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

Evermore: Eden Restored

7 Jul 202105:32

Summary

TLDRIn 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.

Outlines

00:00

🌱 Effective Solution for Fungus Gnats

The speaker shares their experience with combating fungus gnats in a recycled greenhouse, highlighting the ineffectiveness of various common solutions such as yellow sticky traps, sand or gravel mulch, hydrogen peroxide, cinnamon, coffee, essential oils, diatomaceous earth, anti-fungal herb teas, BT hot pepper spray, steel and copper wool, forced drought, vinegar traps, yeast traps, and neem oil. They emphasize that despite some of these methods providing temporary relief, none completely eradicated the gnats. The speaker then introduces 'neem cake' as the ultimate solution, explaining that it can be found in different forms and should be steeped in water to make neem tea, which is then used to drench the soil where the gnats live and breed. Neem cake not only kills the gnats but also benefits the soil and plant roots, acting as a mild fertilizer. The speaker provides a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the neem tea, cautioning against letting it sit for too long to avoid a foul smell, and assures the audience of its effectiveness in eliminating fungus gnats.

05:01

🐛 A Slow but Sure Method to Eradicate Fungus Gnats

In the second paragraph, the speaker elaborates on the effectiveness of the neem cake solution, noting that it disrupts the gnats' hormonal balance, leading to improper eating and breeding habits, which ultimately results in the decline of the gnat population. They express satisfaction in knowing that the method leads to a slow and 'tricky' demise for the gnats. The speaker encourages the audience to try this method, expressing confidence in its success based on their personal experience. They also invite viewers to subscribe for more solutions and tips, and conclude with a hopeful note that the neem cake method will work well for others as it did for them.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Fungus gnats

Fungus gnats are small flying insects that live in and around houseplants, particularly in moist soil. In the video, they are presented as a persistent problem for plant owners, infesting the soil and causing issues for indoor plants. The entire video focuses on how to eradicate these pests, with the speaker discussing various unsuccessful methods before recommending an effective solution.

💡Neem cake

Neem cake is a byproduct of cold-pressed neem seeds and serves as the primary solution the speaker suggests for getting rid of fungus gnats. It can be made into a 'neem tea,' which is used to drench the soil, targeting the larvae and eggs of the gnats. The speaker emphasizes that neem cake is not only effective in pest control but also beneficial as a mild fertilizer for plants.

💡Neem tea

Neem tea refers to the liquid solution made by steeping neem cake in water, which is then used to water the plants. This tea is highlighted as an effective method to eradicate fungus gnats by targeting the soil where they live and breed. The speaker explains the preparation of this tea, its application, and cautions against leaving it to steep for too long, as it can produce a foul smell.

💡Soil drenching

Soil drenching is the process of saturating the soil with a liquid solution, in this case, neem tea, to target pests living in the soil. The speaker advises viewers to thoroughly drench the top layer of soil to maximize contact with the gnats' habitat, ensuring the tea reaches the larvae and eggs.

💡Neem oil

Neem oil is a common pest control product derived from the same plant as neem cake, but it has limitations. While neem oil is somewhat effective against adult gnats, the speaker explains that it is harsher on the soil and must be emulsified with water and dish soap, which could affect soil health. The video contrasts neem oil with neem cake, which is presented as a gentler and more effective solution.

💡Microbes and soil structure

Microbes and soil structure refer to the living organisms and the physical makeup of the soil that are essential for plant health. The speaker warns that while neem oil can disrupt the soil's microbial life and structure, neem cake is beneficial and does not harm these important factors. Healthy soil with a balanced microbial ecosystem is crucial for plant growth.

💡Slow death of gnats

The phrase 'slow death of gnats' refers to the gradual effect neem cake has on the gnat population. Unlike other methods that aim to kill pests instantly, neem tea affects the gnats on a hormonal level, disrupting their ability to eat and breed, leading to a slow but inevitable decline in their numbers. The speaker emphasizes that this slow process is ultimately more thorough and effective.

💡Yellow sticky traps

Yellow sticky traps are a common method used to catch flying adult gnats. The speaker mentions them as one of many ineffective or partially effective solutions they tried before finding success with neem cake. The traps may catch some adult gnats, but they do not address the root cause of the infestation, which lies in the soil.

💡Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another method the speaker experimented with in an attempt to kill fungus gnats. While it may have helped to some extent, it was not completely successful. The speaker lists this along with other treatments they tried, pointing out that none of them eradicated the gnats like neem cake did.

💡Root systems

Root systems are the part of the plant that absorbs water and nutrients from the soil. The speaker highlights that neem cake not only controls pests but also benefits the plant's root system by acting as a mild fertilizer. Unlike neem oil, which can harm plant roots due to its harshness, neem cake promotes healthier roots.

Highlights

The video discusses a solution for fungus gnats that has been effective for five years.

The speaker has tried numerous methods to combat fungus gnats, including sticky traps and essential oils.

Neem cake is introduced as the ultimate solution for eradicating fungus gnats.

Neem cake can be found in different forms, such as pellets or ground up, and is used to make neem tea.

Neem tea is made by steeping neem cake in water and is used to drench the soil where gnats live and breed.

Neem oil is effective but can be harsh on soil microbes and plant roots.

Neem cake is beneficial for soil health and plant root systems, acting as a mild fertilizer.

Instructions are provided on how to make neem tea using two to three heaping tablespoons per gallon of water.

A warning is given about letting the neem tea sit for too long, as it can start to rot and smell bad.

The smell of neem is compared to rancid oil or rotten peanut butter, but its effectiveness is emphasized.

The video provides advice on how to water plants with neem tea to maximize soil contact.

The speaker guarantees that using neem tea will eventually kill fungus gnats by disrupting their hormonal balance.

The video concludes with a recommendation to try the neem cake solution and subscribe for more helpful content.