Fungus gnats, those annoying little flies that buzz around your houseplants, can be a real nuisance. Many people first resort to old-fashioned tricks like coffee grounds and cinnamon, or try products from the drugstore like Kruidvat. But how effective are these methods really, compared to the power of nematodes? In this blog, we explain why nematodes are the best solution to tackle fungus gnats at the root.
What Are Fungus Gnats and Why Should You Control Them?
Fungus gnats (also known as fern gnats) are small, black flies that lay their eggs in moist potting soil. The larvae that emerge from these eggs feed on the roots of your plants. The result? Your plants will start to look limp and unhealthy. Time to take action!
Many people first try the home, garden and kitchen methods of grandma knows best or reach for Kruidvat products. Although some of these solutions help temporarily, they often do not tackle the core of the problem. And that is where nematodes come into the picture.
Kruidvat Products: Advantages and Disadvantages
The drugstore around the corner offers a wide range of products, from sticky strips to insect sprays. But do they really work against fungus gnats?
Benefits of Kruidvat products
- Readily available : You can usually buy them right away at the store around the corner.
- Direct effect on adult flies : Sticky strips and sprays quickly reduce the number of visible flies.
*Hint: Sticky notes are a great replacement for hanging sticky strips!
Disadvantages of Kruidvat products
- Only effective against adult flies : The larvae, which live in the soil and cause the greatest damage, remain unaffected.
- Harmful to the environment : Many sprays contain chemicals that are harmful to humans, animals and the environment, and can also affect beneficial insects.
Grandma's Advice: Do Those Remedies Really Work?
The old-fashioned tips like coffee grounds, cinnamon and a raw potato slice are often used when it comes to natural pest control. But how effective are they?
Popular Grandma Knows Best Methods
- Coffee grounds : This is supposed to deter fungus gnats by the smell. But unfortunately they get used to it quickly, so it is not effective against the larvae.
- Cinnamon : By sprinkling cinnamon on the potting soil, you hope to repel mold and insects. Unfortunately, this only helps on the surface, while the larvae are deeper in the soil.
- Raw potato : A slice in the potting soil will attract some larvae, but will not solve the problem structurally.
Disadvantages of Grandma's Know Best Methods
- Not a complete control : They have a limited effect and cannot thoroughly tackle the fungus gnat infestation.
- Risk of worsening : Products such as coffee grounds can actually make the soil more moist , which makes fungus gnats feel extra comfortable and can worsen the infestation.
Why Nematodes Are the Best Choice
Nematodes, especially the Steinernema feltiae species, are the heroes of biological control. These microscopic nematodes penetrate the larvae and make short work of them with a bacterium that is deadly to the larvae. This is how you break the cycle of the fungus gnats for good.
Benefits of Nematodes
- Effective at the source : Nematodes target the larvae in the soil, where the real problem lies.
- Environmentally friendly and safe : They are 100% natural and pose no danger to humans, animals or plants.
- Easy to use : Mix the nematodes with water and pour it on your plants. They will find their own way and start working immediately.
- No resistance : Fungus gnats cannot build up resistance to nematodes, which ensures a permanent solution.
Nematodes: Your Best Choice Against Fungus Flies
Do you really want to get rid of your fungus gnats? Then nematodes are the solution. Kruidvat products and grandma knows best methods can help for a while, but do not tackle the problem permanently. Nematodes are a targeted, natural solution that can be used all year round.
Keep your plants healthy and free of fungus gnats. Order your nematodes today and discover the power of biological control!
