Gardening is a great way to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and get some exercise. But it can be frustrating when your seedlings don't make it through the growing season.
One common reason for this is fungus gnats. These are tiny insects that are attracted to damp conditions. They're often found near houseplants or in greenhouses. Fungus gnats can cause serious damage to young plants, including damping off.
Damping off is a condition where a plant's roots rot and the plant dies. It's important to take steps to prevent fungus gnats from damaging your seedlings to this extent. Professional pest control in Kittitas County can help you get rid of these pests.
What Are These Tiny Bugs On My Houseplants?
Fungus gnats are small, dark-colored insects that look similar to mosquitoes. These harmful pests are found all over the world. In most cases, they're harmless to humans and animals. However, they can cause serious damage to plants, including:
- Stunted growth: Fungus gnats feed on plant roots. This can damage the plant and prevent it from growing properly.
- Leaf discoloration: These pests can also cause leaves to turn yellow or brown.
- Damping off: As mentioned earlier, this is a condition where the plant's roots rot and the plant dies. Fungus gnat larvae are one of the main causes of this problem.
- Leaf drop: In some cases, fungus gnats can cause leaves to fall off the plant.
If you think you have a problem with fungus gnats, it's important to take action right away to get rid of gnats in house plants. These pests can quickly multiply and cause catastrophic damage to your plants.
Fungus Gnat Larvae: How To Kill Them Quickly
Fungus gnat larvae are small, white insects similar to maggots. These pests feed on plant roots and can cause severe damage.
The best way to get rid of fungus gnat larvae is to use a product that contains Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI). This is a bacteria that's deadly to fungus gnat larvae but harmless to humans, animals, and plants.
You can find BTI products at your local garden center or online. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully when using these products. Should you require assistance with fungus gnats treatment, don't hesitate to contact professional pest control in Kittitas County.
Three Best Ways To Prevent Fungus Gnats In Kittitas County
The best fungus gnats control is prevention. Here are three ways to prevent these pests:
- Apple Cider Vinegar. Simply mix one part apple cider vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture on the leaves and soil of your plants. The vinegar will kill the larvae and eggs, and it will also repel adult fungus gnats.
- Maintain good drainage. These pests thrive in damp conditions. Ensure to provide good drainage for your plants.
- Use yellow sticky traps. These traps are coated with a sticky substance that attracts and traps fungus gnats. You can find these traps at your local garden center or online.
Following these guidelines can help you prevent fungus gnats from damaging your plants. However, total eradication of these pests requires targeting all stages of fungus gnats—including the fungus gnat eggs.
Natural Fungus Gnat Control Is Easy With Prosite
Prosite is your local, family-owned and operated business specializing in fungus gnat control. We're a science-driven, science-obsessed company that utilizes the most up-to-date and environmentally friendly products to rid your home of these pests.
We're BBB accredited and our technicians are licensed, bonded, and insured. We're also proud members of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the Washington State Pest Control Association (WSPCA).
If you have a problem with fungus gnats or any other pests in Kittitas County, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be happy to help you get rid of these pests for good.
Call us today to schedule a free inspection.