Sciarid Fly Killer Nematodes 15 sqm

Product Information

The microscopic nematodes contained within Fungus Fly Killer will seek out, infect, and kill Fungus Fly larvae. The nematodes will die out naturally once infestations are contained. Add 0.5L of the nematode concentrate to a w atering can or sprayer (hand held sprayers should suffice, with filters removed, or use our specific nematode applicator, the Nema Super Sprayer, for optimum nematode application) with up to 8L of water. Fungus gnats are actually attracted to soil, rather than plants, so they can infect all plant types. The adult flies are small and dark in colour. They are more of a nuisance than they are damaging, and can be particularly annoying when they fly upwards from plants in high numbers. The drying of the soils top surface will make it harder for all aspects of the sciarid lifecycle, as the adults have less food available with active growth of fungi greatly reduced and are deterred from egg laying into dry soil. The larvae also find it harder to move though a dry environment which allows for increased predation from predatory species.

I find flies and other insects very interesting indeed, while they’re outside, but I must confess that I find sciarid flies really rather off putting inside. These irritating flies don’t add anything positive to the ambiance of my home, so I am always keen to prevent sciarid flies from becoming a nuisance. The lifecycle of the Sciarid fly Fungus Fly Larvae feed on plant roots, and are capable of killing young plants if left untreated. Overwatering Plants Can Lead To Infestations

Fungus gnat larvae are normally brought in from infested potting soil, or soil in a new houseplant. They can also be brought in by firewood, since they like the damp bark. Sciarid larvae can be monitored by examining the compost surface, around the roots and inside the pot after tapping out the plant. Controlling sciarid flies around houseplants and inside terrariums, on plants grown inside our homes, conservatories, and glasshouses

While, I applied these biological controls to the compost inside my terrariums just as the lights dimmed. Sciarid fly larvae infected by the naturally-occurring fungus, Furia sciarae can be seen on the compost surface. It is difficult to find sciarid fly larvae infected by Met52.Welcome to our new House Plant Pest Series where we will release a number of dedicated blogs on common house plant pests throughout the year. The first issue regards Fungus Flies, a pest that is currently highly prevalent in homes across the U.K. The ground-dwelling predatory ‘rove’ beetle, Atheta coriaria is commercially available for the control of both sciarid flies and shore flies. The adult beetle is small, about 3-4mm long, dark brown and shiny, with short wings and an upturned rear end (Fig. 7). The adults are very active and can both run and fly, but often remain hidden within the growing substrate and under pots. The female beetles lay eggs in the compost or soil and the eggs hatch into the first stage larvae, which are small and milky white. There are three larval stages, the oldest larvae being about 3-4 mm long and brownish yellow (Fig. 8). When fully developed, the oldest larvae build pupation chambers in the growing medium out of soil particles held together with silk, thus they are not readily visible at this stage. Both adults and larvae feed on a range of ground-dwelling prey, including sciarid and shore fly eggs and larvae, and thrips pupae. Traditionally adults emerge from May to July when a female has the potential to lay up to 1,500 eggs. After hatching the white bodied, brown headed legless larvae develop in the soil, pupate the following spring before adults emerge again from May. However, a combination of milder winters and increased use of protected growing has meant this life-cycle is no longer as structured and larvae may be present at any time during the year.

Sciarid Fly thrive in warm moist conditions and are a particular problem where greenhouse hygiene may have been overlooked. Water at the beginning of the day and try to avoid excessive wetness at the end of the day and always sweep up excess compost and plant debris, ensuring the growing bench is as clean as possible all of the time. How to get rid of Sciarid Fly Our IPM specialists at Fargro look after a wide range of customers from ornamental growers to interior landscapes, green offices, hotels and living walls which have become increasingly popular recently. We know that using biologicals to control pests and diseases in these environments are not only more environmentally friendly but if done so correctly are extremely effective. Full details for the use of biological control agents and compatibility of pesticides are available from biological control suppliers or consultants. Also see Section A – Principles of IPM. Water from the bottom using a tray, rather than the top. Since the eggs tend to be laid near the top of the soil, this prevents the top section becoming too moist.There is a predatory mite, hypoaspis miles, that lives in the surface layers of compost and will feed on the maggots if the temperature is kept at around 21˚C. Where can I get the predatory mite for fungus gnats? This insect-pathogenic nematode is commonly used on protected herbs against sciarid flies. The nematode suspension is applied as a compost drench. The nematodes swim to find a sciarid fly larva and enter the body, where they multiply and release symbiotic bacteria that kill it. The dead sciarid larva rapidly decomposes, releasing the nematodes, which can then infect other larvae (Fig. 5). The nematodes need to be applied carefully, following all supplier recommendations, e.g. the suspension of nematodes should be kept agitated during application, and the compost kept moist so that the nematodes can survive and move within the compost. The nematodes are effective in compost between 10-30°C, depending on product.