GNATS Nature's Way Caterpillar Killer - Dipel INGREDIENT (Bacillus thuringiensis)

[orchidsarefun]

it depends on you - if you want an instant fix, then the combo treatment is ideal. If you want a more permanent and long-lasting fix, then the carnivorous plant solution is better as you eventually break the gnat life-cycle by eliminating the adults. I have proved it in the home environment, especially when grow areas are in separate rooms. I don't have any gnats in other rooms, only in the room that has repotted plants. I actually prefer having gnats ( a few ! ) as they supply my butterworts with nutrition. I was gnat free for months, now repotting has caused them to reappear. I don't microwave/sterilise my media at all.

[tily]

Hi Ray & Orchidsarefun
Thanks for your replies and advice guys I think I will go ahead and purchase the Nature's Way Caterpillar Killer Dipe do you think this brand will work?you can find the item on Yates au website
these Gnats are in some of the orchid pots and all my orchids are on the same table which worries me now and I am looseing a phalenopsis I am pretty sure because of these little buggers I had good strong roots on this orchid to only find rotting roots and on the second leaf, I have now decided to mount the orchid with 3 small stump roots I also cut off the spike to give it a bit of help..
These Gnats are also invading my kitchen and slowing into the lounge room so I think I have a serious problem here..
I have been spraying the leaves with straight gold Listerine to help some.. I may even spray the media with Listerine untillvi get the Yates..
Would appreciate if you could reply on the now orchid mounted orchid..
Cheers

[No-Pro-mwa]

Originally Posted by Ray

I'm sorry, but I've got to take up the cause for the opposite of what has been said here:

While carnivorous plants are great, trying to use them to control fungus gnats is addressing the symptom, not the problem.

If you have gnats, then you have their larvae, too.

The larvae of fungus gnats consume fungi growing on decomposing organic matter. Once they have outstripped that - whether by overpopulating the pot, or when you repot and remove the majority of the decomposed fodder - they will start to consume roots.

As if the thought of roots being eaten isn't enough of an encouragement to do something about them, you should also be aware that they are a vector for the transmission of various rots and diseases among plants; possibly viruses, too.

The use of a biological treatment like BT is a sound approach, as it is a bacterium that infects and kills the larvae. Why not use it to control the larvae, and the CPs to help with the adults?

Well you do have a point Ray. I did think of the larva but am still not to sure if it will kill them or not. I suppose it could. It's worth a try I guess. I know if it were me I would probably drench them with neem oil. I guess that could be your back up if the Bt doesn't work.

I do know I have very good results in the garden on worms with it.