Fungus gnat nematodes

Fungus gnat (sciarid) treatment

This treatment allows you to quickly eliminate fungus gnats known as sciarid flies. Sciarid flies lay eggs in moist soil as close as possible to plant roots. There are 4 stages of development in this pest insect:

Nematodes will act on stage 2 of sciarids: the larvae. To eliminate the adults and prevent them from laying eggs in your plants’ potting soil, you must use yellow sticky traps.

What damage is caused by fungus gnats?

The larvae feed on decomposing organic matter and the molds growing on it (hence their presence in potting soil). Adults prefer humid habitats. The larvae can transmit fungal diseases to plants.

The larvae devour the rootlets, which causes wounds in the roots—open gateways to disease. Finally, they love young seedlings because they are very moist.

The larvae can measure between 5 and 12 mm long and between 0.5 and 1.5 mm in diameter.

How are Steinernema feltiae nematodes used against fungus gnats?

The soil must be moistened beforehand to facilitate the dispersion of the nematodes. Outdoors: apply in the morning, in the evening, or in cloudy weather because they are very sensitive to U.V.

To apply SF nematodes: with a watering can or a sprayer

For 10 m²

• Dilute the contents of the box in 5 liters of water
• Mix for 3 minutes to evenly distribute the nematodes in the water
• Top up with 5 L of water (i.e., 1 liter/m²)
• Spread on the soil with a watering can rose on and near the plants to be treated

For better effectiveness: let your water stand for 12 hours to remove chlorine, or use rainwater.

After application, water the treated area generously (1 liter/m²) to allow the micro-worms to disperse and spread well over the soil surface, to keep them alive and enable them to move. Keep the soil moist for at least two weeks.

Tips

It is recommended to use the nematodes as soon as you receive them; they will be delivered at room temperature and therefore no longer dormant. You must keep them at room temperature because they are active between 12 and 28°C. (Cold is only used to store them inactive for several weeks.)

* For fungus gnats, treatment is possible all year round for protected crops (greenhouse, conservatory, tunnel…) or outdoors, but the soil temperature must be between 12°C and 28°C.

When should you use Steinernema feltiae nematodes?

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