E-111-W

Ornamentals & Turf

Department of Entomology

FUNGUS GNATS AND SHORE FLIES

Raymond A. Cloyd, Extension Entomologist, University of Illinois and
Clifford S. Sadof, Extension Entomologist, Purdue University

Fungus gnat and shore fly adults are commonly weak fliers and are normally found flying or running over
found hovering about the surface of greenhouse plants the growing medium surface.
and potting media. Both fungus gnats and shore flies Larvae are whitish-clear, with a shiny black head
thrive in moist conditions, especially during propagation, capsule. The digestive system is often visible through its
plug production, and before plants develop well- transparent body. Larvae grow to ˘ inch long.
established root systems. Fungus gnats are a more The two most common fungus gnats found in
serious problem to greenhouse growers because they greenhouses are Bradysia coprophilia and Bradysia
directly damage plants, while shore flies are primarily a impatiens. Their life cycle consists of an egg, four larval
nuisance. Fungus gnats can also damage plants when stages, a pupa, and an adult. Females can lay between
they transmit fungal diseases. Recognizing the difference 100 to 200 small (less than 1/32 inch long) whitish eggs
between these two pests will help you develop a more in the cracks and crevices of the growing medium in a
effective pest management program. five-day period. Fungus gnat females are highly attracted
to growing media containing peat moss and pine bark.
DESCRIPTION, LIFE CYCLE AND DAMAGE Eggs hatch into white, transparent or slightly
translucent, legless larvae that are approximately ˘ inch
Fungus Gnats long. Larvae can be found within the top 1 to 2 inches of
Adults are small (1/8 inch long), slender, black or the growing medium; however, they can also be found in
dark brown flies. Their two wings are delicate and clear, the bottom and on the edge of pots. Fungus gnats take
with a distinctive “Y” shaped vein in each wing. Antennae approximately 2 weeks at 72°F to develop into a pupa.
are longer than the head and many segmented. Legs are After 4 to 7 days, adults emerge from the pupal skin. Adult
long and dangling, resembling a mosquito. Adults are fungus gnats generally live about 10 days.
Fungus gnat larvae damage plants by feeding on
plant roots. They are especially destructive to seedlings
and young plants, but can also damage mature plants if
numbers are high. Larvae can tunnel into succulent
stems at and below the growing medium surface. This
tunneling collapses the stem causing the plant to wilt, or
grow less vigorously. Larvae are capable of transmitting
fungal pathogens such as Pythium, Thielaviopsis, and
Fusarium. In addition, larval feeding creates wounds that
allow secondary soil-borne pathogens to enter roots.
Adult fungus gnats are also capable of transmitting
fungal pathogens, including Botrytis. In addition to
damaging plants, fungus gnat adults emerging from
plants in wholesale or retail situations are considered a
Fungus gnat adult nuisance that can affect plant sales.
 2
Adults look very much like small houseflies. They are problems. Piles of uncovered growing media and debris
1/8 inch long, and have black bodies and reddish eyes. should never be allowed in the greenhouse because they
They possess dark wings with five or more light-colored provide suitable resting sites for fungus gnat and shore
spots on each wing. Antennae are shorter than the head fly pupae.
and the legs are small. Shore flies are stronger and faster Maintain a weed-free environment. Weeds should
fliers than fungus gnats be eliminated from inside and outside the greenhouse,
Larvae are opaque yellowish-brown with no head including areas underneath benches, behind vents, and
capsule and grow to ˘ inch in length. The most common in pots. Weeds underneath benches may create a moist
species of shorefly found in greenhouses is Scatella environment suitable for fungus gnat and shore fly
stagnalis. Shore flies have a life cycle consisting of an development. Maintain a 20-30-foot weed-free barrier
egg, 3 larval stages, a pupa, and an adult. Females lay around the greenhouse perimeter to prevent weed seed
eggs in areas where algae accumulate, such as growing germination and entry of new weed seeds through
medium, benches, and greenhouse floors. A single female unscreened vents and doors.
can lay between 300 to 500 eggs. Eggs hatch in two days Control algae in pots, in propagation areas, on
into maggot-like larvae that are light tan. Larvae are benches, and under benches because fungus gnats and
found just under the top layer of growing medium, where shore flies breed in algae. Areas under benches can be
they feed on algae. The body is located in the growing treated with a disinfectant such as Green-Shield, Triathlon,
medium and the head in the algae. Larvae take 7 to 10 ZeroTol, Physan 20, or chlorine bleach. Algae removal
days to form pupae in the growing medium. Adults will greatly reduce shore fly populations.
emerge in 4 to 5 days and live about 3 to 4 weeks. Clean up all freestanding water on solid benches, on
Large numbers of shoreflies can reduce crop walks, and under benches. Be sure that cooling pad
marketability. Generally, the adult and larval stages of distribution tubes are not leaking. Avoid overwatering
shore flies feed on algae and fungi, not plant roots. plants.

Scouting and Record-Keeping

Use systematic inspections and record keeping to
identify the particular crops and parts of the greenhouse
with pest problems. Monitor fungus gnat and shore fly
infestations by counting adults attracted to yellow sticky
cards. Place sticky cards 1 to 2 inches above the crop
canopy or growing medium. Inspect yellow sticky cards
weekly using a 10X-hand lens, and record the number of
adults per sticky card. Expose and count just one side of
a sticky card per week to save time and labor. To monitor
for fungus gnat adults, place sticky cards horizontally on
the growing medium surface or on the edge of flats or
pots.
Scout for larval populations of fungus gnats by placing
potato slices (1 inch diameter, 1/2 inch thick) on the
growing medium surface. Potato slices should be removed
Shore fly adult after 48 hours. The larvae, which are attracted to the
potato slices, can be seen adhering to the bottom surfaces
when lifted from the growing medium.
MANAGEMENT
Biological Control
Cultural Control
Use beneficial nematodes and soil predatory mites
Inspect incoming plant material for adults flying
as biological control options for fungus gnats. Beneficial
around. If possible, place incoming plant material in a
nematodes effectively control fungus gnats, do not injure
holding area with one or two sticky cards randomly
plants, are safe to greenhouse workers, and do not
distributed among the plants. Maintain plants in the
promote insecticide resistance. The most effective
holding area for approximately 5 days. Inspect sticky
beneficial nematode for controlling fungus gnats is
cards at the end of the five-day period. If fungus gnats
Steinernema feltiae (Nemasys, Entonem, and
and/or shore flies are present on the sticky cards apply an
Scanmask). Proper application procedures will vary with
insecticide.
the crop and production system. Application soon after
Remove discarded plant material and used, or old
fungus gnats are detected provides optimum control.
growing media tominimize fungus gnat and shore fly
Two or three applications throughout the crop cycle
 3
should keep fungus gnat populations low throughout a Chemical Control
10-12-week cropping period. Aim insecticide applications for fungus gnats and
The other biological control agent is the soil-predatory shore flies at either larvae or adults. The best long-term
mite, Hypoaspis miles. This mite completes its life cycle chemical control for fungus gnats and shore flies targets
(egg to adult) in 7 to 11 days. It normally inhabits the top the larvae stages. Insecticidal drenches or growing
layers of the growing medium, where it feeds on fungus medium surface sprays (“sprenches”) of Distance or
gnat larvae. For best efficiency introduce it at planting or Adept are particularly effective against larvae. Certain
just afterward. insecticides may not affect eggs or pupae, and as such,
Biological control of shore flies is more difficult, but repeated applications may be necessary. Insecticide
involves the use of the soil-predatory mite, Hypoaspis applications directed only against the larval stages do not
miles. The mite attacks shore fly larvae and may control directly affect adults in the greenhouse.
shore flies if there is no standing water. Shore flies can Adults can be effectively controlled with labeled
survive in standing water whereas H. miles cannot. Make sprays or aerosols. The microbial insecticide Gnatrol
releases as soon as shore flies are detected. (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis) is a bacterium
that controls the larvae of fungus gnats, but not shore
flies. It is most effective when applied as a drench. For
Using Biological Control Effectively information on recommended insecticides for fungus
gnats and shore flies refer to Table 1.
• Consult Extension and biological control specialists,
supplier catalogs, trade journals, and
publications to obtain as much information as possible
prior to starting a biological control program.

• Find a reliable biological control supplier, and be sure

to order biological control agents at least 3 weeks
before application. Release biological control agents
upon delivery; delaying release reduces
effectiveness.

• Start on a small scale. Don’t convert an entire

operation to biological control until you have tested it
and feel comfortable with using it.

• Release biological control agents before fungus gnat

or shore fly populations reach damaging levels.
Biological control is a preventative measure, not a
reactive measure.

• Scout and record the number of fungus gnat and

shore flies present before and after release of
biological control agents in the greenhouse.
 Table 1. Insecticides Recommended for Fungus Gnat and Shore Fly Management

FUNGUS GNATS AND SHOREFLIES

Pesticide
Active Ingredient Trade Name REI* Target Stage**
Class***

Acephate Orthene 24 A OP

Azatin 4 L
Azadirachtin B/IGR
Ornazin 12 L
Talstar 12 A
Bifenthrin P
Attain 12 A

Chlorpyrifos+Cyfluthrin Duraplex 24 A OP/P

Cyfluthrin Decathlon 12 A P

Cyromazine Citation 12 L IGR

Diflubenzuron Adept 12 L IGR

Pyriproxyfen Distance 12 L IGR

FUNGUS GNATS ONLY

Bacillus thuringiensis var.

Gnatrol 4 L M
israelensis

Chlorpyrifos Duraguard 12 A/L OP

Kinoprene Enstar 4 L IGR

Pyrethrin Pyrethrum 12 A P

Revised 7/2003

It is the policy of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, David C. Petritz, Director, that all persons shall have equal opportunity and access to the programs and facilities
without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, or disability. Purdue University is an Affirmative Action employer.

1-888-EXT-INFO (398-4636) http://www.agcom.purdue.edu/AgCom/Pubs/index.html