Pesky gnats/small flies

Tokoloshe · #1 (**permalink**) 03-13-2008, 07:44 PM

Hey all, I have a problem with some small gnats/small flies breeding in my terrariums. My wife is having a fit, so I need a solution.

Does anybody have any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

Green Ghost · #2 (**permalink**) 03-14-2008, 07:07 PM

Depends on your setup but I saw some posts on here where people had similar problems with small insects and they used dry ice to kill the little critters. I don't know if it would work on flies (because they can fly up) but it might be worth a try. The carbon dioxide stays at the bottom and kills unwanted critters by cutting off thier oxygen. If you have animals in there of course you remove them before. Thing is you don't have to tear down the tank. I'll see if I can find a link. Otherwise do a search on dry ice.

Tokoloshe · #3 (**permalink**) 03-14-2008, 08:04 PM

Thanks Green Ghost,
I have read that post...been searching the archives for a few days now.

I think the only way that will work is if I do it multiple times...as the eggs wouldn't be affected unless exposed for long periods.

This wouldn't be ideal as the animals would have to be moved multiple times, although it is a good backup plan.

Thanks.

Green Ghost · #4 (**permalink**) 03-14-2008, 08:28 PM

bug zapper above the terrarium....

Seriously though, I'm guessing if you know about what it takes to kill the eggs you must know what kind of fly it is.

Was curious as to what kind of fly. I have these tiny flies that are in one of my tanks too. I just ignore them. They're tasty when the land in my beer. (kidding)

bareass · #5 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008, 05:23 PM

i've heard that they are beneficial to the terrarium...and develop naurally in naturaistic vivs.

zaroba · #6 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 09:38 AM

they are probably fungus gnats, and will be nearly impossible to eliminate completely and permanently. fungus gnats love warm moist soil thats rich with decaying organic matter. dart frog vivs are a perfect habitat for them. they get there name because the larvae eat fungus in the soil, so in this matter they are actually helpful to a viv. plus the adults flying around could provide extra food for the frogs.

anybody with houseplants will probably find them flying around there pots too.
they are common insects in all of the US. don't know about other countries though.