Identification and Control of Fungus Gnats in Winnipeg’s Indoor Plant Culture During Winter Months
Indoor gardeners often encounter fungus gnats, tiny mosquito-like flies that swarm around potted plants. Fungus gnats (family Sciaridae ) are small (approximately 2 to 4 mm long) dark flies with long legs and antennae [1] [2] . They are attracted to moist potting soil, where adults lay eggs just under the surface. Under a magnifier, you can distinguish them by the Y-shaped veins in their wings [3] . The larvae are slender white maggots (roughly 3 to 5mm long) with shiny black heads [4] [5] . These larvae live in the top few inches of soil, feeding on fungi, decaying organic matter, and tender root hairs. Heavy larval feeding can stunt plants, causing yellowing, wilting, and reduced vigour [6] [7] . Fungus gnats pose little direct threat to humans (adults do not bite) [8] , but they are a nuisance and plant pest . In large numbers they annoy people and threaten delicate seedlings. In Winnipeg’s long winters, indoor conditions often favor fungus gnat outbreaks. Cold outdoor te...