The BEST Fungus Gnat Killer [Actually Works!] 5 Yrs Gnat-Free and Counting!

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares a successful, long-term solution for eliminating fungus gnats from a greenhouse. After trying various methods like sticky traps, mulch, and essential oils, the speaker found that using neem cake, by steeping it in water to create neem tea and drenching the soil, effectively kills both larvae and adult gnats without harming the soil or plants. The speaker assures that this natural, mild fertilizer approach is not only beneficial for the plants' root systems but also guarantees a fungus gnat-free environment.

Takeaways

• 🌱 The speaker has been completely fungus gnat-free for five years using a specific solution.
• 🐛 They have tried numerous methods to combat fungus gnats, including sticky traps, mulches, hydrogen peroxide, and essential oils, with limited success.
• 🌿 The effective solution found is using neem cake, which can be found in pellet or ground form.
• 🍵 Neem cake is used to make a tea by steeping it in water, which is then used to drench the soil where gnats breed.
• 🚫 Neem oil, while effective, can be harsh on soil microbes and plant roots due to its need to be emulsified.
• 🌳 Neem cake, on the other hand, is beneficial for soil health and plant root systems, acting as a mild fertilizer.
• 🛒 Neem cake is typically purchased online, as it's not commonly found in local nurseries.
• ⏱️ To make neem tea, use 2-3 heaping tablespoons of neem cake per gallon of water, and let it steep for a few hours, but not for days to avoid a bad smell.
• 💧 When watering plants with neem tea, ensure thorough soil contact, especially in the top few inches where gnat larvae reside.
• 🕒 The neem tea treatment may take several applications to completely eradicate fungus gnats, but it's highly effective in the long run.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is the solution to fungus gnat infestations in a recycled window greenhouse.

How long has the speaker been fungus gnat free after using their solution?

The speaker has been fungus gnat free for five years after using their solution.

What are some of the methods the speaker tried before finding their solution?

The speaker tried yellow sticky traps, sand mulch, gravel mulch, hydrogen peroxide, cinnamon, coffee, essential oils, diatomaceous earth, anti-fungal herb teas, BT hot pepper spray, steel wool, copper wool, forced drought, vinegar traps, yeast traps, and neem oil.

What is the solution the speaker found to be effective against fungus gnats?

The solution the speaker found to be effective against fungus gnats is using neem cake to make neem tea and drench the soil of the plants.

Why is neem cake a good solution according to the speaker?

Neem cake is a good solution because it not only kills the fungus gnats but also benefits the soil microbes and plant root systems as a mild fertilizer.

How does the speaker suggest making neem tea?

The speaker suggests using two to three heaping tablespoons of neem cake per one gallon of water, steeping it, and letting it sit for a few hours to several hours, but not for days to avoid a bad smell.

What is the warning the speaker gives about making neem tea?

The speaker warns not to let the neem cake steep for too long, as it can start to rot and produce a very bad smell.

How does the speaker describe the smell of neem?

The speaker describes the smell of neem as somewhat unpleasant, similar to rancid oil or rotten peanut butter.

What is the speaker's advice for watering the plants with neem tea?

The speaker advises watering the plants in a way that maximizes contact with the soil, either by flooding quickly to cover everything or watering slowly to ensure the entire surface of the soil is drenched.

What is the expected outcome of using neem tea according to the speaker?

The expected outcome is that the fungus gnat population will be significantly reduced or eliminated after several waterings with neem tea, as it disrupts their hormonal balance and breeding.