While Gnatrol isn't a "chemical" (it's a bacterium) there are still precautions for its use and that can apply to any pesticide whether organic or "chemical", which is why one should always read the full label.

I have used that bacterium many years ago to control broccoli worms in my garden. At that time, there were no warnings of any kind on the bottle and it was marketed as an all natural alternative to pesticides. This was probably 15 years or so ago. It was a liquid that you put in a spray bottle.

Perhaps now they are finding out that there are dangers associated with it?

Probably. I'm glad I wasn't affected by it. I never wore gloves or worried about it much when I was applying it.

Those hazards are mild to say the least and mostly due to it being a powder.

It is still a bacteria after all so if you inhale it, or get it into a cut there is the risk of infection. Their recommendations are pretty standard and I would say fall under common sense. I'll spare you the minutiae but Bacillus thuringiensis is not pathogenic to humans, but it can cause superinfection if, let's say, you have pneumonia.

I was thinking pneumonia or the flu, too. But it also may have to do with repeated exposure.

I will bow to Sue as the expert, but I would bet that there are more deaths every year from IGS compared to almost anything gnatrol would do to you.

Oh, IGS is Inhaling Gnat Syndrome...lol.

I remember getting a gnat in my windpipe once visiting a greenhouse....and spent the next hour coughing up gnat glart...lol. Was a proud moment!

Here's something that worked for me, but cost nothing. Put your potting mix into a large container with drainage holes. Boil water, then pour the hot water over the potting mix, Drench it good and let the water drain out of the bottom. Best to do this outside. Let the soil cool overnight before using. It kills any fungus gnat eggs that are hiding in the soil. I've done this every year and I no longer have problems with gnats. It works very good, and I don't have to spend any money on Gnat killer.

Maybe I should do this outside over a fire ant hill???? Kill two problems as the same time! LOL!

Sounds like it's worth a try!

I use Gnatnix and just plain Playsand as a topping to control gnats.

Gnatrol, or mosquito dunk are bacteria control products, and are not chemicals.

You want your control product to contain Bacillus thuringiensis. Its completely natural.

I buy these- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002568YA/

Its the same product as Gnatrol, but cheaper.

Peter - I use those dunks for my water containers. (I grow waterlilies and water lotus plants.) And I buy those very dunks as they are indeed much cheaper. So the bacteria is the same as what is in the Gnatrol?

beckygardener said:I need some advice. I have a bag of what I consider my favorite and best potting mix.

Just wondering .... why not get a bag of seed starting media? And then avoid a lot of issues.

I've had better luck with this mix than any seed starting mixture I've tried. And I can use it for ALL my potted plants!

OK. Great. Keep us posted. I have used the boiling water method, but not the microwave.

beckygardener said:Peter - I use those dunks for my water containers. (I grow waterlilies and water lotus plants.) And I buy those very dunks as they are indeed much cheaper. So the bacteria is the same as what is in the Gnatrol?

Yes it is.

Interesting. Thanks!