How to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats in a Hydro Garden

Fungus gnats are tiny, black, flying insects that are a common nuisance in indoor potted plants. They also infest hydro gardens, also called hydroponic systems, and can destroy or seriously inhibit plant growth. The larvae are more destructive than the adult flies since they feed mainly on the root system. Fungus gnats are introduced from improperly sterilized water, soil or fertilizer products. Getting rid of the gnats requires that you trap the adults and eliminate the growing conditions that allow the gnats to thrive.

Potting soil
Fine mesh window screens
Yellow sticky traps
Insecticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis

Instructions

- 1
  Look into the trays of your hydroponic system to locate any organic matter that has fallen into it, such as dead plants or leaves. Scoop out all of this material and throw it away since dead organic matter allows the gnats to lay more eggs.
- 2
  Replace any soil in the hydroponic system with fresh soil since the soil is contaminated with fungus gnat eggs. If your hydroponic system has no soil, replace the soil in any nearby potted plants, which may be the source of the infestation.
- 3
  Close all doors and windows around the hydro garden fully and keep them closed at all times or install fine-mesh window screens.
- 4
  Place yellow sticky traps on each tray of your hydroponic system. Place the traps near a light source to attract more of the gnats. Check the traps every two to three days and replace them when they fill with gnats.
- 5
  Spray the roots of your hydroponic plants with an insecticide that contains the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis to kill any remaining eggs or larvae. Add 2 to 8 teaspoons to your system for every gallon of hydroponic fluid. Repeat the application, once per week for three consecutive weeks, to eradicate the entire population of fungus gnats.

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