Hmm I'm kinda hesitant on using the sand, because it was outside in the garden center so there could be possible bugs in it...
So how does the process exactly work?? how do i mix it etc.. I am tempted to use it, but dont wanna fuck up, then poisen my beautiful plants with dishsoap.... if you kno what i mean...
The method would be just mix it up and put it next to your plant...but I believe this is a solution for fruit flies...which unless you got banana peels buried in your soil...fruit flies do not give a crap about MJ.
Fruit flies are attracted to the aromas of fermentation...you have probably seen them around bags of empty beer cans...this is why the vinegar (oxidized and bacteria infested alcoholic beverage)...but again I believe you have fungus gnats...and yes they often come with your soil...
**note** they could be thrips!!!!!! they look similar (to FG's) and I have yet to tell the difference in the flying stage. If so...you will eventually see silvery trails and tiny black spots...the latter on lower leaves mimicking a fungus.
Although I have not used sand...others have with great success. If you are worried about the sand having bugs, you can sterilize it in your oven.
I think I mentioned it before, but some have said the type of sand matters a little as some will mess with pH...I think it is silica sand that you want, but do not hold me to this!!
Although the dish of stuff may attract a few fliers, it WILL NOT solve the problem if they are fungus gnats. The flying stage is the adult stage and they are actively laying eggs in the soil. It is also the larval soil dwelling stage that is harmful to (little) MJ plants as the larvae obtain nutrients by nibbling on the roots...
You really need to attack both life stages or treat multiple times, even when using poison (which I would absolutely not due for FG's!, but would consider for thrips...though their are several biologicals that work well)
As I know it...your options are:
1) sand for larvae, thumb and sticky stuff for walkers/fliers [bug id boards, fly strips, or tangle foot...I have used all 3]
2) Diatomaceous Earth for larvae [my current strategy...in a salt shaker for easy sprinkling on soil surface...same as above for other life stages
3) Predatory Nematodes for larvae...same for other stages
4) any of the above for larvae, and a predator for the adults
5) Do not over water, keep top 2" of soil dry, and just deal with a few of the bastards
6) Chemical pesticide. (These things are problems anywhere there is moist soil and have been an agricultural pest for a long time...they have developed a fairly good resistance to some chemicals, and we should not continue to provide them with the evolutionary pressure to change)
I have used all but the sand. I used a very small shot of a pyrethrum bomb to get rid of thrips and got the bonus FG kill. I do not like using even this mild toxin. It smells horrible and is toxic for 2 weeks...but it kills.
One thing is certain...they will be back.
...they are fun to have around, but they are susceptible to the same controls...sand will work for them, they just will not breed.
DDVP
