{"id":551,"date":"2010-10-14T12:39:23","date_gmt":"2010-10-14T12:39:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.newprocontainers.com\/blog\/?p=551"},"modified":"2023-09-21T14:47:33","modified_gmt":"2023-09-21T18:47:33","slug":"green-ways-to-control-fungus-gnats-and-spider-mites-photos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oldm2.newprocontainers.com\/blog\/green-ways-to-control-fungus-gnats-and-spider-mites-photos\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cGreen\u201d Ways to Control Fungus Gnats and Spider Mites [PHOTOS]"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many futurists predict that the lowly cockroach would emerge as the dominant species on Earth should humanity wipe itself out in a nuclear war. But ask any Interiorscaper, and they\u2019d likely say fungus gnats or spider mites would reign supreme.<\/p>\n

These two pests have become the “fly in the ointment” of many \u2018scapers as they are tough to monitor and control, and often distract and annoy clients.<\/p>\n

With so many office buildings focusing on green environments and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines, the somewhat effective chemical pesticides are now out of the question.\u00a0 So let\u2019s put it bluntly, is there ANY way to control these buggers without using chemical insecticides?<\/p>\n

Yes! Over the years, Interiorscapers have shared with us some ways to take out fungus gnats and spider mites naturally, and some of the most effective methods are with other living organisms available locally or online.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost Interiorscapers think that one application will do the trick, but that\u2018s not usually the case,\u201d said Kathy Fediw, a LEED-certified trainer and consultant for Texas-based Johnson Fediw Associates. \u201cRepeat applications are usually necessary, so keep track of your treatments and make sure you keep them up to date until you no longer see any activity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nematodes a \u201cGnatural\u201d Enemy
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Predatory Nematodes attacking a fungus Gnat Larvae Photo Credit: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture<\/p><\/div>\n

Microscopic worms called nematodes that attack fungus gnat larvae, can be purchased online and arrive in powder packets. The solution is mixed into your watering application and within days, as the plants consume the water, the nematodes feast on gnat eggs in the soil. You can even inject the solution directly into plants or apply with spray equipment.<\/p>\n

Commonly available nematodes that prey on the larvae, such as Steinernema feltiae<\/em>, are effective many fly larvae and soil-dwelling enemies of greenhouse-grown plants. They are sold under such trade names as \u201cBioSafe,\u201d \u201cBioVector,\u201d \u201cScanmask,\u201d and \u201cGuardian.\u201d\u00a0Most parasitic nematodes packaged for sale have a shelf life of several weeks or even months if refrigerated.<\/p>\n

Mighty Mites<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Our heroic predatory mite (on right) stalks a two-spotted mite on a bromeliad leaf<\/p><\/div>\n

Ironically the best way to control the most common enemies you encounter, such as the two-spotted spider mite, is by attacking them with a different mite species that do not harm plants or people. Like the nematodes, common \u201cpredatory\u201d mites can be mail-ordered from a horticultural warehouse or purchased from any number of online gardening vendors. Here are some common species you should consider according to Purdue University Entomology Dept.:<\/p>\n