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Soil, Compost & Mulch Tips & Techniques garden

Pesty plant fly help

6 years ago

some of my indoor plants and i have been battling fruit fly issues for a while. After doing some homework, I found that I was guilty of overwatering plants and creating a perfect place for these pests to breed.

ive been putting off on watering the plants until the soil dries. As well as leaving apple cider vinegar/dish soap traps and glasses of wine, which have been doing a good job of attracting the flies. I also put a layer of sand on the top of the soil.

one of the succulents I had seen larve in a few weeks back, is in a glass jar. after putting sand on top, the soil now looks like the pictures I will be attaching.

is it possible that these strange clusters are related to the larve or fruit fly eggs? Or is this simply the sand and the soil drying ?

,

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Comments (2)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
6 years ago
First, if the insects have been bothering plants, they are not fruit flies but fungus gnats. Two entirely different insects with different life cycles and methods of control.

A potting medium and water regime that attracts fungus gnats is not going to be at all encouraging to the growing of succulents. Succs want very durable potting soil with very fast drainage and minimal water retention. And not to be growing in a glass container without a drain hole!! Repot in a proper succulent soil and there will be no issue with any fungus gnats and no need to to use sand to deter egg laying.

Fruit flies are not interested in plants - they want fruit :-) Keep any fruit in the refrigerator. The vinegar or wine traps work well for fruit flies but they will have no effect on fungus gnats.
dontmather thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
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BETWIXTdesign - Landscape & Interior Design
6 years ago
If fungus gnats are still a problem I would suggest purchasing gnat nix! Works well if you cover the soil with a thin layer. But also would suggest repotting or watering much less to prevent the succulents from rotting.
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