Pest control Long Beach often involves dealing with fungus gnats. These are small flies that have delicate bodies. They usually develop around growing houseplants. The larvae will feed on algae, fungi as well as roots of plants in growing medium. Adults will not bite. When left undisturbed, their numbers can grow significantly to the extent of making you uncomfortable in addition to impact the health of your houseplants. The best way of dealing with these pests is to allow the growing medium of your houseplant to dry between watering. There are also other pest control products that you can use to control these pests.
Pest control companies Long Beach start by understating the pest they are dealing with. You should also do the same. The fungus gnats are approximately 1/8 of an inch in length. They are delicate and black in color. These insects are referred to often as the dark-winged fungus gnats. They are easily mistaken for mosquitoes because of their resemblance. All in all, these pests are always within the vicinity of potted plants. When their population increases, they become a menace.
Characteristics
The larvae are usually located about 2 to 3 inches inside the growing medium of potted plants. The depth at which you will find the larvae will depend on the moisture level. The larvae will be fully grown within 2 to 3 weeks. They will pupate within the growing medium. An adult will emerge a week later.
In general, the fungus gnats are weak flies which adapt erratic patterns. You will find them around infested houseplants. You will find the adult on window frames. The lifespan of the adult is 7 to 10 days. During this time, the adult can lay up to 200 eggs in cracks and crevices. When there are houseplants around, the reproduction of fungus gnats is continuous.
Pest control companies Long Beach are busy with the control of fungus gnats in late fall and winter. This is when the number of these insects increases indoors. Outdoor fungus gnats will move indoors when searching for favorable temperatures. It is also during this time when the growing medium tends to retain more moisture thus favoring breeding.
Management
As aforementioned, the best way to deal with the fungus gnats is to allow the growing medium to dry between watering. When the area is dry, it will repel adults who will find it unfavorable for laying eggs. You should also get rid of the decayed roots as well as bulbs of houseplants. These offer great sources of food for the flies.
Another method you cannot afford to ignore in pest control Long Beach is that of using pesticides. Pesticides will kill the eggs, larvae and adults. You just need to pick the pesticide that is engineered for fungus gnats. You must also follow the instructions on application. If nothing seems to work, you should contact exterminators from reputable pest control companies Long Beach.
