Hi, I bought a new bag of soil and transplanted my plants and what did I see? Little white flea type things jumping around, some had wings, some were brown with wings. They start to settle down after a few minutes though. I have a few questions though. Will baking and microwaving the soil kill all of them? I heard it would. Also, how well does the vinegar method work at removing them?
Bugs in soil... baking?
- Thread starter CageK
- Start date
acepowerz
Well-Known Member
You can bake it at 350 for 15 min then I usually mix the soil around and bake for another 15 minutes. I do not think the microwave will work. But mind you if you do bake it it does have a really unpleasant smell so it may be wise to keep the windows down and doors open.
smellychronic
Well-Known Member
fungus gnats! You can get strips for them. The gnats themselves are easy to control and won't affect your crop for awhile. The problem is that spider mites attached to the fungus gnats and spread throughout your grow room.
Spider mites is an on going battle. I suggest you take preventative measures against these bastards.
Spider mites is an on going battle. I suggest you take preventative measures against these bastards.
retardigraded
Active Member
Hey, if those little white things are jumping like you said they are probably springtails and not fungus gnat larvae. They're harmless (they only eat dead plant matter) but the fact that they are there does mean you need to sterilize. Who knows what little nasties may also be living there.
More about plant pests:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/m1183.html
More about plant pests:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/m1183.html