A Guide to Controlling Fungus Gnats in Hydroponic Gardens

A Guide to Controlling Fungus Gnats in Hydroponic Gardens
By Liz Servito

Adult fungus gnats are completely harmless, but their larvae are the real problem in any garden. The larvae dwell in and feed on the roots of plants, ultimately hampering growth and development. As the roots get damaged, they may rot and bacteria will have a place to live.

The adult are able to lay around 200 eggs in the medium during their 10-day life span, so in order to prevent infestation, immediate action is necessary. The larvae rarely kill plants, however, the damage they cause will greatly reduce yields and your plants' overall vigor

To control the population of fungus gnats, place yellow sticky traps on all garden pots. Fungus gnats go in and out of the growing medium, and if you place sticky traps they'll get caught before they even reach the medium. The trapped gnats will give you an idea of the infestation level, which is important when determining is your prevention strategies are working well.

Here are other simple and effective tips to controlling fungus gnats:

* Install screens on any doors, windows, vents, and other entry points of your garden. Choose fine mesh to make sure that all gnats, including other pesky insects are kept out of your garden.

* Sterilize your garden tools and supplies before use.

* Before your go in your garden, make sure you change your clothes and thoroughly wash your hands first.

* Dispose of any decomposing or dead plat matter from around and inside your garden. Do this often as the gnats lay eggs and loves to eat wet, decaying leaves, roots, and other organic materials. Immediately get rid of them by placing them in a bag and bringing the bag away from your hydroponic garden.

* Keep pets out of your garden, as they are possible carriers of fungus gnats and other unwanted insects.

* Avoid filling up your hydroponic system to the point that the your growing medium's surface is always wet. It may be necessary to reduce the fill time, so that they doesn't fill up and wet your growing medium.

* See to it that any clone or seedling you bring inside your garden is absolutely free from pests and diseases.

* Every after harvest, thoroughly clean your hydroponics system. Make sure there's no trace of algae, and thoroughly wash all containers and lines. Run a mix of 1 ounce of 35 per cent hydrogen peroxide to each gallon of water through your system for an entire day. Drain it off and then rinse the system.

If you are looking for safe, effective, and affordable products for controlling fungus gnats, contact the team at CXhydroponics by following the link.

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