Yes, simply add to the soil in the pot/container. The nematodes can only travel through/live in moist soil, so they will not have far to travel. Nor will they leave your plant pots/containers. They will die out naturally once the fungus gnat larvae are killed. Cabrera AR, Cloyd RA, Zaborski ER. Effect of monitoring technique in determining the presence of fungus gnat, Bradysia spp. (Diptera: Sciaridae), larvae in growing medium. Journal of Agriculture and Urban Entomology. 2003 Jan;20(1):41–47. Solarize potting soil and compost to sterilize it. To do so, place soil inside of a sealed plastic bag and pat it flat so that it is no more than 8 inches deep. Lay it on a raised location in the sun for at least a month—or two months or longer in cloudy places. Controls: The predators fungus gnat mite ( Hypoaspis miles) , mighty mite ( Macrocheles robustulus) and rove beetle ( Atheta coriaria) can be used in greenhouses. A pathogenic nematode ( Steinernema feltiae) is also available for watering into composts. The larvae of most species feed on fungi growing on soil, helping in the decomposition of organic matter. However some species are predatory, including those in the genus Arachnocampa of family Keroplatidae – the "glowworms" of Australia and New Zealand. [1]

Pour the nematode solution into a watering can, and sprinkle the mix wherever you’re experiencing problems. It’s wise to treat AROUND problem areas, not just the direct spot — this way, you’ll catch more pests. This approach is most successful during a long hot summer when the soil is likely to dry out. Keep the fallow soil weed free, or the nematodes will eat those instead. Marigolds and Tagetes — nature’s natural remedy Note that fungus gnat larvae won’t be affected by this treatment method, so the insecticide will need to be reapplied frequently to be effective. These instructions generally apply to using pyrethrin to get rid of fungus gnats, but defer to the manufacturer’s instructions in all cases. SUPPLIES Media temperatures should be above 50° F but avoid applying when soil temperatures are above 80°F. Optimum media temperatures are between 60-70°F. Use a soil thermometer to monitor temperature. Fungus gnats are major pests in ornamental plant propagation facilities; high organic matter content and moisture in the rooting media facilitate fungus gnat population growth and damage. Historically, propagation greenhouse managers rely on broad-spectrum insecticides, such as chlorpyrifos, to manage fungus gnats with varying degrees of success. Optimal management of fungus gnats must take an integrated approach due to the fungus gnats’ short life cycle, damage potential, and ability to take advantage of the humid condition in propagation greenhouses. An integrated pest management (IPM) program brings together multiple chemical and non-chemical control strategies to keep the fungus gnat population below damaging levels. The deployment of cultural and biological control tools also has the benefit of avoiding residual toxicity of some insecticides to biological control agents that growers may use during the finishing stage. The information in this publication will provide insight to growers and support the development of an integrated fungus gnat management program in propagation facilities. Description and Life CycleUnlike many traditional pesticides there is no REI, an added bonus in propagation houses. There is also no possibility that the target pest will develop resistance. No adverse effects on non-target organisms have been observed in field studies. Fully-grown plants are much less likely to be damaged, but can be if there's no other food source for the Scaridae. Where do gnats live? Mites of the species Stratiolaelaps scimitus (formerly known as "Hypoaspis miles") have also been shown to be effective at controlling fungus gnats . [14] These scimitus mites are a natural predator that eat fungus gnat eggs and small larvae.

Larvae (maggots) of a hoverfly Sphaerophoria ruppelli .About half of the hoverfly species found in Britain are predatory on aphids as larvae. The predatory green maggots of S. ruppelli are sometimes sold comercially and can be released on aphid affected plants.Alternatively, consider purchasing our new 'A Gardener's Guide To Biological Control' book, written by Dragonfli founder, and expert, Julian Ives. The book is available here.