Still Seeing Fungus Gnats No Matter What You Try?
Sticky traps aren’t solving it. Neem isn’t getting into the soil.
That’s because the problem isn’t flying around—it’s living underground.
Steinernema feltiae is your treatment for fungus gnat larvae, thrips pupae, and other soil-dwelling pests. These microscopic beneficial nematodes hunt through the topsoil, enter pest larvae, and release symbiotic bacteria that kill from the inside. It’s biological warfare—minus the spray bottle.
Steinernema feltiae (Easy-Release Powder)
Natural Soil Treatment for Fungus Gnats, Thrips Pupae, and Root Aphids
Once inside a host, these nematodes reproduce and spread—creating a self-sustaining population that continues working long after application. All they need is a bit of moisture and a stable temperature range.
Each application gives you rapid suppression of pests and long-term prevention. No residue. No re-entry delay. No harm to the good guys.
What It Treats
| Pest | Life Stage |
|---|---|
| Fungus gnats | Larvae (soil stage) |
| Thrips | Pupae (in substrate) |
| Root aphids | Soil-dwelling forms |
| Scarab beetles, flea beetles, weevils | Larvae and grubs |
| More | Dozens of soil-based pests |
If you’re seeing fungus gnats that keep coming back, this is how you stop the life cycle at the root.
Why Choose the Easy-Release Powder?
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Fast action | Infective juveniles kill larvae within 2–5 days |
| Self-replicating | Reproduces underground for longer control |
| Cool-weather performance | Works in soil temps as low as 46°F |
| Quick-dissolving | Powder mixes easily for even coverage |
| Safe | No impact on plants, people, pets, or pollinators |
This is a soil-first solution for pests that sprays can’t touch.
When to Use It
-
You’ve seen fungus gnats flying—but traps aren’t solving it
-
You’re spotting thrips again after foliar treatment
-
You’ve treated above-ground pests but still have root problems
-
You want biological control with no residue
How to Apply
-
Pre-water the soil to keep it evenly moist
-
Mix powder into non-chlorinated water (59–69°F)
-
Apply using a watering can, sprayer, or irrigation
-
Water lightly again to help nematodes reach pest zones
-
Keep soil lightly damp for 2 weeks post-application
Avoid full sun, dry soil, or extreme temperatures during and after application.
How Much to Use
| Use Case | Rate |
|---|---|
| Preventative or light pressure | 5 million per 300 sq. ft. |
| Moderate to heavy infestation | 5 million per 50 sq. ft. |
| Reapplication | Every 2–4 weeks if needed |
Repeat weekly if pressure is high or if conditions are ideal for gnat cycling (humid, organic-rich soil, indoor plants).
Best Conditions
-
Soil temp: 46–86°F
-
Moisture: Damp but not soaked (don’t flood)
-
Light: Apply in early morning, evening, or on cloudy days (UV-sensitive)
-
pH: Neutral to slightly acidic is ideal
Pro Tips
-
Don’t overwater. Nematodes move best in moist—not saturated—soil
-
Skip the sprays. Insecticides (even organic ones) can wipe them out
-
Repeat as needed. They reproduce, but reapplication helps break life cycles
-
Combine with above-ground predators (e.g., Orius, Swirskii, Persimilis) for full lifecycle suppression
Safe for Everything That Isn’t a Pest
-
No toxicity
-
No re-entry interval
-
No residue
-
Works in organic, regenerative, and soil-based systems
-
Zero harm to pollinators, pets, beneficial insects, or soil microbes
Shipping & Storage
-
Ships with live delivery guarantee
-
Store at 35–50°F, refrigerated (not frozen)
-
Use within 30 days
-
Once mixed with water, use within 6 hours
Too Many Options?
We get it. Try our mite/insect matchmaking quiz and instantly get matched to the solutions you may need.
Our Live Delivery Guarantee
We stand behind every leaf and every mite. If your plant or predatory insects don’t arrive alive on the first delivery attempt, we’ll make it right.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Email us at info@fgmnnursery.com within 24 hours of delivery
- Include clear photos of the item and the shipping label
- Someone must be available to receive the package—plants and bugs don’t do well sitting in the sun, a mailbox, or the back of a delivery truck
For plants, we offer store credit if something goes wrong.
For predatory mites and beneficial insects, you’ll have the choice of a replacement shipment or store credit.
If you contact us after the 24-hour window, we may still be able to help—just know it’s handled case by case.
We pack with care, insulate when needed, and check the weather before shipping. But once it’s in transit, the fastest way to protect your order is to open it right away.
Mite Matters
The Hidden Toll of Thrips on Plant Health
How Predatory Mites Use Chemical Signals
Predatory mites don’t just hunt—they communicate. Plants call for backup with chemical signals, predators leave scent trails, and entire ecosystems shift in response. These invisible conversations shape how pests are controlled, long before you see results on the leaves.
