MUD GNATS

good that you've already tried some preventive measures. If you want to avoid using chemical sprays, there are several non-toxic methods you can use to control and eliminate fungus gnats: Sticky Traps: Continue using yellow sticky traps. While they may not completely eliminate the problem, they will help reduce the adult population by trapping them as they fly around. Top-Dressing with Sand: In addition to using cinnamon, you can top-dress your soil with a layer of sand. Sand prevents adult gnats from accessing the soil to lay their eggs. It also makes it difficult for the larvae to emerge from the soil. Let the Soil Dry: Fungus gnat larvae thrive in moist soil. Allowing the top inch or two of your soil to dry out between waterings can help disrupt the gnat life cycle. Be sure not to let your plants wilt, but adjust your watering schedule to keep the top layer drier. Hydrogen Peroxide: Dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide with water (1:4 ratio) and water your plants with the solution. This can help kill the larvae in the soil without harming your plants. Sticky Barriers: Create physical barriers using double-sided sticky tape around the base of your pots. This will trap adult gnats trying to reach the soil. Beneficial Nematodes: Beneficial nematodes, such as Steinernema feltiae, can be effective in controlling fungus gnat larvae in the soil. They are a natural predator and can be watered into the soil. Maintenance: Keep your grow area clean and free of decaying organic matter, which can be a breeding ground for fungus gnats. Examine New Plants: Before introducing new plants to your indoor grow, inspect them for signs of fungus gnats or other pests. Isolate new plants for a period to ensure they are pest-free before integrating them into your grow space. It's essential to be patient because it can take some time to see significant results when using non-toxic methods. A combination of these practices should help reduce the fungus gnat population over time. Additionally, maintaining good overall plant care practices will help prevent future infestations.

Let the pots dry out a bit and add food grade diatomaceous earth on the top in a small layer. This will cut and kill any new gnats flying out of the soil and any adults from laying more eggs. Worked great for me. Hope this helps you and your grow!

Need to keep top layer dry so they can't lay eggs. A few is nothing to stress over. They eat decaying plant material. They will get out of control though. Can introduce predator insects. Keep area clean and any plant materials removed that are dead.

Keep the top layer of your soil dry. You can do that by bottom watering your plant and allowing it to wick up into the root zone. I've never had gnats before, and haven't had bug issues to contend with for 20 years. Keep your shit clean. Don't expose your garden to outside open air. Don't inlet outside air without at least a bug screen or some kind of filter. Don't walk into your garden from a relaxing time in your back yard or at the park. All it takes is 1 weed loving bug to get in and your in trouble. They will multiply and you won't notice it right away. Then by the time you do notice, the problem is real! Worst of all is they will thrive unchecked by any insect predators! Hydroton clay pebbles you can use to cover up the soil. I've read that people have had success eradicating gnats using that. Till the top layer of your soil so it's light and fluffy. That will help it to dry out. Then bottom feed your plants for awhile, or just switch to watering that way. I bottom water all my mother plants.

Apply diatomaceous earth to your soil. It's totally safe(food grade) and sharp on a microscopic level. Gnats lay eggs in your soil, this will kill em good and prevent reinfestation.

Air flow directed at the soil to keep the top dry 1inch thick layer of perlite can be used to keep the soil covered Sticky traps will assist