction of beneficial nematodes and green lacewings can help control fungus gnat populations outdoors. And of course, remember to space out your watering schedule, particularly in the colder months of the year when your plants don't require as much water.
Whether you have a problem with fungus gnats, spiders, cockroaches, or any other household pest that's trying to ruin your holiday spirit, we can help. Start with a free in-home consultation from John Moore Services on all Houston pest control services.