Garlic_Mike
1442372397
Posted 1451967327
Reply with quote #1
Hello again. Huge battle with gnats, many plants and have tried many solutions. I am into my 3rd week of using the mosquito dunks without noticing much difference. The dunks don't seem to dissolve, the solutions that kill on contact don't and could have bought plants with the money spent on yellow sticky traps. I know I started this by using potting soil that was outside at HD, and I shouldn't have used potting soil. I even torch the top soil and change some of the top soil. Drier soil doesn't work, they like that too. I am pretty new to this. I started in Sept. growing cuttings and have over 75 growing in my small basement. Could be an overdone thing too, but the wife's patience in wearing thin. Any help is appreciated, Mike.
Bluemalibu
1448153498
Posted 1451968441
Reply with quote #2
chrysanthemums. Mix into a spray bottle and douse the soil. http://www.ghorganics.com/PyrethrumInsecticideSpray.html Fig Heaven. No fog, no snow; just lots of sunshine!
Ohiofig42
1443553430
Posted 1451968668
Reply with quote #3
gnatnix works
figeater
1446540443
Posted 1451968680
Reply with quote #4
I am going through the same mess right now. I know that they feed off of organic matter, and roots, and they really like wet soil. Has anyone tried wood ashes on these suckers? I know they will kill some insects, but I've never tried it on the gnats.
jenniferarino83
1335709464
Posted 1451969175
Reply with quote #5
Gnats, those are killers. I Macgyver'd mine. Mixed red wine vinegar and dish soap in a plastic cup set it next to my plant and collected quite a few in a week
Jamie0507
1435895205
Posted 1451969261
Reply with quote #6
Mike I totally feel your pain. Between my cuttings and the two banana trees and one Meyer lemon tree I brought in to save from the cold, I have been fighting the good fight against those stinking fungus gnats as well. After months of using gnatrol, and letting the top 2 inches remain dry on the bigger trees, I am just now finally seeing an improvement as far as their numbers diminishing. I also started nuking all mediums prior to cupping my newly rooted cuttings and believe that has been a huge help in ensuring I don't bring new eggs in as I cup or up pot. Nothing seems to really just annihilate those little suckers though, and if you see one then ya know more may be along shortly. Thanks for the tip Blue, I am going to give that Pyrethrin a try myself! Some days I get so disgusted with those gnats I momentarily consider throwing all plants outdoors!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13MXbhU3b-5Y4bkNSWHVikw6m-vovlHZcBjcsxMwQ7iY
BrightGreenNurse
1416895665
Posted 1451969924
Reply with quote #7
I'm a newbie, but here is how I saved some of my baby fig trees last year with BT spray. If you have no roots on your cuttings, it may be easier to just remove them from the soil, spray with BT, put them in a ziploc wrapped in a damp paper towel for a night, and repot them when you see no more gnats on your cuttings.
SuperMario1
1441853363
Posted 1451971478
· Edited
Reply with quote #8
Gnatrol and yellow sticky traps are your friend. Also Pyrethrins and other insecticides that are not toxic to plants are an option as well. I have even used pantyhose to help quarantine infected soil. In my limited experience a collaborative approach works best. Good luck, those little jerks are killers.
Galicia Negra, Violetta, Violette de Sollies, Dan_la's Black Beauty 10, Craven's Craving, Most important : YOUR FAVORITE FIG . A lot of people put emphasis on popular/exotic cultivars, which is great because it highlights some of the better fig varieties; however, I am most interested in the figs our members love regardless of pedigree.
adipose
1428963427
Posted 1451974308
Reply with quote #9
I have seen a gnat problem start a couple times. Both times I covered the soil with diatomaceous earth, reduced humidity, and they disappeared. Gnats really seem to hate the diatomaceous earth. http://www.gpnmag.com/fungus-gnats-and-diatomaceous-earth Quote:
Diatomaceous earth works by removing the waxes on the insect’s body and by absorbing oils and waxes on the outer cuticle.
Another way in which DE can kill insects is through desiccation or by rupturing or abrading the insect cuticle and causing extensive water loss. Insects typically pick up DE particles on their cuticle as they move.
...the growing medium containing the highest concentration of DE in the Dicalite formulation having the lowest adult emergence...
sbayi , hmari, niagara black, black ischia
cis4elk
1347840383
Posted 1451974756
· Edited
Reply with quote #10
Gnatrol and predatory nematodes, with the combination they will be 90% or more gone in 2 weeks(for me indoors in winter it was more like 99%, but I didn't have a ton of trees going like you do ). Pyrethrin is a knock down type control, it won't help with the larvae. Home Depot online usually has the best deal on predatory nematodes, make sure they don't freeze or cook in your mailbox before you get to them.
figeater
1446540443
Posted 1451975449
Reply with quote #11
I am going through the same mess right now. I know that they feed off of organic matter, and roots, and they really like wet soil. Has anyone tried wood ashes on these suckers? I know they will kill some insects, but I've never tried it on the gnats.
hoosierbanana
1287901146
Posted 1451975541
Reply with quote #12
Point some fans at the plants, gnats are weak flyers so they will avoid the area and it will make the plants stronger too.
LJFiggy
1448185688
Posted 1451987173
Reply with quote #13
As several others have stated, I've had success with (food grade) diatomaceous earth. I just keep it in a glass bottle, with parmesan cheese type shaker top screwed on. After each watering, I just lightly powder the surface of the soil, and it really works. Also, if the powder gets wet, I do it again lightly after the soil dries out a bit because the DE works when dry. The gnats are no longer buzzing about.
~ New to growing figs, I currently have tiny fig plants which are supposedly Little Ruby, Violette de Bordeaux, Desert King, and Petite Negri. I hope these were accurately labeled! Now rooting LSU Gold and Purple, Celeste, Panache, Peter's Honey, and Unknown Varieties from cuttings, thanks to generous forum members .Figs on my current wish list (along with any others recommended): Osborne Prolific, Battaglia Green, Smith, Kadota, Italian Honey, Atreano, Verte or Green Ischia, Panache, Peter's Honey, Black Madeira, Smith, Noir de Caromb, etc. ~
APORTO
1443104360
Posted 1452016999
Reply with quote #14
I had a big gnat problem with my 4 plants I am keeping in a plastic tote covered in plastic wrap. They were getting out of the mini greenhouse and flying all over the office. My wife was very unhappy. I was spraying insecticidal soap with poor results. I purchased nematodes and yellow traps. The yellow traps arrived before the nematodes and they quickly, significantly reduced the gnats. By the time the nematodes arrived, the problem was almost gone so I decided to wait before introducing more insects. I was reminded of that Bugs Bunny cartoon where the home owner buys a cat to get rid of the mice, then dog to get rid of the cat, then lion... and so on. So I skipped the nematodes and waited. The yellow traps worked for me. I used the product: "Springstar BioCare Gnat Stix S5333" and happy to report there are a lot of dead critters stuck to the traps, but not a single live one flying about. I also see some dead guys stuck to the sides of the bin and wonder if the bleach I periodically add to the water in the bottom is making it toxic for the gnats? Whichever, Gnats are gone: happy wife. Fig plants are flourishing: happy me ;-)
Dave
1312388324
Posted 1452018466
Reply with quote #15
Good Luck Mike 2 years ago I had a giant infestation of gnats they came from a bad batch of Miracle gro potting soil I used everything mentioned here and watched my cuttings die one after another finally I got so fed up I threw everything away This is why I use nothing but coco coir from here on out and of course you have to be careful what soil you pot the soil in after you start the roots in the coir I use pro mix and sterilize it in the oven and of course that kills some of the nutrients in the soil but that is easily fixed with some fertilizer take a look at this post I use paint strainers to keep the gnats from spreading if you happen to get them Good luck in your battle http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/the-war-against-gnats-7180106?trail=50&highlight=gnat
Connecticut - Zone 6B Wish List - Bordissot negra rimada
SuperMario1
1441853363
Posted 1452018975
Reply with quote #16
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave
Galicia Negra, Violetta, Violette de Sollies, Dan_la's Black Beauty 10, Craven's Craving, Most important : YOUR FAVORITE FIG . A lot of people put emphasis on popular/exotic cultivars, which is great because it highlights some of the better fig varieties; however, I am most interested in the figs our members love regardless of pedigree.
Mario_1
1398299123
Posted 1452022310
Reply with quote #17
Dave,Andrew,Mike! nice bunch from Connecticut!
Garlic_Mike
1442372397
Posted 1452028998
Reply with quote #18
Thanks for the help everyone. I have used everything but the pyrethrum and will try it also. I am marinating a garlic, cayenne & red pepper, dish soap & Dunk stuff, and will strain and test soon.
jdsfrance
1376988473
Posted 1452084937
Reply with quote #19
Hi,
Dave
1312388324
Posted 1452209990
Reply with quote #20
Mario if we could find a couple more guys from CT we could have our own fig gathering ? Quote:
Originally Posted by Mario_1
Connecticut - Zone 6B Wish List - Bordissot negra rimada
Brooklynmatty
1434844871
Posted 1452216083
Reply with quote #21
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Dave Mario if we could find a couple more guys from CT we could have our own fig gathering ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mario_1
Wishlist: CDD Roja, Planera, CDD Rimadahttp://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/saved-brooklyn-tree-unknown-sheepshead-community-growlog-7808733?pid=1290171384
Garlic_Mike
1442372397
Posted 1452218907
Reply with quote #22
Sounds interesting. I live in Wallingford, but work in Bridgeport. I have found at least 8 people with figs at work and a couple around town, (because I talk a lot) lol,. No one seems to know what they have, which makes it interesting. All I can tell is the two purples two people gave me are different by the leaves, and so are the two green ones. I am new to this, but there seems to be a lot of variety in the area, and figuring out the "locally grown" will be a hobby by itself.
EDoukas
1372862206
Posted 1452529112
Reply with quote #23
Guys -- no more fretting the fungus gnats. I had the worst problem with them in my house with 17 plants growing in the windows and I tried everything you can imagine...for years. Finally found what worked for me and have NEVER had an issue since. Its been over a year. Its called Neam Cake or AKA Neam Meal. Its completely safe, organic, and its actually very healthy for the plants as its a light fertilizer and root health support. Its much better than Neam oil for gnats because it stays at the top (as well as soil drench) eventually killing everything. Here's a video I did that explains everything:
jkuo
1399944767
Posted 1452530593
Reply with quote #24
A multi-prong approach has worked for me. I use sterile media (coir) for rooting, put a small square of yellow sticky paper in each pot, hang a sticky trap near a cluster of plants, use Gnatrol every time I water my indoor plants, and smash every one that I see flying around. I never seem to completely get rid of the buggers, but they also never grow to a significant population size. I might try add the wine vinegar and soap to my control measures as extra insurance.
Johnny - Lancaster, PA, Zone 6b Plants I'm growing: Google Doc
LJFiggy
1448185688
Posted 1452558395
Reply with quote #25
This sounds like a good product. I like the fact that it's organic and actually feeds the plant while killing the gnats.
~ New to growing figs, I currently have tiny fig plants which are supposedly Little Ruby, Violette de Bordeaux, Desert King, and Petite Negri. I hope these were accurately labeled! Now rooting LSU Gold and Purple, Celeste, Panache, Peter's Honey, and Unknown Varieties from cuttings, thanks to generous forum members .Figs on my current wish list (along with any others recommended): Osborne Prolific, Battaglia Green, Smith, Kadota, Italian Honey, Atreano, Verte or Green Ischia, Panache, Peter's Honey, Black Madeira, Smith, Noir de Caromb, etc. ~
Garlic_Mike
1442372397
Posted 1452559710
Reply with quote #26
Yeah Pyrethrum!!! Tons of little screams... then silence. MWAHAHA!! Thanks, after 4 days and two thorough applications, + some in between, significant reduction and very little showing on the sticky traps. Much more manageable. My problem with the DE is there are too many plants in my little space. I have noticed if the leaves then get wet it can cake and the leaf slowly die. Seriously too many. They are bigger now than I thought they would be in the spring. Will probably need to find someone nearby to share with soon, prob @ late Feb. early March.
Bluemalibu
1448153498
Posted 1452562680
Reply with quote #27
Fig Heaven. No fog, no snow; just lots of sunshine!
Garlic_Mike
1442372397
Posted 1452570280
Reply with quote #28
Lol, hey Blue, I don't doubt it. Something that seems important though. The pyrethrum says to use it within 24 hours of being mixed (concentrate). The scent and effectiveness after a day did seem drastically reduced.
Bluemalibu
1448153498
Posted 1452635075
Reply with quote #29
Quote:
Originally Posted by Garlic_Mike
Fig Heaven. No fog, no snow; just lots of sunshine!
Jodi
1443230258
Posted 1455129939
Reply with quote #30
Just got my Neem Cake. Look out gnats!
In the book the "The Meaning of Trees" it is said the fig regulates the heart and that the true essence of Figs is...food for the soul. Daisy's IBT cuttings will be available in January/February along with a few Lampeira Parda.
kyyada
1391503601
Posted 1455135575
Reply with quote #31
Nicotine is a very powerful insecticide. I have used a pencil to poke holes and then put cigarette buts in. If you want to make a spray try thishttp://www.ehow.com/how_4884401_make-nicotine-insecticide.html
don_sanders
1429304713
Posted 1455138568
Reply with quote #32
Note there are references that the "use [of neem cake] in potting mix may inhibit seed germination or stunt young plants." "Exercise caution while using in potting mixes. Using more than 1% could cause a lack of seed germination or stunt young plants. " So be cautious using neem cake with your cuttings and when germinating seeds.
Silveradocanman
1454859300
Posted 1455159411
· Edited
Reply with quote #33
I used diluted peroxide solution to water, and dusted with DE... Solved the issue for me.
brianm
1389664758
Posted 1455160129
Reply with quote #34
Nothing like fungas gnats flying around the house lol.
Garlic_Mike
1442372397
Posted 1455161982
Reply with quote #35
The pyrethrum has worked great.
Jodi
1443230258
Posted 1455554027
Reply with quote #36
Hey all you gnat experts. I am feeling a little unsure if the neem cake is ok to put on the new, yet to root cuttings I have starting out? There seems to be different opinions on if the neem cake top dressing will inhibit root development on cuttings without roots? Question is has anyone had a problem using the neem cake top dressing on newly started cuttings? Or with using the neem cake tea on same? Thank you for your kind assistance. Nervous momma, Jodi
In the book the "The Meaning of Trees" it is said the fig regulates the heart and that the true essence of Figs is...food for the soul. Daisy's IBT cuttings will be available in January/February along with a few Lampeira Parda.
Dave
1312388324
Posted 1455571043
Reply with quote #37
I've used this before i works great Gnat nix or paint strainers they come in all different sizes
Connecticut - Zone 6B Wish List - Bordissot negra rimada
Jodi
1443230258
Posted 1455572672
Reply with quote #38
Thx Dave that looks like a new one I haven't heard of. Looks like a great non chemical way to beat these lil buggers. I assume it has worked well for you. That lil figlet looks really healthy. ;-).
In the book the "The Meaning of Trees" it is said the fig regulates the heart and that the true essence of Figs is...food for the soul. Daisy's IBT cuttings will be available in January/February along with a few Lampeira Parda.
Bluemalibu
1448153498
Posted 1456417360
Reply with quote #39
Quote:
Originally Posted by Garlic_Mike
Hey Mike, Fig Heaven. No fog, no snow; just lots of sunshine!
