Can I kill fungus gnats by freezing

[Labradors2]

The MG seed starting mix that I used contained fungus gnats and although I got them down to a dull roar, they transferred to the larger pots of good soil.

I was wondering whether a few days in the deep freeze would be enough to kill the gnats so that I can re-use the soil next winter?

Linda

[MissS]

I believe that it would only effect the adult insects. Any eggs in the mix would more than likely hatch when the soil was warmed up.
I have baked soil to remove the insects with great results. You can also water the soil with Mosquito Dunks. That will be fatal to any newly hatched larvae.
Patti

[Labradors2]

Hi Patti,

Apparently, you are wrong about the adults freezing, but you are right that freezing won't solve my problem . Look what I just discovered: http://www.adn.com/2009/05/30/813668...s-survive.html

Linda

[MissS]

Originally Posted by Labradors2

Hi Patti,

Apparently, you are wrong about the adults freezing, but you are right that freezing won't solve my problem . Look what I just discovered: http://www.adn.com/2009/05/30/813668...s-survive.html

Linda

Oh my gosh! Nope, freezing will definitely not solve the problem. Into the oven they go. 450 degrees for an hour. Just cremate them.

[Labradors2]

Sounds like a good recipe for dead fungus gnats!

Thanks,
Linda

Originally Posted by MissS

Oh my gosh! Nope, freezing will definitely not solve the problem. Into the oven they go. 450 degrees for an hour. Just cremate them.