How To Keep Fungus Gnat From Harming Your Plants

Fungus gnats, as its name implies, are drawn to fungus and tepid, decaying plant remains. More often than not, fungus gnats cause numerous problems for gardeners and houseplant owners, predominantly for the reason that they pose damages to healthy plants. It does not come as a surprise to plant caretakers and gardeners to see fungus gnats flying all over their plants, and creating damages such as yellowing and drooping leaves.

Fungus gnats are little, black flies that feed on the seedlings and roots of plants, which causes the withdrawal of nutrients that the plants need in order to survive. Throughout the years, these flies have damaged gardens and greenhouses, which is why they are regarded as one of the most irritating plant critters present. Aside from absorbing the nutrients of the plants, fungus gnats also cause the spreading of diseases to other plants. For this particular reason, it is substantial that as a plant owner or gardener, you should be knowledgeable on how you can eliminate these pests and keep them from harming your plants.

In preventing the fungus gnats from hurting your plants, you primarily have to determine the factors that cause them from flocking into your plants. One of the most typical reasons is overwatering, and it is definitely the most attractive thing that draws the flies to your plants. The science behind this is that overwatering leaves too much moisture that instigates the fungal growth in the environment. Just like the fungus gnats, fungus damages your plants by means of soaking up the nutrients from the soil and absorbing most of the water. If you do not fix your overwatering problem, there is a great probability that your plants will eventually die, as the number of flies and fungus increase.

Aside from precluding overwatering, you should also carefully inspect the soil of each plant that you add to your garden, principally because its soil might have already been a home for gnats or gnat eggs. If you overlook this type of damage control, the gnats or eggs from your new plant might infect your other plants, and bring about the upsurge of more flies.

However, if your garden is already infected with fungus gnats, you should use a potato trap or organic pesticides. The potato trap involves cutting chunks of potato and placing it on the surface of your potting soil. The flies will then infest and feed on the potatoes instead of your soil, and you will be able to save your plants. You may also use organic pesticides such as EcoSmart in eliminating the pests in your garden, and with it, you are assured that your garden will be safe and free from any fungus gnats.