Gnats vs epsom salt!

[Badfinger]

Is it probable that epsom salt waterings every couple weeks is controlling my gnats? Seen the larva scamper during waterings, but with no sticky traps for the first 45 days, and two lone adult gnat sightings in that time. Put out stickys 2 days ago and still no action.
I was infested last grow with the same soil different bag, bought together. I was expecting the worst, or else I was just lucky.

 

[BII]

It seems pretty simple: There's no active infestation, or it's still early in the larvae transformation into flying gnats. Many factors could encourage or inhibit infestation. But I doubt that epson salts at the level used similar to that of natural soil is affecting anything. Otherwise, the larvae you saw may not be gnats, could be another insect.

But why not just (pre)treat with a 'natural' Bt bacteria-based larvaecide, even mosquito dunks?

 

[MotaZona]

I haven’t had a big problem with FGs yet, but I sprinkled Mosquito Bits in the topsoil this round and have only counted a total of maybe 10 on the sticky things. It’s been almost 70 days & the plant has spent at least 10 days outside in the sun.
I mist the topsoil several times everyday & top with different meals so it’s a potential smorgasbord for the little varmints.

 

[BII]

Sounds like your Bt/bits (pre)treatment is doing its job, no infestation.

Otherwise, if you are in soil (never said what medium you're using), adult insects on and in the media may not matter, may be expected/normal. And keep in mind, there are some rather safe/harmless 'natural' insecticides you might consider if needed, such as Spinosad and pyrethrins (but not in later bloom).

 

[MotaZona]

Sounds like your Bt/bits (pre)treatment is doing its job, no infestation.

Otherwise, if you are in soil (never said what medium you're using), adult insects on and in the media may not matter, may be expected/normal. And keep in mind, there are some rather safe/harmless 'natural' insecticides you might consider if needed, such as Spinosad and pyrethrins (but not in later bloom).

I’m in soil.
It’s time to grow outdoors. We have a metric ton per square yard of little predatory monsters. I never have any problems on anything except for saplings in tree tubes & that’s not a big issue. As soon as the aphids really get going, the lady bugs & lacewings show up & clean it all up.