{"product_id":"60-sqm-sciarid-fly-fungus-gnat-nematodes","title":"Sciarid Fly (Fungus Gnat) Nematodes, 60 sqm Packs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSciarid Fly (Fungus Gnat) Nematodes, 60 sqm Packs are a mix of two beneficial nematode species, \u003cem\u003eSteinernema feltiae\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eSteinernema carpocapsae\u003c\/em\u003e, that you stir into water and water onto compost to hunt fungus gnat larvae. They are for anyone with sciarid flies in houseplants, seedlings or cuttings who wants a biological answer rather than a spray.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost of the damage comes from the larvae, not the flies. The small white larvae live in the compost and feed on the tender roots of plants and cuttings, and they come up to the surface to feed as well. The nematodes swim through the thin film of water on the compost, find the larvae and kill them. There is a catch, and we would rather you heard it from us first: they work on the \u003cstrong\u003elarvae only\u003c\/strong\u003e. They will not catch the flying adults.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border-left:4px solid #008838; background:#f7f7f7; padding:16px 20px; margin:24px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:16px; margin:0 0 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRead this first: larvae not adults, and these are live goods\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 8px;\"\u003eCombine them with \u003cstrong\u003eyellow sticky traps\u003c\/strong\u003e for the adults. A \u003cstrong\u003esecond treatment may be needed\u003c\/strong\u003e, depending on how bad the infestation is and where the pest is in its life cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003eBiological controls are ordered in fresh rather than kept in stock, so there can be a gap between ordering and dispatch. Once they arrive they go in the fridge until you use them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSciarid Fly (Fungus Gnat) Nematodes, 60 sqm Packs specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEverything on mixing and storage below comes from Ladybird Plant Care's own instructions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"overflow-x:auto;\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;min-width:480px;width:100%;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"background:#1a1a1a; color:#fff; border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px; text-align:left;\"\u003eSpec\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"background:#1a1a1a; color:#fff; border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px; text-align:left;\"\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003eSciarid Fly (Fungus Gnat) Nematodes, 60 sqm Packs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat they are\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003eBeneficial (parasitic) nematodes, a mix of \u003cem\u003eSteinernema feltiae\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eSteinernema carpocapsae\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTarget pest\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSciarid fly (fungus gnat) larvae\u003c\/strong\u003e in the compost\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes not control\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult flies, or eggs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCoverage per pack\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUp to 60 sqm\u003c\/strong\u003e (the supplier's figure). No litres of compost figure given.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMixing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003eWhole pack dissolved in 4 litres of water, then 0.5 litre of that into 5 litres of water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003eCompost above \u003cstrong\u003e10°C\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSecond treatment\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003eMay be needed. Allow about 2 weeks after the first.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStorage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFridge\u003c\/strong\u003e from the moment they arrive. Use by the date printed on the pack.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePack options\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e1, 2 or 3 packs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSafety\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003eThe supplier says safe around people, pets and plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border-left:4px solid #008838; background:#f7f7f7; padding:16px 20px; margin:24px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:16px; margin:0 0 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn the box\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 8px;\"\u003eYour nematode pack or packs, in a cardboard sleeve, depending on whether you pick 1, 2 or 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo not bin the sleeve.\u003c\/strong\u003e The instructions are printed inside it, and the use-by date is printed on the pack too, so check it as soon as it arrives. Keep the pack in the fridge until you are ready to mix, and once it is mixed use the lot, as it cannot be saved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to use Sciarid Fly (Fungus Gnat) Nematodes, 60 sqm Packs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFridge first.\u003c\/strong\u003e As soon as the pack arrives, check the use-by date and put it in the fridge, not the freezer compartment. Read the instructions printed inside the cardboard sleeve.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePick your day.\u003c\/strong\u003e For houseplants, apply on the day you would normally water. Take the pack out of the fridge a few hours before, so it comes up to room temperature, and use water that is not freezing cold.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMix the whole pack.\u003c\/strong\u003e Dissolve it in 4 litres of water to make a stock and stir. Then add 0.5 litre of that stock to 5 litres of water in your watering can. For a smaller area, use less water to make a stronger mix.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKeep stirring.\u003c\/strong\u003e The nematodes are heavier than water and sink, so stir as you pour. Use the mix straight away. It cannot be stored, because the nematodes drown if left in water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater it onto the compost.\u003c\/strong\u003e Treat one eighth of the area at a time, then water the treated area. If you have mix left over, go over the worst spots again or treat nearby plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKeep the compost damp.\u003c\/strong\u003e Not soggy, and do not let it dry out for about 10 days. The squeeze test: after applying, squeeze the pot and you should get 1 or 2 drops of water. Too much water washes the nematodes straight through, too little kills them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTrap the adults and plan a second go.\u003c\/strong\u003e Put up yellow sticky traps for the flying adults. A second treatment about 2 weeks later may be needed, as eggs in the compost are not affected.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many packs?\u003c\/strong\u003e One pack covers up to 60 sqm (the supplier's figure). Because you use the whole pack in one go once it is mixed, a second treatment means a second pack. If you think you will need one, the 2 or 3 pack saves you reordering. Spare packs have a use-by date printed on them and the supplier's fridge advice runs from about 7 days to a couple of weeks, so check the date before you rely on a spare for a second treatment about 2 weeks on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHow they work:\u003c\/strong\u003e the nematodes swim through the thin film of water on the compost, find a larva, get inside it and release a bacterium (\u003cem\u003eXenorhabdus\u003c\/em\u003e) that kills it within hours. They then breed inside it and the next generation goes hunting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlenty of gnats helps:\u003c\/strong\u003e nematodes work better where there are lots of sciarid flies about.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo overdosing:\u003c\/strong\u003e the supplier says you cannot overdose plants with nematodes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of nematodes:\u003c\/strong\u003e the supplier does not publish how many are in a pack, so we have not quoted a figure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral instruction sheet:\u003c\/strong\u003e the instruction sheet the supplier links for this product covers a mix of two nematode species that it also sells for other pests. We have only described its use against fungus gnat larvae, because that is what this product is sold for.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhich pack of Sciarid Fly (Fungus Gnat) Nematodes, 60 sqm Packs?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll three are the same nematodes. The bigger packs cost less per pack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"overflow-x:auto;\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;min-width:480px;width:100%;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"background:#1a1a1a; color:#fff; border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px; text-align:left;\"\u003ePack\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"background:#1a1a1a; color:#fff; border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px; text-align:left;\"\u003ePrice\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"background:#1a1a1a; color:#fff; border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px; text-align:left;\"\u003ePer pack\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1 x 60sqm pack\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e£16.50\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e£16.50\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2 x 60sqm packs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e£30.00\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e£15.00\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3 x 60sqm packs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e£43.00\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:8px;\"\u003e£14.33\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#eef6f0; border-left:4px solid #2f5f46; padding:14px 18px; margin:16px 0; border-radius:4px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"color:#2f5f46;\"\u003eWant to catch the adults too, or try a different route?\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.thehydrobros.com\/products\/pack-guard-aid-insect-catcher-five-sheets\" style=\"color:#2f5f46;\"\u003eGuard Aid Insect Catcher sticky traps (pack of 5 sheets)\u003c\/a\u003e catch flying insects, and yellow sticky traps are recommended alongside nematodes. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.thehydrobros.com\/products\/entonem-beneficial-nematodes-50-million-steinernema-feltiae\" style=\"color:#2f5f46;\"\u003eEntonem Beneficial Nematodes 50 Million (Steinernema feltiae)\u003c\/a\u003e is another nematode option, and its page lists fungus gnat larvae among its targets. If you would rather not use a biological, there is \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.thehydrobros.com\/products\/fungus-gnat-sciarid-fly-nematodes\" style=\"color:#2f5f46;\"\u003eLava-Lite No Gnats\u003c\/a\u003e, a top dressing the maker says stops gnats laying eggs in the compost, and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.thehydrobros.com\/products\/cx-horticulture-tanlin-fungus-gnat-control\" style=\"color:#2f5f46;\"\u003eTanlin Drops 20ml\u003c\/a\u003e, which CX Horticulture sells for fungus gnat prevention and cure. We have not looked at how those behave alongside live nematodes, so ask us before you use two things at once. Browse the whole \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.thehydrobros.com\/collections\/fungus-gnat-control\" style=\"color:#2f5f46;\"\u003eFungus Gnat \u0026amp; Sciarid Fly Control collection\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.thehydrobros.com\/collections\/pest-disease-control\" style=\"color:#2f5f46;\"\u003ePest \u0026amp; Disease Control\u003c\/a\u003e.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSciarid Fly (Fungus Gnat) Nematodes, 60 sqm Packs FAQs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo sciarid fly nematodes kill adult fungus gnats?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. They go after the larvae living in the compost, not the flying adults, and eggs in the compost are not affected either. That is why yellow sticky traps are recommended alongside them, and why a second treatment about 2 weeks later may be needed, depending on how bad the infestation is and where the pest is in its life cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do you use nematodes for fungus gnats?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMix the whole pack into water, water it onto the compost, and keep the compost damp. Here is how it goes: keep the pack in the fridge until you are ready, take it out a few hours before so it comes up to room temperature, dissolve the whole pack in 4 litres of water, then add 0.5 litre of that to 5 litres of water and keep stirring as you pour because the nematodes sink. Use the mix straight away, as it cannot be stored. Apply it to the compost and water the treated area. The compost needs to be above 10°C. Do not let it dry out for about 10 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much area does one 60 sqm pack of nematodes cover?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne pack covers up to 60 sqm (the supplier's figure), and the mixing amounts match it: the whole pack in 4 litres of water, then 0.5 litre of that into 5 litres of water, applied to one eighth of the area at a time. For a smaller area, use less water for a stronger mix. The supplier does not give a figure in litres of compost or a number of pots, and does not say how many nematodes are in a pack, so we have not guessed at either.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow long can I keep fungus gnat nematodes in the fridge?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePut them in the fridge as soon as they arrive and use them by the date printed on the pack. The supplier's own pages give different figures, about 7 days on one and a couple of weeks on another, so go by the printed date and use them sooner rather than later. Use the fridge, not the freezer compartment (the supplier suggests the front of the salad drawer), and take the pack out a few hours before you use it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre sciarid fly nematodes safe for pets and plants?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe supplier says these nematodes only affect the pests they are sold for and are safe around people, pets and plants, and that you cannot overdose plants with them. That is the supplier's wording, so follow the instructions inside the pack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow long do live nematodes take to arrive?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAllow about a week. The supplier says its live stock has a lead time of between 1 and 8 days depending on the product, fresh packs arrive on a Wednesday or Thursday and go out straight away, and for same-week nematode delivery you need to order by Monday morning. It sends on weekdays. Nematodes are ordered in fresh rather than kept in stock, so there can be a gap before dispatch, and the supplier suggests ordering around a week before you plan to use them. When they turn up, they go straight in the fridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWant something different for fungus gnats? Have a look at the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.thehydrobros.com\/collections\/fungus-gnat-control\"\u003eFungus Gnat \u0026amp; Sciarid Fly Control collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ladybirdplantcare.co.uk","offers":[{"title":"60sqm (Steinernema Feltiae\/Carpocapsae mix)","offer_id":57764611162485,"sku":"14153","price":21.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 x 60sqm packs (Steinernema Feltiae\/Carpocapsae mix)","offer_id":57764611195253,"sku":"14154","price":38.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 x 60sqm packs (Steinernema Feltiae\/Carpocapsae mix)","offer_id":57764611228021,"sku":"14155","price":54.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0561\/9092\/7032\/files\/nemasys-pest-diseases-nematodes-the-hydro-bros-1254943194_2b20aa88-ca72-47e7-8826-596916faeecd.jpg?v=1794591133","url":"https:\/\/www.thehydrobros.com\/en-de\/products\/60-sqm-sciarid-fly-fungus-gnat-nematodes","provider":"The Hydro Bros","version":"1.0","type":"link"}