Fungus gnat larvae
live in the soil of potted plants.
Adult fungus gnats are tiny insects that can be a nuisance in your home. Fungus gnat larvae are usually harmless, but sometimes they have harmful effects on potted plants. Does this Spark an idea?
Fungus Gnats
An adult fungus gnat can lay 200 eggs in the soil of your potted plants. The larvae live within the soil. They feed on organic matter and fungi within the soil, but sometimes the larvae also feed on the roots of the plant in the pot, according to the Colorado State University Extension.
Damage
Fungus gnat larvae can hurt plants by damaging their roots. This can lead to wilted leaves and failure to thrive. Some fungus gnat larvae burrow into a plant's stems and leaves. A weakened plant is susceptible to problems like root rot, according to the Oregon State University Extension.
Solution
You can make the soil of potted plants less attractive to fungus gnats by allowing it to dry between waterings. Adult fungus gnats can be killed with pyrethrin insecticide sprays. The larvae harming your plant's roots can be eliminated with a biological insecticide soil drench.
Tags: gnat larvae, potted plants, Fungus gnat larvae, fungus gnats, Adult fungus, Adult fungus gnats, fungus gnat