Sciarid Fly Nematodes - 15sq.m

Sciarid Fly Nematodes is a biological pest-control treatment containing microscopic beneficial nematodes to control fungus gnat (sciarid fly) larvae in compost. Each pack treats up to 15 m² of compost in pots and trays. Repeat the treatment two weeks after the first application, using a fresh pack, to target subsequent generations and help break the pest life cycle.

Apply the treatment as a compost drench, following the pack instructions. Afterwards, water pots and trays from the bottom up by standing them in water. Keep the compost moist below the surface for at least two weeks after application, while allowing the surface to dry between waterings. The compost temperature should remain between 10°C and 30°C during application and throughout this period. Use the entire pack in one application and apply the mixed solution immediately.

This treatment contains beneficial nematodes - refrigerate upon receipt and use before the expiry date printed on the pack, typically within 2–3 weeks.

What are sciarid flies?

Sciarid fly (also known as compost fly) or Fungus Gnats are a common pest of greenhouse plants in the spring.

There are around 600 different species of sciarid within Europe although the species that cause most problems for growers are Bradysia paupera (the Black fungus gnat) and Lycoriella auripila (the Mushroom sciarid).

Young bedding plants, especially bizzie-lizzies, can be affected with large numbers of small flies covering young plants, whilst larvae eat the roots.

The Sciarid flies crawl over the compost surface and if disturbed fly on to the lower leaves. The larval stage in the compost attacks the roots and can kill young seedlings. 

TIP / RECOMMENDATION: Repeat the treatment two weeks after the first application, using a fresh pack, to target subsequent generations and help break the pest life cycle. (Female fungus gnats lay 50 – 300 eggs each in moist soil and it takes 28 days from egg to larva and pupa to adult.)

To treat Sciarid fly, mix the nematodes with water and water directly into the affected pots / trays. 

Each pack treats up to 15 m² of compost. For smaller areas, use the full pack with the appropriate amount of water, following the pack instructions.

For use in compost around greenhouse plants and indoor potted plants, following the pack instructions.

Before application:
1. Keep the pack in the fridge and use by the expiry date.
2. Compost should be moist below the surface and between 10°C and 30°C during application and for at least two weeks afterwards.
3. Avoid applications in direct sunlight; apply on a dull day or in the evening.
4. The pack will treat up to 15sqm of compost. Use all the pack in one go and do not store the solution.

For smaller areas just make the solution stronger.

Application:
1. Empty tray into a clean bucket and add 1.2 litres (1200ml) of water.
2. Stir thoroughly making sure the entire contents are mixed.
3. Take approx 200ml (1/6th) of this concentrated solution and place in 2gall/10 litre watering can. Fill with water. Using a coarse rose apply to surface of 2.5sqm of compost.
4. Repeat 6 times to cover 15sqm.
5. For smaller areas just make the solution stronger.
6. The nematodes will not harm plant leaves but wash them off into the soil, where they can control the sciarid fly.

If the product is applied over foliage, irrigate immediately to wash nematodes onto substrate.

Treat entire house or plant inventory as soon as pests are seen.

Propagation crops require frequent applications to maintain effective nematode numbers in the soil.