Get Rid of Black Flies Around Indoor Plants and Prevention

black flies, Sciarids, leaf, or soil gnats are black gnats that appear on indoor flowers. Adult insects do not pose a threat to plants, but they do lay eggs. The hatched larvae feed on the root system of the plants, which leads to the wilting of the indoor culture.

black flies around indoor plants

Dealing with Black Flies Around Indoor Plants

Dealing with black flies that appear on indoor flowers can be difficult. Some methods of exterminating insects can lead to the death of not only the pest, but also the flower, so it is easier to prevent the appearance of a midge than to try to get rid of it.

In the home, insects can appear as a result of using contaminated soil taken from the garden or from the street. To minimize the risk of this problem, it is recommended to buy a substrate for flowers in a specialized store. During the manufacturing process, such soil is disinfected, so it is considered as safe as possible.

Infection of the substrate can occur if an adult (female) enters the house from the street and lays eggs in moist soil. If sciarids settle in one pot, then one should expect their rapid reproduction and spread to neighboring flowers.

Favorable conditions for life and reproduction are waterlogged soil, which contains a large amount of decaying organic matter. Therefore, the root system of the plant should not be allowed to rot. To prevent decay processes, it is necessary to provide the flower with good drainage and moderate watering. Top the substrate can be sprinkled with perlite or sand.

When the first signs of rotting of the root system appear, it is necessary to transplant the indoor culture, while removing all damaged roots. The remaining living roots are treated with a weak solution of manganese or another similar agent.

How do you get rid of flies without harming plants?

You can fight black midges with chemicals that are sold in flower shops. If the root system has begun to rot, then before using any remedy, it is necessary to remove the rotten roots. Otherwise, after the cessation of the effect of the chemical, the midge will reappear.

For effective pest control, you can purchase insecticides from online and local stores.

In order not to harm the plants, you must read the instructions and follow the directions.

It is possible to get rid of black midges in indoor plants not only with the help of chemicals. In the fight against black flies, essential oils of tea tree, thiamine or geranium help well. To prepare the solution, you will need 1 liter of settled water and 3 drops of oil. The resulting liquid is poured onto the substrate once a week. This tool can be used to prevent the appearance of soil mosquitoes. The solution is prepared according to the same recipe, but room crops are watered with it once every 2 weeks.

In order not to use harsh chemicals, some growers recommend fighting insects with matches. A match should be stuck with the head down into the substrate of each flower. For 1 medium-sized pot, 4-6 pieces are enough. The smell of sulfur scares off midges. Garlic has a similar effect. It is necessary to peel and cut several cloves along, and then stick them into the ground where the flower grows.

In order to destroy black midges and prevent their appearance in the future, you can prepare an infusion of garlic. You will need to peel 2-3 cloves and pass them through a garlic dish or grate them on a fine grater. The resulting mass is poured into 1 liter of cold water and insisted in a dark place for 24 hours. After a day, the liquid must be filtered. Plants are sprayed with garlic tincture every 3-4 days. When the insects disappear, in order to prevent, the flowers are irrigated once every 2 weeks.

Also Check How to prevent pests on indoor plants?

I am an avid plant enthusiast and horticulture aficionado with a deep passion for houseplants. With years of nurturing green companions, my expertise in caring for indoor foliage is well-rooted. Through my journey, I've cultivated insights into optimal plant care, propagation techniques, and creating vibrant indoor ecosystems. Join me as we explore the verdant world of houseplants together. Let's turn your living space into a thriving oasis of botanical beauty. Connect with me on admin@houseplantspro.com and Facebook and explore more at Houseplantspro. 🌿🪴

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