The fungus gnat occurs all year round in greenhouses and causes serious damage to crops. The insect occurs mainly in damp places and lives from organic material. If this is not the case, it will also eat the roots of living plants. Royal Brinkman has chemical and biological products to combat fungus gnats.

The fungus gnat can multiply rapidly, which is why it is important to start fighting the fungus gnat quickly when the first signs of damage have been found. Early detection and control of the first infestation is critical because fungus gnats reproduce rapidly in the crop. As the fungus gnat is difficult to move in the crop, local control of the gnat is sufficient. The pest feeds primarily on dead organic material and prefers to be found in moist areas. Due to the limited availability of chemical pesticides, fungus gnats are increasingly controlled biologically. Fungus gnats can be controlled biologically through the use of natural enemies, including:

• Nematode: Steinernema feltiae,
• Predatory beetle: Atheta coriaria 
• Predatory mite: Stratiolaelaps scimitus (formerly known as Hypoaspis miles)
• Predatory mite: Macrocheles robustulus

Our experts wrote the article: ''Hypoaspis as a natural enemy against soil insects''. In this article our specialists write about the use of the natural enemy Hypoaspis and its storage.
 

The Steinernema feltiae nematode is used as a biological control agent for sciarid flies and fungus gnats. After administration, the nematodes actively seek out their prey. The nematodes then secrete a bacterium that kills the prey. Steinernema feltiae can be applied both in the soil and on the leaves, preferably in humid conditions. In our assortment you will find products containing the nematode Steinernema feltiae: NEMAcontrol feltiae. Dissolve the nematodes in 10 liters of water and stir the mixture. After preparing the spray solution, you can apply it with the usual spraying equipment. For more information on the use of Steinernema feltiae, read the article: Steinernema feltiae as a natural enemy. 

The predatory beetle Atheta coriaria is the natural enemy of, among others, the sciarid fly. The predatory beetle lives in the upper layer of the soil or substrate. The adult predatory beetles move in flight, which makes them very agile. Atheta can be used in almost all crops where it is not too dry. In our assortment you will find various products containing the predatory beetle Atheta coriaria, including ATHETAcontrol.

When buying the pesticides for the fungus gnats, it is important to check which chemicals are permitted in your type of cultivation. In addition to the chemical pesticides, biological agents / natural enemies can also be used. Our specialists will gladly help you to buy the right pesticides against fungus gnats. After the purchase of the pesticide, you can choose for personal guidance for the use of the pesticides. Do you have questions or do you want advice on biological control? Please contact our specialists. On working days you will receive a response within 24 hours.