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Fungus Gnats

Latin name: Bradysia spp
Common name: Fungus gnat
Description: Fungus gnat's are very small, usually less than 1/8" length. They are weak fliers that barley keep them selves in the air. Like Mosquitoes... I believe they are attracted to the Carbon Dioxide that we exhale. That's why they always seem to be in your face.
Hosts: Any soil that is kept wet for a long period of time.
Life cycle: Adult females live for about 1 week producing up to 200 eggs. The eggs are deposited into decomposing material in damp soil. The hatch will occur in 4 to 6 days. Larval development continues for 2 to 3 weeks followed by a pupal stage of 4 to 6 days and then emerging as an adult... starting the cycle over again.
Natural control: Allow the soil to dry down as far as possible without damaging the plant. Remove decaying leaves from the soil surface. Spray the plant and drench the soil with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT).
Chemical control: Drench the soil with Malathion. Be sure to follow label directions and wear appropriate safety equipment.
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The Plant Ranch
5468 Carr Street
Arvada, Colorado  80002-3527
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