In a shadowy greenhouse, Van Helsing noticed seedlings wilting without apparent cause. His lens caught the fluttering of tiny black gnats. “Fungus gnats,” he said grimly. “Adults are harmless—it’s the larvae in the soil that feast on tender roots.”
He dipped a yellow sticky trap into the potting mix. “Where there’s damp soil, these pests lurk in silence.”
Entomology Nugget 🧠
Fungus gnats (families: Sciaridae, Mycetophilidae) lay eggs in moist soil. Their larvae feed on organic matter and roots, posing a threat especially to seedlings and potted plants.
Quiz Time!
What condition most favors fungus gnat infestations?
A) Dry, sandy soil
B) Overly wet or poorly drained soil
C) Cold, windy environments
D) Soil treated with lime
458socom.org 
Rispondi