What can I do about mosquitoes in my glasshouse?
Mosquitoes and fungus gnats can be a persistent nuisance in glasshouses, disrupting your gardening efforts and creating an unpleasant environment. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to manage and eliminate these pests. This guide will provide practical tips to control mosquitoes and fungus gnats in your glasshouse, ensuring a comfortable and productive gardening space in New Zealand.
Understanding the Problem
Mosquitoes and fungus gnats thrive in warm, humid environments with stagnant water and damp soil. Addressing these factors is the first step to controlling these pests.
Eliminating Standing Water
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, so it’s crucial to remove potential breeding sites:
- Remove Water Sources: Regularly check for and eliminate standing water in trays, pots, and other containers.
- Improve Drainage: Ensure your glasshouse has proper drainage to prevent water accumulation.
- Change Water Regularly: If you have water features or birdbaths, change the water frequently to disrupt mosquito breeding cycles.
Using Mozzie Bits
Mozzie Bits are a highly effective product for controlling mosquito larvae:
- Apply Mozzie Bits: Sprinkle Mozzie Bits into any standing water you cannot eliminate. They release a natural bacterium that kills mosquito larvae without harming other wildlife or plants.
- Follow Instructions: Always follow the product’s instructions for safe and effective use.
Natural Repellents
Several natural repellents can deter mosquitoes and fungus gnats:
- Plant Mosquito-Repelling Plants: Grow plants like citronella, lavender, basil, and marigolds in your glasshouse. These plants emit scents that mosquitoes and fungus gnats dislike.
- Essential Oils: Use essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and mist around the glasshouse.
Physical Barriers
Physical barriers can effectively keep pests out:
- Mesh Screens: Install fine mesh screens on windows and vents to prevent mosquitoes and fungus gnats from entering.
- Door Seals: Ensure doors have tight seals and consider installing a screen door for added protection.
Controlling Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats are attracted to damp soil and organic matter. To control them:
- Reduce Overwatering: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to create an inhospitable environment for fungus gnats.
- Use Sticky Traps: Place yellow sticky traps near the base of your plants to catch adult gnats.
- Soil Treatments: Apply beneficial nematodes or a biological larvicide to the soil to kill gnat larvae.
Encouraging Natural Predators
Natural predators can help control mosquito and fungus gnat populations:
- Introduce Beneficial Insects: Dragonflies, damselflies, and predatory mites feed on mosquitoes and fungus gnats. Encourage these insects by providing a suitable habitat.
- Attract Birds: Birds like swallows and purple martins eat mosquitoes. Provide nesting boxes to attract these natural predators.
Conclusion
Controlling mosquitoes and fungus gnats in your glasshouse involves a combination of eliminating breeding sites, using natural repellents, applying Mozzie Bits, and encouraging natural predators. By following these steps, you can create a pest-free, thriving glasshouse environment in New Zealand. Happy gardening!
