every time we water the house plants we end up with a bunch of little flys ,,,,,,,?

Question

how do we get rid of these little pesky ****** flies they drive us ****** crazy...help please

Answer 1

I agree with alicendra.

Answer 2

You're description sounds like they are shore flies or fungus gnats, both of which are a result of overwatering. They do not harm the plants but they sure are pesty. The larva live in the soil of the potted plants.

You can use a pesticide on the adults but the larvae will be adults in a week so you'll have the same problem again.

To break the cycle you have to kill the larvae and there are no drenches that will do it on houseplants without harming the plants. The best way to kill the larvae is to let the pots dry out completely--even if the plants start to wilt. They are better able to survive dry soil than the larvae. (If you want you can mist the leaves with water but don't let any drip onto the soil--you want it to dry out.) After it's dry, and you can usually tell by the weight of the pot, you can water it lightly. Then let it dry out again. Do this 3 or 4 times and you should kill the larvae. If you have killed the adults in the meantime you're problem should be finished as long as you don't begin overwatering again. Don't water until the top inch or so of the pot is dry. If you have a saucer underneath never let water set in it. Dump any excess water. Remember plants are pretty resilent about water. If they're dry for a couple of days it doesn't matter--so don't overwater once you have gotten rid of the shore flies or fungus gnats.

Answer 3

You can buy a product, it's soap and it's made by Safer. It is available at any garden type shop and I've seen it in the garden section at hardware stores as well. Doesn't smell bad which is a bonus too. Commonly known as Safer soap, just ask for it by name. It's also good for other ailments that plants have. Handy stuff to have around.

Answer 4

You have those flies all the time... watering just agitates them. You can safely eraticate them with soap and water. Add dishdetergent to a spray bottle (1/4 tsp) fill with water and spray down the plants

Answer 5

when you water the plants, let them dry out completely before you water them again...i think they're little fruit fly things and they are attracted to moist dirt. it won't hurt most house plants to be completely dry for 2-3 days, then water them well (until you see water seeping out the bottom of your container). it also helps to have good drainage, you can transplant them when you get them home with a good potting soil. fill the bottom of the planter about 1/2 inch with small rocks or large gravel then fill the rest of the way with potting soil and plant...good luck.

Answer 6

college kid has the right answer... but you can kill the adults w/ 3 drops of dish soap and 3 drops of rubbing alcohol mixed with water and sprayed onto the leaves then begin letting rhem dry out to kill the eggs... Good Luck