Nematodes | against fungus gnats

Nematodes for fungus gnats (Steinernema sp.) – Natural control of larvae in the soil

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⚠️ Note: Beneficial insects are only shipped once a week (Tuesday). Order by Monday at 8:00 AM at the latest – and remember to pick up the package immediately upon arrival.

Get rid of annoying fungus gnats with nematodes – a 100% natural and non-toxic solution that combats larvae directly in the soil and protects your plants effectively.

Eliminate annoying fungus gnats in your potted plants and greenhouse with nematodes – a 100% natural and non-toxic solution. The nematodes (Steinernema sp.) are microscopic roundworms that specifically attack fungus gnat larvae in the soil without harming plants, people, or pets.

When you water the solution into the soil, the nematodes actively search for the larvae. They infect the larvae, which then die and, in some cases, serve as a "breeding chamber" for new nematodes that continue the control process. This effectively breaks the life cycle of the fungus gnats.

After just 2–3 weeks, you will experience a significant reduction in the number of adult fungus gnats because the next generation of larvae has been eliminated in the soil. For optimal effect, the treatment can be combined with yellow, non-toxic sticky traps, which catch the adult gnats.

Signs of fungus gnats in your plants

Fungus gnats are a very common problem in houseplants, potted plants, seed trays, and greenhouses. Adult fungus gnats are small, dark gnats that are often spotted flying or running around the pots. Even though the adult gnats can be annoying, it is primarily the larvae in the soil that are relevant to your plants.

One of the most characteristic signs is small, dark gnats that fly up from the potting soil when the plant is watered or the pot is moved. Adult fungus gnats are typically a few millimeters long with long legs and, at first glance, can resemble very small flies or mosquitoes. They prefer to stay close to damp soil, where the females lay their eggs.

The larvae live in the upper layers of the potting soil. They are small, transparent to whitish, and have a distinct black head. They primarily feed on fungi, algae, and decaying organic matter, but in larger populations, they can also gnaw on fine roots and other young plant tissue.

Established plants can usually tolerate a small number of fungus gnats without major problems. Small plants, cuttings, and newly germinated seedlings are more vulnerable because their fine and still limited root system can be more easily damaged. In cases of heavy infestation, young plants may grow poorly, become weakened, or in the worst case, die.

Fungus gnats thrive particularly in constantly damp and organic-rich potting soil, and the problems can therefore increase if the soil is kept very wet all the time.

Typical signs of fungus gnats include:

• Small black gnats flying around the plants and the soil surface
• Gnats that fly up when you water or move the pot
• Adult fungus gnats on windowsills or around plant lighting
• Small whitish or transparent larvae with a black head in the potting soil
• Many adult gnats on yellow sticky traps
• Poor growth in small plants and cuttings during heavy infestations

How to control fungus gnats with beneficial insects

The most effective biological control accounts for the fungus gnat's life cycle. Nematodes for fungus gnats are watered into the potting soil, where they actively seek out and infect the larvae. This attacks the upcoming generation of fungus gnats before they have the chance to develop into adult gnats.

This also means that adult fungus gnats do not disappear immediately after treatment. Existing adult gnats may still be visible for a period, even though the nematodes are working in the soil. As the larvae are controlled, the life cycle is broken, and the number of new adult fungus gnats decreases.

The treatment can advantageously be combined with yellow non-toxic sticky traps, which catch a portion of the adult fungus gnats and also make it easy to monitor if the population is declining.

For recurring problems, predatory soil mites may also be relevant. They live in and on the soil and feed on, among other things, fungus gnat larvae, making them suitable as a more sustained biological measure.

Benefits of nematodes for fungus gnats:

• Natural and organic control – completely without chemicals
• Effective against larvae in the soil
• Gentle on plants, humans, and pets
• Easy to use in potted plants, greenhouses, and beds

Dosage:

• 0.5–1 million nematodes per m² or approx. 10,000 nematodes per liter of potting soil
• Water with 1 liter of water per m² or 100 ml per liter of potting soil
• Nematodes cannot be overdosed – for smaller areas, simply make the solution more concentrated

Instructions:

1. Dissolve the contents of the bag in 1–10 liters of water while stirring.
2. Dilute the stock solution as needed and water into the soil (treat all plants in the same room/area).
3. Ensure the soil is slightly moist before treatment, and keep it moist for the first 1–2 weeks.
4. Avoid direct sunlight during application, as nematodes are sensitive to UV rays.
5. The soil temperature must be between 8–28 °C.

- Can advantageously be combined with predatory soil mites and sticky traps for even more effective control.

Important information regarding delivery of beneficial insects – read before ordering!

• Order deadline: The producer packs and ships only once a week – every Tuesday. Your order must therefore be received by us no later than Monday at 8:00 AM.
• Late orders: Orders received after Monday at 8:00 AM will not be shipped until the following Tuesday.
• Direct from the producer: Beneficial insects are shipped directly from the producer to ensure freshness and optimal quality.
• Delivery: All orders are always delivered to a Bring parcel shop/parcel locker. The system automatically selects the one closest to your address, even if you selected home delivery at checkout.
• Important: Beneficial insects must be picked up quickly and used immediately upon receipt to ensure the best possible effect.