Fungus gnats in spag?

[greggnkay]

Been treating fungus gnat issue with dish soap in water every other week. Seemed to help with the adults. I began trasitioning some of our 'chids outdoors this week and nearly as soon as did, I got an explosion of fungus gnats again. Maybe the warmer temps and higher humidity (N. Georgia) created an accelerating hatching? I have two questions: #1: A friend who is experienced with orchids told me to top dress all my pots with spag, as much for appearance, but would help with indoor humidity some. This is about the time I noticed the 1st gnats. Do I need to do away with the spag top dressing? #2: I am going to purchase some of the Schultz spray so many have recommended. Other than spraying do I water with it, as well? If so, full strength or diluted? I don't want to kill my 1st orchid because of gnats....Thank you in advance orchid-eers!

[whygreenberg]

My ...The main thing about fungus gnats – if you're pretty sure that's what you're dealing with – is not so much their existence as an insect pest. When they appear, it means the real issue is that you've got fungus growing in your potting mix.

How long has it been since your orchid has been repotted? These issues will often arise if the potting medium has begun to decay.

You could just try a few applications of a fungicide like Physan 20, over the course of a few weeks. But, unless it's been repotted really recently, I'd repot, removing any medium as much as you can from the roots, and removing any rotted roots as well. No fungus = no fungus gnats.

[CoolPhrog]

Greggnkay, we have also dealt with this pest...here's any article I found that may help you better understand what you're dealing with:

FUNGUS GNAT MANAGEMENT

Good luck and keep us posted!