For the control of Sciarid Fly
The adult flies are commonly found making short hops over the compost surface. Adults can spread fungal diseases but most damage is caused by the larval stage feeding on plant roots making them vulnerable to disease infections such as Pythium and other damping off diseases.
There are three main biological controls for sciarid fly; the predatory mite Hypoaspis miles, the nematode Steinernema feltiae and the rove beetle, Atheta coriaria.
The mite and rove beetle can crawl into crevices where nematodes can’t reach, they are also a good preventative measure as they can survive with little food. Nematodes are more effective if the sciarid population is high.
