Lavender, Gnats and Neem Oil?

[ShawnSunshine]

So I have been fighting gnats for about 2 weeks now with lavender oil and I've done pretty good job but there's still a few but just want to chomp on my Primrose leaves and now they're even trying to chomp on the peace lilies.

I do believe that they arrived as soon as I brought the Primrose home and I think those Primrose were kept outside so thinking maybe there's still some eggs in the soil?

I also saw one beetle looking creature, which is now dead.

The lavender oil has been helping but I don't think it's enough.

So I'm looking for some options like neem oil and some organic things that I can put into the soil itself as well as foiliar spray.

Would Neem Oil be a helpful addition?

Considering all natural and organic methods to prevent pests.

Right now I only have one gnat flying around in the house so I'm trying to catch that one still but I'm concerned about planting new plants and my plan was to plant marijuana on the 1st of March but I want to get this bug situation under control.

Any advice would be very helpful.

Thanks.

 

[Livingblacksoil]

Gnats are more of a nuisance than a problem. Good luck

 

[Lenin1917]

I finally got rid of mine. Just put some mosquito bits in my pots before I watered them and dusted lightly with diatomaceous earth. No more gnats!

 

[ShawnSunshine]

I finally got rid of mine. Just put some mosquito bits in my pots before I watered them and dusted lightly with diatomaceous earth. No more gnats!

Mosquito bits?



Hmm. I'm growing indoors , so not sure i want any mosquito in here, but the diatomaceous earth, that's ok for cannabis?


Why do you use dead mosquitos?

 

[ShawnSunshine]

Gnats are more of a nuisance than a problem. Good luck

What about the beetle looking creature?

He was almond shaped. Dark brown in color.

I think they were in the soil from the primrose.

 

[HydoDan]

Mosquito Bits is a product. bacillus thuringiensis israelensis

 

[Lenin1917]

Mosquito bits?



Hmm. I'm growing indoors , so not sure i want any mosquito in here, but the diatomaceous earth, that's ok for cannabis?


Why do you use dead mosquitos?

It’s a product containing bacillus Thuringis Israelinus(I probably spelled all of that wrong) kills tf out of bugs.

Im also indoors, diatomaceous earth is completely safe, I wouldn’t apply past early flower though nobody wants dusty buds.

Not laughing at you btw just thought the dead mosquito thing was funny.

 

[ShawnSunshine]

It’s a product containing bacillus Thuringis Israelinus(I probably spelled all of that wrong) kills tf out of bugs.

Im also indoors, diatomaceous earth is completely safe, I wouldn’t apply past early flower though nobody wants dusty buds.

Not laughing at you btw just thought the dead mosquito thing was funny.

I like the mosquito bits stuff, looks like it's good for fungus gnats.

Is diamectous Earth also good for gnats?

I'm still going to buy a neem oil spray I think because I've heard good things about that for cannabis as well as controlling fungus and mildew.

 

[ShawnSunshine]

It’s a product containing bacillus Thuringis Israelinus(I probably spelled all of that wrong) kills tf out of bugs.

Im also indoors, diatomaceous earth is completely safe, I wouldn’t apply past early flower though nobody wants dusty buds.

Not laughing at you btw just thought the dead mosquito thing was funny.

Well, because I've seen dead bug repellent before that uses dead bugs lol.

 

[Lenin1917]

Diatomaceous earth is good for gnats, fleas, bedbugs and all sorts of bug pests really.

 

[ShawnSunshine]

Diatomaceous earth is good for gnats, fleas, bedbugs and all sorts of bug pests really.

Hmmm. Did you like the mosquito bits better for gnat control?

 

[ShawnSunshine]

Gnats are more of a nuisance than a problem. Good luck

These are those fungus gnats apparently.

 

[Driver733]

Hmmm. Did you like the mosquito bits better for gnat control?

I've spent the last few months battling a fungus gnat infestation. They love drain holes, this was my first and last time using air pots.

As you can see, I tried using mosquito netting to keep the gnats from getting in and out of the pots, but they seemed to go right thru the net.

I am back to using fabric smart pots, but I still had to use the Mosquito Bits. This is what I used:

I use the Bits now with every watering. I still found a new gnat yesterday.

I am also using fabric from old smart pots cut to fit the top of the plant, to cover the top layer of soil. I can remove it to water.

FYI: I also tried spinosad soap (no effect) and Microbe Lift Mosquito Control (also didn't work for me).


I did not try need oil since they were in flower the entire time. I also did not try DE (diatomaceous earth) since the holes in the sides of the air pots were like Hotel California for the gnats, and I couldn't get the DE into the holes so it seemed pointless. That's why I tried the netting. In hindsight, I should've stuck the airpots inside smart pots to keep the gnats from accessing the side drain holes. As I said, never again, smart pots from now on.

Fortunately, the final harvest was good but as you can see, the plants were affected:


Be sure to keep plenty of yellow sticky traps. By the time you see a gnat flying around, there are many more eggs and larvae waiting to destroy your roots.

 

[ShawnSunshine]

Diatomaceous earth is good for gnats, fleas, bedbugs and all sorts of bug pests really.

Are Mosquito bits safe for organic methods?

 

[Driver733]

From Amazon:

Summit Chemical Mosquito Bits is specially designed to provide optimal environmentally sound biological mosquito control. The quick acting formula kills mosquito larvae within 24 hours. EPA registered in all 50 states for safe, convenient use. Available in a 30 ounce size.

Mosquito Bits 'Quick Kill'
Marshy swampy areas inundated with larvae? Sprinkle Mosquito Bits (Quick Kill) as a shock to quickly annihilate the larval population. Corn cob granules coated in BTI, the Bits (do not last long but) provide a punch, turning water black with larvae, to a clear pool void of future mosquitoes. A week after application either supplement with Mosquito Dunks, for long term control or continue to add Bits on a bi-weekly basis. The Mosquito Bits are labeled to control Fungus Gnats in plant beds or pots! Utilizing a similar mode of action for control of mosquito larvae, the Bits, either sprinkled on the soil's surface or mixed with potting soil prior to planting will kill fungus gnat larvae with the same safety and target specific control offered for mosquito larvae.

My impression: it is the only thing that works well and will not contaminate or harm your plants!

 

[PadawanWarrior]

I like the mosquito bits stuff, looks like it's good for fungus gnats.

Is diamectous Earth also good for gnats?

I'm still going to buy a neem oil spray I think because I've heard good things about that for cannabis as well as controlling fungus and mildew.

Microbe Lift BMC is suppose to be better than bits.

 

[Driver733]

Microbe Lift BMC is suppose to be better than bits.

Yes, I know, did not work for me. I thought the bottle would last forever, but I returned for a refund. Bits works.

 

[ShawnSunshine]

Yes, I know, did not work for me. Bits works.

And mixing it in the soil... Hmm that sounds good since I haven't planted yet.

I'll sprinkle some on the primrose and peace lily just to make sure.

They've been all over the primrose.

I'm sure there's larvae in my soil still.

The lavender oil is keeping them off the leaves for a little while, but they come back.

 

[Driver733]

And mixing it in the soil... Hmm that sounds good since I haven't planted yet.

I'll sprinkle some on the primrose and peace lily just to make sure.

They've been all over the primrose.

I'm sure there's larvae in my soil still.

The lavender oil is keeping them off the leaves for a little while, but they come back.

No, I do not mix in the soil. I use 4 tablespoons per gallon of water, in a net of something to make tea, let sit for 30 minutes before watering.

Apparently, the bits can get moldy if mixed in the soil so I avoid it.

Take a flashlight and tweezers, dig into your plants and see if you can find the larvae. They should be easy to see.

 

[ShawnSunshine]

No, I do not mix in the soil. I use 4 tablespoons per gallon of water, in a net of something to make tea, let sit for 30 minutes before watering.

Apparently, the bits can get moldy if mixed in the soil so I avoid it.

Take a flashlight and tweezers, dig into your plants and see if you can find the larvae. They should be easy to see.

I am trying this method tonight, since I have this on hand.


Going for the vinegar and soap water, see if I can trap em.


Might get the yellow strips too.

Depending on how much I need to do.