Sasha CampbellAdult gall midges are tiny flies that can cause problems in gardens and orchards by laying eggs on plants. Once the larvae hatch, they burrow into plant tissue, causing “galls.”
These galls can reduce plant yields. Fortunately, several natural methods can help control and eliminate gall midges from your garden or orchard.
Identification
Gall midges belong to the family Cecidomyiidae, a group of small flies.
Most species lay their eggs in plant tissue. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the plant, forming galls [1].
Gall midges are often host-specific [2]. This means that different species of gall midges affect different types of plants.
Depending on how old the plant is, the galls created by gall midges can cause problems for the plant. They may weaken stems, leaves, and flowers, reducing overall vitality.
While gall midges rarely kill plants, they can greatly reduce crop yields.
How to Get Rid of Gall Midges Naturally
Below are some home remedies and natural methods to help control these pests.
1. Sticky Traps
One of the simplest and most effective methods for controlling gall midges is using sticky traps. These traps can catch adult midges outside before they lay their eggs on plants.
Therefore, sticky traps near susceptible plants. The sticky surface will prevent them from escaping once they come into contact with the trap.
2. Natural Enemies
Predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and some predatory wasps can help reduce gall midge populations.
These beneficial insects may feed on gall midge eggs, larvae, or even the adults, reducing their numbers.
3. Beneficial Nematodes
Some beneficial nematodes can also attack and kill gall midge larvae in the soil. These nematodes are applied to the soil where gall midges lay their eggs.
Once inside the larvae, the nematodes release bacteria that kill the host. Beneficial nematodes are a safe, non-toxic option for controlling gall midges organically.
4. Control Weeds
Weeds often serve as a host for some gall midges, allowing them to thrive and spread.
So, by removing weeds from your garden or orchard, you eliminate potential breeding grounds for these pests.
5. Pruning
Pruning infested plant parts can help control gall midges. It removes their galls, larvae, and eggs.
So, if you see galls on your trees, prune off the affected areas. Dispose of them away from your garden. This will prevent the larvae from maturing and spreading to other parts of your garden.
However, the pruned plant material can be disposed of by burning it or sealing it in a plastic bag and throwing it away. Do not compost these clippings. If you do, gall midge larvae can survive and reinfest your garden.
6. Hand-Picking
In smaller gardens, hand-picking the larvae can be an effective control method.
For example, with the hibiscus gall midge, you can pick the yellow buds off the plants before they fall and dispose of them.
However, if any buds fall, pick them up and dispose of them properly. This DIY method will prevent the larvae from emerging from the buds and entering the soil.
7. Plough Orchards to Expose Larvae
Plowing the soil for orchards or bigger plantings can expose gall midge larvae to the sun’s heat.
The larvae live in the soil during certain stages of their life cycle, and exposure to sunlight can kill them. This method is especially useful in agricultural settings where other natural methods may be less feasible.
8. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) can kill flies, and gall midges are no exception.
So, dust your plants lightly with diatomaceous earth. Focus on areas with galls.
9. Field Maintenance and Sanitation
Practice good field maintenance and sanitation to prevent and control gall midge infestations.
Clean up fallen leaves, fruit, and other plant debris regularly. These things can harbor gall midges, whether infested or not.
10. Row Covers
For a more physical barrier against gall midges, floating row covers may help. These covers may prevent adult midges from reaching your plants to lay their eggs.
However, cover the plants before the adult midges become active. Keep the covers secure until the risk of infestation has passed.
This method benefits vegetable gardens that are highly susceptible to gall midge damage.
11. Plant Resistant Varieties
Some plant varieties are naturally resistant to gall midges. If gall midges are a recurring problem in your area, consider planting resistant or less susceptible varieties.
For example, certain mango and rice varieties have been bred to resist gall midge infestations [3, 4].
12. Rotate Crops
If gall midges are a recurring problem in your garden, consider practicing crop rotation if possible. This involves planting different types of crops in a given area each year.
Moving susceptible plants to new locations can disrupt gall midges’ life cycle. This will reduce their numbers over time.
13. Pyganic Gardening
Pyganic is an organic, natural insecticide that can be effective against midges.
With pyrethrin as the active ingredient, this product targets many pests, including midges.
Apply Pyganic according to the label instructions.
Takeaway
Gall midges can be a troublesome pest. But you can control and prevent infestations with the right natural methods.
Sticky traps, natural enemies, and good field maintenance are all effective remedies. By combining these methods, you can protect your plants from gall midge insects.
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