Repeat applications may be required after 4 weeks to prevent the build up of fresh Fungus Fly larvae. Using neem oil to kill gnats is a popular ‘natural’ method in the US, where it is approved. However, neem oil isn’t currently approved for use in the UK.

You can create your own gnat trap simply with a bowl of apple cider vinegar and a few drops of washing-up liquid. The vinegar attracts the gnats, whilst the washing-up liquid makes it hard for them to leave. Again to prevent egg laying, try removing the top inch or so of soil and replacing it with gravel or sand. Young bedding plants, especially bizzie-lizzies, can be affected with large numbers of small flies covering young plants, whilst larvae eat the roots. The nematodes need to be applied carefully, following all supplier recommendations . T he suspension of nematodes should be kept agitated during application, and the growing media kept moist so that the nematodes can survive and move around . The nematodes are effective in growing media between 10°C and 30°C, depending on product . On highly susceptible crops and in propagation, the nematodes are recommended to be applied preventively. Welcome to our new House Plant Pest Series where we will release a number of dedicated blogs on common house plant pests throughout the year. The first issue regards Fungus Flies, a pest that is currently highly prevalent in homes across the U.K.Normally one application of Fungus Fly Killer is sufficient to kill most Fungus Fly larvae but large infestations may require further treatments. Predatory Mites

Steinernema feltiae is the species recommended for sciarid fly control and is commonly used on protected ornamentals where it can be very effective. Steinernema carpocapsae (recommended for shore fly control – see below) will also kill sciarid fly larvae, however S. feltiae is more effective . The nematode suspension is applied in water as a growing media drench. The nematodes move through the growing media to find a sciarid fly larva and enter the body, where they multiply and release symbiotic bacteria that kill it. The dead sciarid fly larva rapidly decomposes, releasing the nematode juveniles that have multiplied inside the body, and these can then move to find and infect other larvae . You just apply to moist soil when the soil temperature is above 5ºC and ensure the soil does not dry out for at least two weeks after applying. Aphaereta debilitata is a naturally occurring parasitoid of shore fly larvae, particularly where IPM is being used with minimal use of plant protection products. In HDC/AHDB project PC 239, A. debilitata was found in large numbers on several UK herb nurseries using IPM and parasitised up to 99% of shore fly pupae on a crop of mint.Save your houseplants and seedlings from Sciarid fly/ Fungus gnats and larvae damage with our parasitic nematodes. In the open garden fungus gnats are not a problem and part of a well balanced biodiverse garden ecosystem

Spray the soil or compost and ensure plenty of the solution is applied directly onto the Fungus Fly larvae. If applying to pots, make sure nematode solution reaches root zone at the bottom of the pots. Adult fungus gnats only live on liquids, and don’t actually do any damage to plants. Their presence is just very irritating. Soil or compost temperatures should be above 10℃ for the nematodes to be active. How Do I Apply The Nematodes? Sciarid fly can be a pest of a wide range of plants including ornamental flowers and vegetables around the home, in greenhouses and in propagation cold frames.The removal of peat composts to more organic based composts has been a positive move for the environment, but the new organic based composts do also attract more Fungus Fly, which enjoy feeding on organic matter. This has led to a general increase in the activity of this particular pests for many people growing house plants. Take approx 200ml (1/6th) of this concentrated solution and place in 2gall/10 litre watering can. Fill with water. Using a coarse rose apply to surface of 2.5sqm of compost.