Gnatrol

JC Figgy said:
I did mosquito bits and I saved leftover cuz I hated mixing more each time...but the stench is aweful. So I stick with gnatrol and its easy to mix powdered form for convenience and not so stinky factor.
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Yeah, that smell is awful but is avoidable if you use it up each time and just dump the used bits in trash/compost.
 
figologist said:
Just a heads up - I think gnatrol is way more expensive than mosquito bits, but the active ingredient is the same (Bacillus thuringiensis)

I use Mosquito Bits with every watering. You know the gnats will come, so don't chase them once they appear.

Bobby
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Curious if you've done a comparison on the amount of active ingredient per volume unit of each.
 
BucksCountyFigs said:
Usually for edible plants (like figs), when you are choosing a pesticide, you want one that does not get incorporated into the fruit you are going to eat, like a systemic pesticide that stays in the plant for a long time. Systemics are great for roses, for example, as long as you don’t eat the rose petals (eg cake decorating, salads).

That’s why Gnatrol and mosquito bits and mosquito dunks are so popular. The active ingredient is BT, which is short for Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis, which is a NATURALLY occurring soil bacteria, which is great.

Another reason it is a good choice is that it has very high specificity at what it targets. It is toxic specifically only to certain insects like fungus gnat larvae, but not harmful to honey bees.

And it targets a very specific area of their gut, which is different in humans.

If you use mosquito bits, I recommend putting them in a mesh bag - I use the ones that I got to protect the fruit. Then just fill it with the mosquito bits and use it like a tea bag in your watering can. Just let it steep in there long enough to be effective before watering.
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I checked and Sevin isn't systemic. On cabbage, you can use it 4 days before it's eaten.
 
Figsee said:
My nose must be ruined because I cant smell the mosquito bits
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Mosquito bits itself doesn't smell unless you have it soaked in the water for extended period of time, as in leftover in a bottle.

If you follow the label instructions and just add it on top of the soil, it won't have this smelly issue. I think the slight decay on the top may help draw the larvae and the gnats. The smell comes from the decomposing corn cob bits, which provides the surface to host the BTI.

We adapt a different strategy after one of us talked to the company sales. The guy said it is more effective to presoak the bits in water to increase the concentration, and then use that water in your plant watering. That may have to do with we typically use very little water on newly rooted cuttings.

For it to be effective, the larvae have to ingest the BTI somehow because it is toxic to them. But be careful not to overwater at the same time as we all know that'll likely kill the early cuttings. If you really worry about an outbreak, then you can use that water to premoisten your mix at the beginning, much like people use gnatrol. But don't mix the bits in as it would mold & rot.

Forgot to mention yellow sticky paper is another way to trap and monitor gnats infestation.
 
ohiobruce said:
I checked and Sevin isn't systemic. On cabbage, you can use it 4 days before it's eaten.
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Some formulations of Sevin are not systemic, but some are. (Don’t depend on an AI answer. Look at whatever formulation you are using in particular.)

For example, this sevin formulation IS systemic.
1764808417744.png

Description


  • Effective against a wide range of common pests
  • Ready-to-use liquid formulation for easy application
  • Systemic action ensures long-lasting protection against infestations
Sevin Insect Killer Systemic Insecticide is your go-to solution for effectively managing a wide range of pesky pests. This ready-to-use 32 fl oz spray utilizes powerful active ingredients, including Carbaryl and Zeta-Cypermethrin, to target stubborn insects like ants, aphids, and cockroaches. Its systemic formulation ensures that the insecticide penetrates plant tissues, providing long-lasting protection against a variety of garden invaders such as caterpillars, grasshoppers, and more. Easy to apply and highly effective, Sevin Insect Killer is essential for maintaining a healthy garden and enjoying a pest-free outdoor space. Trust Sevin to safeguard your plants today!
 
BucksCountyFigs said:
Some formulations of Sevin are not systemic, but some are. (Don’t depend on an AI answer. Look at whatever formulation you are using in particular.)

For example, this sevin formulation IS systemic.
View attachment 16120

Description


  • Effective against a wide range of common pests
  • Ready-to-use liquid formulation for easy application
  • Systemic action ensures long-lasting protection against infestations
Sevin Insect Killer Systemic Insecticide is your go-to solution for effectively managing a wide range of pesky pests. This ready-to-use 32 fl oz spray utilizes powerful active ingredients, including Carbaryl and Zeta-Cypermethrin, to target stubborn insects like ants, aphids, and cockroaches. Its systemic formulation ensures that the insecticide penetrates plant tissues, providing long-lasting protection against a variety of garden invaders such as caterpillars, grasshoppers, and more. Easy to apply and highly effective, Sevin Insect Killer is essential for maintaining a healthy garden and enjoying a pest-free outdoor space. Trust Sevin to safeguard your plants today!
Click to expand...

Good to know. I got my information from reading the label on my jar of powder.
 
I have seen one or two little gnats and most of my new cutting even the ones in tree pots have closed bags but pretty soon I'll have to open to do the kelp thing ever so often. Does putting a layer of perlite on top help too? If you do that do you still need a solution like gnatrol? It's probably too late for me I already have leaves and plant growing leaders that are 6-8 inches long on some. I'll probably get the sticky things if the problem grows and just plan to do better next year
 
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