Getting Rid of Fungus Gnats

by Valerie
(Royal Oak, Mi )

I've noticed tiny black gnats flying around my house plants even though it's January....I READ ON YOUR SITE ABOUT sm90, but would strong tobacco water in the soil kill the larva? I'd rather not use chemicals if I can help it...

Answer: Valerie- the good news is, SM-90 is citrus based (so you wouldn't be using any chemicals). Tobacco water might work, but you would have to water it in to all of your plants. A product called BANG!(made out of peppers and garlic) should work. Another solution would be to put a small amount of hydrogen peroxide into the nutrient solution....be sure to follow the directions on the container for mixing to be used with live plants. The peroxide will kill any fungus gnat eggs and larvae in the root zone.

If you have a grow room, you will want to prevent the nutrient solution from coming in contact with the nutrient solution wherever possible. When light comes in contact with nutrient solution, algae will grow. When algae grows, it is just a matter of time before it attracts fungus gnats. Eliminate any other sources of moist, organic material around the house (garbage, compost bucket, sink drains) any you should be well on your way to eliminating them.