Gnats can be a pain in the neck for any nurseryman . These tiny pestiferous flies congregate in garden beds , where they lie bollock and the larvae feed on works stem and soil fungi . Left uncurbed , gamey universe of fungus gnats can stunt plant , disseminate disease , and detract from your horticulture enjoyment .
While eradicating gnats whole may not be feasible , it is potential to control them and keep number down using integrated cuss management techniques . This article covers key information all gardener need to know about gnat in raised beds and how to trim down their presence for healthier plant life .
What Are Gnats?
There are many types of minor fly that are collectively called gnats Most garden gnat go to either the fungus gnat ( Sciaridae ) family or yield tent-fly ( Drosophilidae ) menage
Fungus gnats are about 1/8 in long . Adults are mosquito - like with recollective legs and antennae , see-through gray backstage , and sinister eye . The larva are thin , white maggots .
Fungus gnat are also very little , but yield flies are rounder and have red middle . Their maggot are whitish - clear .
Other gnat species like gall midge ( Cecidomyiidae ) can sometimes inhabit gardens too . irrespective of case , their habit and control are loosely standardised .
Where Do Garden Gnats Come From?
Gnats seek out moist organic issue to breed in . Female grownup lay eggs on soil , compost , mulch , or plant debris . The eggs hatch into larvae that provender on fungi , plant roots , and decompose topic .
Ideal gnat habitat include :
After pupating , matured gnats emerge from the dirt to start the cycle per second again . Generations breed continuously over summertime .
Problems Caused by Gnats
Though small , gnat can make significant concern for gardeners by :
While fungus gnat larvae munch on organic matter , fruit fly larvae provender more on resilient plant roots and can be specially destructive .
How to Control Gnats in Raised Garden Beds
It takes diligent effort to suppress gnats but here are some good method acting :
Remove Excess Moisture
gnat take wet to engender . Allow garden beds to dry out out more between waterings to deter them . their larvae die out when the top few inch of territory become ironic .
Eliminate Rotting Matter
Eliminate decomposing plant life dust , dropped fruit / veggie , and mulch that gnats may be breeding in .
Apply Beneficial Nematodes
good roundworm are microscopic roundworm that feed on gnat larvae in soil . After water them in , they actively assay out and infect larvae . Brands like NemAttack and NemaSeek are in force .
Use Yellow Sticky Traps
Traps lure grownup gnats in with yellow color and stickiness . lay them just above soil level to catch emerging fly front .
Apply Sand or Diatomaceous Earth Topdress
A thin layer of these abrasive minerals on soil kills gnats through desiccation and abrasion . They also dissuade egg - egg laying .
Repot Infested Plants
For potted plants with severe gnat infestations , starting over overbold may be needed .
Preventing Future Gnat Issues
Good garden sanitization and cultural practice session help keep off hard flare - ups :
While gnats may always be present at some level , the actions above can significantly concentrate their larvae population and minimize impact on plants . Apply multiple tactic together for the best control . With persistence , you could have just an occasional gnat or two , rather than clouds of them spoiling your garden use .
Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats Forever With This Simple Garden Hack!
FAQ
How do I get rid of gnats in my garden ?
Why are there gnat in my garden land ?
How to get free of gnat in a raised garden bed ?
What are the little tent-fly in my raised bottom ?
