Fungus gnats and cannabis plants

What are Fungus gnats?

Fungus gnats or sciaridae flies (sciaridae), are small flying insects of the Diptera order with a size between 3 and 5mm. These small, dark-coloured flies usually appear on the lower parts of the plants and in the substrate. They feed on molasses, sugars, and decomposing organic material. Their favorite environmental conditions are low light intensity and high humidity, as well as warm temperatures; thus, they are common guests in greenhouses and indoor crops. Hydroponic systems are especially sensitive to this pest, although organic substrates with excess moisture are also an excellent habitat for these insects.

There currently are about 1.700 species of sciarid flies known. Still, it’s estimated that the total number of species in this family can reach around 20.000 (located mostly in the tropics), 600 of them established in Europe. Their body and wings are dark and elongated, and in many species the females are wingless.

Fungus gnats, also called soil fly or humidity fly, usually appears in crops with excessive irrigation
Fungus gnats, also called soil flies or humidity flies, usually appear in crops with excessive irrigation

Propagation of fungus gnats

As we have said, sciarid flies require poor lighting and humid, warm conditions for proper development and reproduction. After the pairing between male and female, they lay around 50-200 eggs in the substrate, which hatch after 48-72 hours under favorable conditions. Then, during the next 2-3 weeks, the larvae pass through four different development stages before reaching the adult stage. In its last stage, larvae are white with black heads, and measure approximately 5mm in length.

At this point, they spin a cocoon and emerge as adults about 72 hours later. Depending on environmental conditions, their propagation can be fast enough to cause problems in the crop. Thus, proper prevention is essential for effective control of this insect.

Sciaridae larvae on the brink of becoming adult.
Sciaridae larvae

Symptoms and damages caused by fungus gnats on cannabis plants

As happens in many cases, this plague can cause direct or indirect damage to the plants. Larvae mainly cause direct damage: they feed by chewing the fine root hairs, thus affecting nutrient uptake and increasing the chances of fungal infections in the roots like the feared Pythium. Indirect damage is caused both by larvae and adults, leading to diseases, virus infections, or fungal growth.

The typical symptoms of this pest are a slowdown of the plant's growth, sometimes followed by fungal infections such as the aforementioned Pythium or others such as Phytophthora, Fusarium, Verticillium, or Botrytis.

Prevention and management of fungus gnats on cannabis plants

As we always say, it is much better to prevent a pest than to combat it. In this case, we should maintain moderate humidity and never over-water our plants; keeping the top layer of substrate dry will greatly reduce the presence of these insects since over-watered growing media is the perfect habitat for the larvae. Another solution is covering the substrate with vermiculite or some type of mulching so adult females can't lay their eggs in the top layer of the substrate.

The scent of mint repels fungus gnats
The scent of mint repels fungus gnats

Neem flour is an effective control method for this pest. This product is ideal for combating pests in the substrate, whether flies, larvae, or any other insect are feeding upon the roots. After watering the plants, pour neem powder on the substrate until forming a thin layer. This layer "seals" the substrate so no adults can lay eggs on it, and no larvae can emerge from it.

As happens with many flying insects, the use of yellow sticky traps will cause a large number of casualties among adults, reducing their population and, consequently, their reproduction rate. We can also water the plants regularly with neem oil diluted in water or with some insecticide soap. There are also numerous home remedies such as using lemons with cloves (this aroma repels the insects) and spraying the substrate and lower parts of the plant with cinnamon or mint-based insecticides, or with vinegar diluted in water, etc.

Biological control of fungus gnats on cannabis crops

With regard to biological control, we have several alternatives. We can use Steinernema feltiae, a microscopic entomoparasitic nematode that feeds on insects without affecting plants, animals, or the environment. Another option is the predatory mite Hypoapsis Miles or the beetle Atheta Coriaria, both efficient weapons against this pest, especially larvae.

If you choose chemical insecticides – and we always suggest their responsible use as a last, desperate choice because of possible negative effects on other living beings and the environment - you can try Diazinon, sold by various brands, or some imidacloprid-based insecticides for cannabis (use half the dosage indicated by the manufacturer and check results). Usually, a single application - or two at most - will be enough to eradicate the pest.

 Steinernema, a natural enemy of fungus gnats
Steinernema feltiae, a natural enemy of fungus gnats

Remember that observing proper maintenance and hygiene practices in our growing space will reward our efforts with a clean harvest of top quality buds. As the saying goes...better safe than sorry!

All the best!

Comments in “Fungus gnats and cannabis plants” (13)

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Vermont 2021-09-09
Hello, thank you for all your helpful information! I have leaf septoria in the flowering stage towards the end on several of my plants. I did not catch it in time and it spread throughout my crop. I have sprayed them with Diazinon and it seems to have slowed the nasty stuff down but it is still attacking. I'm wondering about harvesting them a little early? I don't want to lose them totally. On one of the plants, almost all of the fan leaves had to be removed because of this fungus. I have been pruning as much of these leaves off as soon as I see them but of course, I always miss some. Also, I live in VT and it was very HOT and HUMID here this summer with LOTS of rain. Our weather is never like this. Very strange summer...Thanks for your help!!

Alchimia Staff

Tim Alchimia 2021-09-10
Hi, thanks for your comment and kind words, we're glad you find our blog helpful! Leaf septoria can be devastating to plants and, in my experience, once it has taken hold in a plant there's very little that can be done to stop it, especially during flowering when the options of what we can spry on the plants are drastically reduced. I certainly would never recommend spraying Diazinon on a flowering cannabis plant that I later intended to smoke. For one thing, Diazinon is an insecticide, so it's far from the most effective treatment for leaf septoria, but mainly I would warn strongly against applying any chemicals to cannabis flowers that are intended for human consumption because the residue will end up in the smoke you inhale. I have had good success preventing septoria from taking hold by spraying my plants with Bacillus subtilis (a product called Serenade) during vegetative growth but when a plant gets infected I find that the best treatment is to spray with 2-3% Hydrogen Peroxide in water and remove any infected leaves. Spraying with a blend of Aloe Vera juice (1-2 cups per gallon) and Epsom salts (1 tablespoon per gallon) seems to help with all kinds of fungal & bacterial pathogens too, and is completely safe for humans and the environment. As long as the disease doesn't reach the buds themselves, I've always managed to get smokeable buds, even if I am harvesting what are basically plants with fully trimmed flowers, ready to hang and dry. I hope that helps and that you manage to harvest something this year. Good luck and happy growing!

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Papajugg 2020-04-25
I've been battling a fungus gnat infestation but I think the larvae have eaten 50% of my root function as my plant leaves are continuing to yellow and some are even curling upwards I've tried h202 and azamax drench techniques but about 5 days later I've seen no difference some of my plants went from 20% yellow leaves to 50% yellowing. They went from needing nutrients every other day to 5 days apart I feel like there might be no return from this, and was thinking to kill my whole crop and start over any opinions? P.s. I've been fighting a mite infestation as well but I almost have that defeated but I'm just not sure my plants root function will ever be the same :(any feedback helps Thanks -Alex.

Alchimia Staff

Tim Alchimia 2020-04-29
Hi Alex, thanks for your comment and question. I'm sorry to hear that you've been having a hard time with pests. The plants are obviously stressed after the mite infestation, and a fungus gnat problem is probably the last thing they need! To properly get rid of fungus gnats you'll have to do a couple of repeat treatments every 2-3 days after the initial treatment. This is because you'll knock out the hatched grubs with the first treatment, but any eggs will be unaffected. These repeat applications ensure that you get rid of the problem definitively! Having said that, and depending on the stage of your crop, it may well be worth scrapping this run and starting again with sterilised pots and grow room. If your plants are already stressed and with yellowing leaves, they will be weakened and at risk of infestation from other pests or diseases, and certainly not in the best of health to give you a satisfactory harvest. It may indeed be best to cut your losses and restart, but hat's a tough decision that only you can make. I hope that has helped, best wishes and good luck!

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Lee Russell 2019-10-24
I have larvae on ready to harvest plants- what to do? I've hit em w/ HP and killed most of them- OK to harvest?

Alchimia Staff

Tim Alchimia 2019-10-25
Hi Lee, thanks for your question. Yes, that should be fine to harvest now, as the larvae won't be on the aerial parts of the plant itself, but just in the roots. I wouldn't re-use the substrate though, or at least not until I'd drenched it with neem oil a few times to ensure any larvae are dead. I hope that helps, all the best and happy harvesting!

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CJ 2018-10-22
Sorry to keep bugging you.. I have one more.. I haven't seen any larvae. Is that normal with gnat infestation. And what about the ants. Real small ones. Just 4 or 5. I killed them as I have seen them.

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CJ 2018-10-22
What about 3% peroxide mixed in water? And how much if this will work?

Alchimia Staff

Tim Alchimia 2018-10-23
Yes that can work to kill the larvae, one part H2O2 to four parts water, and irrigate. The larvae are in the soil, so it's not normal to see them. As for the ants, I'd keep an eye on the situation and maybe put down some ant poison or bait traps, because if the decide to make a nest in one of your pots they can cause a lot of problems and be difficult to remove without damaging the plant seriously. Regular applications of Diatomaceous Earth can work against the ants and help with the fungus gnat problem too.

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CJ 2018-10-22
I see little gnat like pest crawling around in my soil. Sometimes flying around. They look like gnats that you get when you have canalope in your kitchen. And I have seen maybe 5 or 6 really small ants and killed them. I had some soil left over in my garage and figure that's where it started from. The gnats are not terrible but I see them often. I am growing a skunk cannibis it had a real strong smell when it was young but has tapered off. Its in about the 4th week of flowering under a 600 watt hps light. I have fans blowing across the plant also.. I just germinated some more seeds but used new soil. And 2 have sprouted already. I saw one of these small gnat looking bugs in the soil of my new seedling. Buts it's the only one they are just 3 days old. The seedlings and the one in flower aren't in the same space but across the room under a different light. These new seedlings are high quality seeds so they weren't cheap..And the soil wasn't either. I'm going for high quality buds.. I am drying out the soul now. On the 2nd day of no watering. Now what do I do and is it a gnat problem? I haven't seen anything under the leafs, on the branches or in the flowers. After what ever I do to treat this, I heard by putting a layer of sand on top of the soil helps because its sharp and cuts into them. Is that true and should I do that after treating the problem first? Thanks CJ

Alchimia Staff

Tim Alchimia 2018-10-22
Hi CJ, thanks for your question. Yes, I'm afraid it sounds like the gnats have simply flown across the room and colonised your new soil. You won't see them on the plants much, just on the soil where they go to lay eggs. You can put a physical barrier like layer of sand on the soil surface, or a layer of vermiculite. A number of very effective measures are mentioned above, like soil drenches with Neem Oil and insecticidal soap, or a layer of Neem meal, which can be very helpful combined with the sand or vermiculite. Also as detailed above, take care not to overwater! Hope that helps, good luck!

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Alicia 2018-10-01
Hi... gnats made my plants go dormant... two weeks out from being ready... do you think they’d recover if I treated them or should I pull them? Thank you x

Alchimia Staff

Tim Alchimia 2018-10-02
Hi Alicia, thanks for your question. When you say the plants are dormant, you mean they've stopped growing? If they're only 2 weeks from being ready then they aren't going to be growing much anyway, at this moment all the action should be in the flowers themselves, fattening and increasing the trichome coverage. Personally, as long as there were no signs of mould or dying-off in the flowers themselves, I would treat the root zone with an organic insecticide like neem, for example, and then allow the plants to carry on flowering. If you start to see the buds deteriorating, then I'd definitely start the harvest. All the best, wishing you a happy harvest!

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Mommycanu 2018-03-12
I also noticed my leaves are starting to curl under is this caused from the gnats? Other then that plant looks green and healthy.

Alchimia Staff

Tim Alchimia 2018-03-13
Leaf curl is most often caused by over-fertilisation or over-irrigation. Check which it is and take appropriate action, if it's an excess of nutrients than flush well with water, if it's over-watering then let the soil dry put between waterings. All the best!

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Mommycanu 2018-03-12
I just noticed I have an infestation of gnat larvae. Over the last week, I have seen the gnats at the bottom of my plant. My plant is about 2 weeks from harvest. I did the 1 part of hydrogen peroxide to 4 parts water, but was that bad to do so close to being Done? Is there anything else I should do with it being so close?

Alchimia Staff

Tim Alchimia 2018-03-13
Hi, don't worry, hydrogen peroxide doesn't leave any residue, effectively it's just water with an extra oxygen atom. I've washed down plants with hydrogen peroxide just days before harvest with no problem at all.

Alchimia Staff

Tim Alchimia 2018-03-13
It's no problem, Hydrogen Peroxide is simply water with an extra atom of Oxygen, it doesn't leave any residue and is perfectly safe to use close to harvest.

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Heather 2017-12-04
BTI - Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis is the product I use. It's affordable, safe and works quite well on the fungus gnat larva.

Alchimia Staff

Dani Alchimia 2017-12-04
Hi Heather, Thanks for your input! ;)

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Diver99 2017-04-29
What about neem cake used in soil for sprouting seeds? Does it inhibit propagation?

Alchimia Staff

Tim 2017-05-02
Hello Diver99, I haven't seen anything suggesting that, indeed, a quick online search revealed several agricultural studies reporting increased yields and greater success by applying Neem Cake to the soil before sowing. I can see no problem as long as you follow the recommended dosage. I hope that reassures you. All the best.

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Larry 2017-02-08
I threw the soil away and started with all new soil. You have been very helpful in answering my questions. Thank You, Larry

Alchimia Staff

Dani Alchimia 2017-02-09
Hi Larry, I'm glad it helped! ;)

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Larry 2017-02-01
Hello, I had a bad fungus gnat infection on my current grow. They are all gone and all plants are doing fine. There are no gnats in the grow room but I have a 5 gallon bucket of homemade soil that I use. It is in a different room. It it possible there are dormant gnat larva in the soil that will come alive when I use the soil and add water to it. Should I use the soil or get rid of it. Thanks Larry

Alchimia Staff

Dani Alchimia 2017-02-02
Hi Larry, Yes, you could have some larva in that soil. You can either treat that soil with some neem flour or even by spraying potassium soap on it, or get rid of it. Unless it is a high quality substrate I think I'd get rid of it, after all 5 gallons of good soil are not that expensive. Hope it helped!!

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