I've got flies breeding in my substrate. I know RR has said in the past that they don't breed in substrate unless it's too wet. I took all the tubs I had going out of the house and started fresh, making extra sure not to over moisturize the new tubs.
A couple days ago I removed the tape and stuffed the tubs with polyfil, and within 24 hours I noticed a couple flies. Now, a couple days after that there are probably at least 50 flies crawling around on the substrate in the monotub. It's absolutely teeming with them, and I'm certain they are using the substrate to breed.
The mushrooms seem to still be growing fine so far, but is there any way to control this just long enough to get a good flush? I've got some nice healthy fruits forming that should be ready to harvest in a few days, but the fly problem is making the whole thing look a little disgusting.
Maybe just tossing dry DE all over the top of the substrate then rinsing it off with a dunk? has anyone tried that? would a dunk during fruiting make my fruits abort?
-------------------- Burt Cocaine
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Here, gnats are very prevalent and they live outside...you just got to keep them from getting in. So believe me I've had them and i've tried a lot of things. It's so easy to get a really bad infestation here and then when they take hold, OMG... Springtime they are at their peak and if you can manage to keep them out of your room in the spring, you could feasably be ok for the rest of the year.
In my experience, a vinegar trap catches the fruit flies, which are not fungus gnats, so fungus gnats aren't really attracted to it, at least, the ones we have here. Fungus gnats breed in wet soil, so, you could let your casing dry out but that only works to a point, too. That also can halt your flushes.
Fungus Gnats also are attracted the color yellow. This is why the sticky papers work so well. They are avail at the hydro store and amazon. Fungus gnats also love to breed in soil of weed plants!
Vinegar was actually the first thing I tried. I've also tried DE and what you end up with is a dusty casing + gnats!!!
If you are trying to keep them controlled with spraying just until you've gotten your flushes out, I've also tried dissolved BT and that worked to a point, and it stinks. Azatrol (Concentrated Neem oil from hydro store), works to a point, too, but will not get rid of your infestation if it is extensive. I've also tried spraying Orange Oil and that harms the fruitbodies, and makes a sticky mess. Any type of spray/misting is just going to treat the casing, and the gnats love to get down and hide in the tray. So you can try to keep them controlled, but if they keep taking hold in your new trays, you just keep them around. So far to keep them from exploding in population spraying GoGnats dissolved in water as a mist has been the best. You can substitute it for your misting until you dont see any more flies.
In summary the best thing that worked for me is shutting down + bombing with pyrethrin (if they are hiding in the room just waiting for your next round) + prevention (keeping them from getting in)+ yellow stickies + cedar oil/water (GoGnats) when you see those ones and twos, get them before it turns to 1000's. I've managed to keep them away for almost a year now. (whew)
Also, you should check your casing or substrate before you make your tubs, to see if it is the correct moisture. Stamets calls it "field consistency" Grab a handful and squeeze your casing or substrate and you should barely get a drop of water. Any wetter and it's too moist.
R23
Edited by r23martinshrm (06/17/13 12:09 PM)
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