How do you get rid of fruit flies from the soul of your plant?

Ty
by Ty

There are fruit flies all over my plants.


  13 answers
  • Sandy Sandy on Feb 18, 2019

    what!

  • Everything Pretty Everything Pretty on Feb 18, 2019

    Can you rephrase your question?

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Feb 18, 2019

    not fruit flies it's a Fungus Gnat infestation; you are overwatering your plants. The larve live in the wet organic matter/soil eat plant's roots & will kill the plant eventually. #1 killer of houseplants is overwatering. Mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with four parts water. Allow the top layer of your soil to dry, and then water your plants with this solution as you normally would. The soilwill fizz for a few minutes after application; this is normal. The fungus gnat larvae will die on contact with the hydrogen peroxide. no chemical way add Nematodes to soil they will kill the larve here's place to buy them they are guaranteed to be alive other places not guaranteed but cheaper. They are microscopic beneficial bugs that kill pests best thing ever to use if you have house plants.One more solution remove all dirt and buy fresh clean soil repot plants(you need to do all your plants at same time) throw dirt away in trash.

  • Mindshift Mindshift on Feb 18, 2019

    I think you meant to ask "What's the remedy to get rid of fungus gnats from the soil of your plants?"

    Fruit flies are only interested in fruit. The tiny bugs that hang around potted plants are different. They prefer to feed on fungi in potting soil and are harmless to people. They will, however, feed on the roots of potted plants if the infestation is large, and can transmit a pathogen that causes damping off.

    It's the larvae that live in the soil that can damage your plants. Discourage infestation by allowing the top 2" of your soil to completely dry out between waterings. Don't allow water to sit in the saucer below your plants for more than a couple of hours.

    Since you already have fungus gnats there are several things you can do to get rid of them. ●To get the larvae, make a mosquito-dunk tea by soaking one dunk overnight in a gallon jug of water. The dunk can be reused. Water your plants with this to inoculate your soil with the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis israelisensis which kills mosquitoes and fungus gnats. ●To get flying adults, mix 1/4 cup cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water. Add 1 drop of dish soap and mix gently. Place shallow jar lids on the surface of infected pots and fill them about 1/4 inch deep. Replace the liquid every three days. ●Yellow sticky traps are effective at attracting fungus gnats. ●Diatomaceous earth damages and dehydrates fungus gnats. It is spread on the soil surface, but ONLY works when it is dry so bottom watering is best. ●A layer of sand on top of the soil will prevent fungus gnats from getting to the soil, but the plant must be watered from the bottom.

    • See 2 previous
    • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Mar 03, 2019

      They're both tiny. They both fly around your house. But, besides sharing these irritating similarities, these two household pests are actually quite different. Fungus gnats are most often brought into a home as eggs inside plant soil. These eggs give birth to larvae and begin to eat, grow and eventually develop into a pupa and hatch to become the tiny black flies that drive us crazy. Fruit flies usually lay their eggs on fruit before those items get into your home. When your fruit ripens, the eggs give birth to tiny larvae and develop into a pupa, and then hatch into those little orangish flies that swarm your face.

  • Mogie Mogie on Apr 03, 2023

    Never have seen a plant with a soul before. Could you please rephrase your question?

  • Mogie Mogie on Jun 02, 2023

    Now pot plants have soul doubt that is what you are referring to but could it be?

  • Mogie Mogie on Jun 16, 2023

    Are you reusing your potting soil?

  • Agreed with the above, sounds like fungus gnats. You can learn the difference here: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/pest-repeller/how-to-get-rid-of-fruit-flies-44422215

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on May 09, 2024

    Repot with new soil and be sure to rinse all the soil out of the roots. The eggs are in the soil, so it has to go. Clean the pots really well and let dry in the sun to further kill any clinging eggs.

  • I'd let the plants dry out as much as possible without killing them then add those little yellow sticky traps.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on May 21, 2024

    Dunk them in soapy water overnight to kill the blighters!