GNats

[Brewman79]

I have a bunch of gnats hanging around the soil of my hops.Why is this?Im thinking of how moist the soil is due to the irrigation system.There are a few tiny holes in the leaves and have found only 1 worm on the leaves,and i check them everyday.Are the gnats eating the leaves?And is there a pesticide i can use that wont harm/change the plant?

 

[Suthrncomfrt1884]

No, the gnats aren't going to bother your hops. If they do, it won't be enough to matter.

 

[Brewman79]

Cool,thanx bud.Still looking for a pesticide,if possible

 

[ChshreCat]

Gnats breed in soil. That's why you can end up with tons of them in your house if you have potted plants. Not sure if covering the soil with some mulch would help that, but it couldn't hurt. Helps keep the moisture in as well.

edit: hmm... mulch probably won't help the gnat issue... http://www.dannylipford.com/diy-home-improvement/lawn-and-gardening/how-to-control-gnats-outdoors/

 

[Brewman79]

Very helpful thank you

 

[Jmac]

Hold off on the pesticides until you are sure its needed. I damaged my hops last year trying to kill a few bugs that were eating the leaves... I would have been better off just letting them eat a few.

 

[Retrofit]

I was digging up my leaf/mulch. Turning it so it wouldn't turn into a layer that might smother what's under it. Found the same thing. My soil is also very moist due to soaker hoses. Ton of gnats. In the same boat. Currently I'm doing nothing. I'm not worried.