Hello & Welcome 
So, today's update is on Pest Management.
I have been battling with fungus gnats since I opened my first bag of soil.
I should have returned the bag the moment I noticed they were in the soil prior to planting my seeds.
Its spread plant to plant, tent to tent now for generations now.
I've done just about everything in response with mixed results.
I think my biggest problem has been not finishing them off when I've gotten them on the ropes. Slowly but surely, they make their way back eventually.
My latest bit of moves were considered when I purchased the soil, but timing caused me to hold off a bit.
I needed to ensure that both beds were in place and alive.
The 4x3 has a cover crop going and I'm expecting plants to be transplanted into that tent Sunday.
There is a minimal presence of FG in the 4x3 but the 4x2 is full on infested. Which is expected considering that's where all the life is at right now.
So, to once and for all put an end to this constant struggle and bring some balance to my ecosystem I purchased a beneficial insect pack. It was always in the plans to purchase this pack again timing played a major part.
I want to preface this by saying I'm not a big fan of bugs the fact that I have worms in my soil and a worm bin I'm starting is soooooo out of my element.
Also, I thought it to be a little counter intuitive to add bugs to remove bugs. But I did a bit of homework, some reading a couple podcast and YT vids.
I also came across a podcast where they had Suzanne Wainwright-Evans AKA "The Bug Lady" on and listening to her speak about the uses of them in the garden and their place in LOS really sold me on the idea.
Mind you most of this is direct from the website. MOST if not all the words confuse me. This is not how I understand it!
It made much better sense hearing it broken down in layman's terms. But for the sake of the journal and being as transparent as possible here it is.
The Beneficial Insect Triple Pack (Medium) contains:
- Rove Beetle (1000 Beetles)
- Steinernema Feltiae Nematodes (50 Mil Tray)
- Stratiolaelaps Scimitus (Hypoaspis Miles) (1 liter bottle - 25,000)
Rove Beetle
Rove beetle (Dalotia coriaria), formerly known as Atheta coriaria, is a native species of a soil-dwelling rove beetle which feeds on small insects and mites. Both adults and larvae are active aggressive predators and are attracted to decomposing plant or animal material and algae, where their hosts are found. While they are beetles, they do not necessarily look like beetles. They are light to dark brown in color, with adults being 3-4 mm long. They are slender with short wing covers. Rove beetles have an interesting habit of curving their abdomen upwards like scorpions and can run or fly when disturbed (usually close to the ground). Since they can actively fly, they rapidly colonize the release area. However, too many Atheta in flight may be because of disturbance to their home.
Use in Biological Control: Rove beetles are used primarily to assist in the control of shore flies and fungus gnats and other small arthropods in the soil or planting media. They also help control soil stages of thrips and feed on most other small soil organisms such as moth flies, springtails, and root mealybugs.
It has been used successfully in vegetable, bedding and potted plant production and seedling and cutting propagation. Atheta adapts well to the various growth media (including rockwool and coconut fiber) and capillary mats used in plant production. They will not survive freezing or flooding conditions.
Life Cycle: The complete life cycle of rove beetles is 21 days at 70°F (21°C), with relative humidity between 40 and 99%. The sex ratio is an equal, 1:1 female to males. Eggs hatch in 3-4 days into larvae, which resemble adults. Pupal chambers are constructed out of silk. Each adult rove beetle consumes 10-20 prey per day. In greenhouse conditions, adults are non-diapausing and can be used year-round.
For Best Results: Rove beetle is most effective when applications are started before fungus gnat population becomes well established or while numbers are still low (less than one seen in a trap, per week). One application of Atheta per crop cycle is usually sufficient if started early in the season. Because rove beetle has a longer life cycle and takes longer to establish than the Stratiolaelaps predatory mite, so should be used along with Stratiolaelaps for best results.
Introduction Rates: Rove beetle is most effective when applications are started before fungus gnat populations become well established or while numbers are still low (below 10 per trap, per week). One application of rove beetle per crop cycle is usually sufficient if started early in the season. For soil culture, sawdust bag, or rockwool culture, apply 1 per 10 ft2 (1 m 2 ).
Target Pests: Shore flies (Ephydridae), fungus gnats (Sciaridae), western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), root aphids
Do not water soil or growing medium 10 minutes before and a few hours after release. To release, rotate the canister (to distribute beetles inside), then open the lid and release in centrally located area where major infestation is onto damp soil (only open when ready to release as they may fly away). Also distribute on floors, greenhouse weeds, under benches, and places where larvae will develop. Leave the canister on its side in the treatment area to ensure release of all mites. Release in the evening or late afternoon within 4 days of being received. Store canister on its side at 45-55° F.
Nematodes
Steinernema Feltiae Nematodes arrive ready-to-use. Just add to water and apply to the soil or growing media with virtually any watering device!
NemAttack Sf (Steinernema feltiae) Beneficial Nematodes are recommended to control and prevent mobile pests such as:
Fungus gnats, ticks, thrips, leaf miners, caterpillars, cutworms, sod webworms, onion maggots, subterranean termites. American cockroach, armyworm, artichoke plume moth, Asian cockroach, beet armyworm, cabbage maggots, black cutworm, bluegrass weevil, codling moth, corn earworm, cotton bollworm, cucumber beetle, fall armyworm, fly larvae, fruit fly, German cockroach, mole crickets, tobacco budworm, wireworm and more.
Beneficial Nematodes are live microscopic organisms (non-segmented round worms) that occur naturally in soil throughout the world. They are parasitic to insect pests that typically have a developing (larval or pupal) stage of life in the soil; however, they have been known to also parasitize above ground stages of adults, nymphs and larvae.
They are completely safe to use and will not affect mammals, aquatic life, birds, reptiles or amphibians. After application, the nematodes immediately get to work. Upon finding a pest, they enter it through various body openings or directly through the body wall. Once inside, it is not the nematode that actually kills the pest, but the toxic bacteria inside the nematode's gut that is the real weapon symbiotic bacteria, that when released inside and insect, kill it within 24 - 48 hours by causing blood poisoning.
Beneficial Nematodes release the bacteria in order to create food and a hospitable environment for their own reproduction. As the food resources within the dead pest become scarce, the nematodes exit and immediately begin searching for a new host. As long as there is a suitable host, they will continue to survive and parasitize.
How Much Do I Need? Order enough to thoroughly treat your infested area. Some pests require multiple, separate treatments. Quantities and treatment areas are approximate.
| Garden Size | Quantity | Treatment Area | Shipping Method |
| 1/2 Garden Size | 5 million | 1,600 sq. ft. | 2nd Day |
| Garden Size | 10 million | 3,200 sq. ft. | 2nd Day |
| Farm Size | 50 million | 1 Acre | 2nd Day |
| Small Ranch Size | 250 million | 5 Acres | Next Day |
| Large Ranch Size | 500 million | 10 Acres | |
This Product Controls These Pests or Diseases:
This product works as a beneficial insect for control of the following: Fleas, Flies (
mult), Fruit Flys (
Drasophylla), Fungus Gnats (
Bradysia impatiens), Gnats, Thrips (
Franklinothrips sp)
Useful Info:
Warning & Toxicities: Do not freeze.
Shelf Life: Up to 2 weeks (refrigerated and unopened in original container).
How to Use:
How long can nematodes be kept before use?
Beneficial Nematodes should be used as soon as possible. Because they are live organisms, it is best to store them for no longer than 2 weeks in a refrigerator that is between 37° and 42° F.
How are nematodes applied?
The solution can be applied using a watering can, hose end sprayer, backpack or pump sprayer or through irrigation or misting systems.
When should they be released?
Release early in the morning or predusk when temperatures are cooler and the sun is not so bright.
Should the soil be moist after the nematode application?
The soil should be moist at time of application and lightly watered immediately after application. After application, regular watering of the treated area will provide sufficient moisture. Generally speaking, water every 3-4 days if rainfall does not occur.
What's the Application Rate?
It is best to make at least two applications, separated by 7-10 days in order to stagger the life cycles of the nematodes and to assure complete coverage. In cases of severe infestations, applications should be made every 7-10 days or until infestation subsides.
Garden Size | Quantity | Treatment Area |
| 1/2 Garden Backyard Size | 5 million | 1,600 sq. ft. |
| Garden Size | 10 million | 3,200 sq. ft. |
| Farm Size | 50 million | 1 Acre |
| Small Ranch Size | 250 million | 5 Acres |
| Large Ranch Size | 500 million | 10 Acres |
How long does it take to see results?
In general 3-7 days for caterpillars such as cutworm, armyworm and sod webworm. For grubs and weevils such as Japanese beetle, black vine weevil and billbugs feeding stops within 3 days with maximum control occurring over 2-4 weeks. Nematodes disintegrate the pests from the inside out. You will not see dead insect bodies as you would with a chemical knockdown.
How often should nematodes be applied?
Nematodes are recommended for use whenever larvae or grubs are present. Generally, this is during the spring and fall months. Because larvae feed on plant roots, beneath the soil surface, severe damage can be done before realizing there is a problem. Look for signs of an adult insect, such as leaf-notching. If adult insects are present, their eggs will be hatching soon. Keep in mind, one application may not eradicate a population of insects that has become established over a period of years.
Will nematodes live through the winter?
In general, harsh winter weather in most parts of the country almost guarantees a significant decline in the population of the nematodes. In most cases, nematodes (just like insects) will become dormant during cold weather. Any survivors would be few in number to provide adequate insect control. If your insect pest returns the following year, another application may be necessary.
When nematodes are applied to one area will they move to other areas?
Nematodes, due to their microscopic nature have limited range of movement. Generally NemAttack™, our formulations of
Steinernema will stay where you put them, but NemaSeek™ (
Heterorhabditis) will continue moving through the soil until they find a pest to infect.
Brown mites
For Developing Soil Stage Control of Thrips, Fungus Gnats and Springtails.
This tiny brown mite naturally inhabits the top layer of soil where larvae and pupae dwell. Female predatory mites lay their eggs in soil and the nymphs and adults feed on pests. If infestation is severe, use along with
Beneficial Nematodes and
Sticky Traps.
Release rates:
Type of Application | Release Rate |
General Releases | 5,000-10,000 S. scimitus per 1,000 ft2 depending on level of infestation. |
Large Area Releases | 25,000-50,000 S. scimitus per acre depending on level of infestation. |
Weekly applications are recommended until infestations subside. Please call for more information. | |
This Product Controls These Pests or Diseases: Bean Thrips (
Caliothrips fasciatus), Fungus Gnats (
Bradysia impatiens), Springtails, Thrips (
Franklinothrips spp)
Useful Info:
Shelf Life: Use within 18 hours of receipt. Do not water soil or growing medium 10 minutes before and a few hours after release. To release, rotate the canister (to distribute mites inside), then open the lid and remove the filter paper. Place the lid back on, and tap the mites out of the canister evenly onto the soil. Also distribute on floors, greenhouse weeds, under benches, and places where fungus gnat larvae will develop. Leave the canister and filter paper in the treatment area to ensure release of all mites. Release in the evening or late afternoon within 2 weeks of being received. Store canister on its side at 60-70° F.
How to Use:
General Applications: Incorporate mites into growing media at potting or sprinkle onto growing media surface. Rotate tube several times before opening to mix contents. To open lid, push the cut-out on the lid where marked. Rotate lid cover to fully open position for application. Shake tube slowly to dispense mixture onto the surface of growing media; mites will quickly distribute uniformly through crop.
Environment: Outdoors, Crops, Orchards & Vineyards, Nursery, Greenhouse, Grow Room, Interior scapes, Container Plants
Storage: If not releasing immediately, keep in a cool dark place out of direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate. Top layer of soil, in a shaded area. 77°F
So, in preparation of the bugs getting here I let the beds go without full waterings, only giving about 5% or 3.5 gallons over the past week.
Wednesday, I went and purchased some
100% organic cold pressed neem oil I mixed 1 ounce with a gallon of water. and sprayed down all the tents.
I just went to the hardware store garden dept and honestly is pretty sad, but this was the first time I ever read the back of label and actually cared what it said.
It made me realize I need to employ this level of scrutiny to every aspect of life. I probably eat more chemicals than I eat food and its pretty sad.
As the can started to empty and become a misty fog, I made sure to use that to hit the canopy a little bit.
Thursday, I gave a slight "feed" of about 2 gallons of water to the soil bed. Looking at the application instructions for the mites and beetles they are not to be watered "10 minutes prior or hours after".
So I watered the day prior to avoid any issues.
I split the bags fairly evenly between both soil beds.
The 2x4 was off so I unzipped the tent up to the top of the bed to avoid as much light leak as possible dumped them in and worked the peatmoss carrier under the mulch layer a bit.
I also put a tiny bit into my PBK1 Mother plant in my veg tent.
Speaking of my veg tent I found someone to take my extra clones off my hands!
Thankfully they have a new home I hate killing healthy plants!
This opens up room in my mother tent for the mothers of my next journal which I plan to start the next day or 2,
as well as for vegging plants for subsequent rounds in our soil beds.
I plan to water in the nematodes tonight when I check on the plants.
This allows the beetles and mites to take on the adults and bring their numbers down over the past day or 2.
Now we will attack their young on a microscopic level!
Sunday starts week 2 from the flip! Going forward Sundays are IPM days.
Cleaning of the grow area inside and out.
Spraying for pest and additional treatments if need be.
This will help to gather myself and what happened in the previous week as well as make adjustments for the coming weeks.
This grow from the beginning has been about the
5 P's
Proper
Planning
Prevents
Poor
Performance
I'm doing my best to stay not only on top but ahead of this grow as much as possible. I feel like that's gotten easier with the change in grow style and with the experience or "rust" as I like to put it getting knocked off.
I plan to give another top dressing of "Build a Flower top dress" at week 3 and possibly brew a compost tea with it to really ramp up the biology in the soil as we go into flower this week or week 3 as well.
There are no pistils just yet but having grown this strain twice now I know that once they start the swelling and sugar start immediately after and won't stop for another 6 weeks just before we harvest at week 9ish.
Other than that, things are coasting smoothly under the XS1500 Pro. They are currently set to 75% and once I see buds forming will crank them up to 100% and really see what they can do.
This entire grow I've taken a less is more approach and these lights truly fit the build and allow for that!
If you're looking for new lights these are the way to go!
If I didn't already own 2 XS2000's I would daisy chain 4 of these to put in the 4x3!
As always thank you for your time and checking me out its appreciated!
Those tools are cool and helpful!
I’m very excited for this grow and very excited to be using the XS 1500 Pro (Thank you again)
Hope the spray is effective for repelling gnats. Nice weekend lootznbootz
speaking of gnats congratulations on bringing the battle back!!! 
That's a absolutely minor worry for you if any from now on. 
hope your old man's willing to cover a few shifts! 
