CX Tanlin Drops - Fungus Gnat Treatment and Prevention - 20ml - Makes 600 litres

CX Tanlin Drops (the name Tanlin comes from 'Nil Nat' backwards), is harmless to people, pets and plants but bad news for Fungus Gnats. At just 1 drop per 1 litre water, it's super concentrated, meaning this little 20ml bottle will make over 600 litres of treatment! Tanlin is organic, safe and non-toxic (unless you're a Fungus Gnat!). The most cost-effective way to treat large houseplant collections.

What pests does Tanlin treat?

Tanlin targets pests that live in the substrate and root systems of plants, especially Fungus Gnat larvae, also called Sciarid Fly. In small numbers they're more annoying than harmful but when numbers get large, the larvae can feed on roots and harm plants. 

Which plants can Tanlin be used on?

All indoor plants and greenhouse plants. Although you can use it on outdoor plants also, the natural environment means eradicating Fungus Gnats in open, outdoor spaces is unlikely. 

How long does Tanlin take to work?

Although it works straight away, as it only targets the larvae stage, you do need to keep using Tanlin for a few weeks. Eggs will continue hatching into new larvae. As Tanlin works as a preventative also - and is entirely safe and non-toxic to your plants - it's best to add Tanlin every time you water. 

Keep in mind it takes around 15 to 20 days for the larvae to pupa to hatching into an adult Fungus Gnat, so expect at least a couple of weeks to start seeing a reduction in flying adults, even though Tanlin works immediately to kill current larvae every time you water.

Best used in conjunction with sticky traps to target flying adults at the same time and break the cycle. using sticky traps and Tanlin at the same time you'll see a reduction in flying adults much faster.

Does Tanlin affect the plant or substrate?

No, Tanlin has no effect on the plant or beneficial microorganisms in the substrate. It's safe for people, pets and plants.

How much do you use? Tanlin directions:

There's no risk to the plant if you use too much, however you only need 1 drop per 1 litre water for an infested plant or 1 drop per 3 litres water for preventative maintenance.

This 20ml bottle has a built-in dropper top. One drop equals roughly a 30th of 1ml. At the treatment rate, 20mls makes around 600 litres, and at the preventative / maintenance rate, 20mls makes around 1,800 litres. Tanlin is usually around $40 for the 20ml bottle, so the cost is just 2 to 6 cents per litre. 

How often should you use Tanlin?

Every time you water either until the pest has been eradicated, or on-going as a preventative. As Tanlin only treats the larvae, it will take at least two weeks or so until you notice a reduction in adults, so it's best to keep using uBloomd or other sticky traps at the same time. 

Tips for best results:

Water well. Whether you top or bottom water, make sure the substrate is fully saturated so Tanlin can reach all the current larvae feeding in the substrate. Remember over-watering has nothing to do with how much water you give a plant, but how often you water (watering again too soon is what you want to avoid).

Water where the larvae are: Fungus Gnat larvae concentrate on the top few cms of the soil. Bottom watering won't be as effective unless you soak for long or deep enough to make sure the substrate is saturated right to the top.  

You can add fertiliser into the same water along with Tanlin.

Temperature matters: Keep Tanlin stored at room temperature (room temperature is officially 20 to 22 degrees). Between 2 and 22 degrees keeps Tanlin effective. You can put Tanlin in the fridge if temperatures are expected to get over 22 degrees, but do not freeze. Best stored indoors not outdoors to avoid temperature fluctuations.

You cannot overdose with Tanlin but 1 drop per 1 litre maximum is recommended to keep costs down.