Houseplant with tiny flying bugs. How do I get rid of them? I tried plant safe bug spray.....?

Question

I used a spray that is for killing bugs on roses and such. These little bugs crawl around in the dirt and fly around the plant. I think they are killing it. I have very little experience in taking care of houseplants. I think I may have also been overwatering it. The dirt looks like it might be moldy? Not sure how to describe. White to yellowish little balls on top.

Answer 1

What you've described are "Fungus Gnats". They require moist soil conditions to live and reproduce. To eliminate them is quite simple;

1) Treat/spray your soil with some Insecticidal Soap (can be found at most hardware/garden shops). This application will eliminate existing fungus gnat larvae in the soil.

2) Place about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch of clean sand over the top of your potting mix. This will provide a physical barrier that will prevent further egg-laying by the adults into the moist soil.

Any flying gnats (adults) will die eventually and the reproductive cycle will be destroyed by eliminating their habitat.

Hope this information helps solves your problem. GOOD LUCK!

-Certified Professional Crop Consultant with over 30 years of experience and a Degree in Plant Science

Answer 2

House Plant Bugs

Answer 3

I agree with what Doc.Shell said. It needs repotting. Leave that old dirt far from where you do the repotting, and before repotting, drag the plant, roots and all, through a sink full of warmish soapsuds to get rid of those critters. The soap won't hurt the plant at all, but if there are any bugs hanging around, it will probably kill them. These are bugs that probably live in or on the soil, so spraying the leaves of the plant doesn't do much. And, yes...cut back on the watering. Good luck!

Answer 4

Tiny Bugs In House

Answer 5

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I personally use a little dawn dishwashing liquid ( about a tablespoon ) and a little bleach , same amount , to a half gallon of water and spray the plant with it . The dishwashing liquid will kill the insects and the bleach kills fungus . Spray plants periodically to prevent further infestations . Start with every week and then every other week .

Answer 6

1 water only once per week and with the gnats get a spray bottle any kind will do fill with water and 2 drops of dawn dish soap and spray once a month. saves money huh! look it up, home treatments for house plants

Answer 7

Sounds like gnats...you have been over watering...I suggest taking it out of the container it's in and shake as much dirt away as you can and repot it with fresh soil. Make sure it has drainage holes in the bottom and that you only water when the soil feels like it's getting dry.

Answer 8

To even begin trying to get rid of those bugs, you must first know what they are. Research on them on your computer, in the nearest library, etc. Then find out what is most effective in getting rid of them. Find out their natural enemies and chemicals that can get rid of them alone as bug spray can kill beneficial insects as well as pests. Also, in terms of the soil, it depends on what soil type it is and how much water you're using. If it is loam or a chernozem (both are most likely your soil type as fungi need rich soil to survive), you'll need only moderate amounts of water. If it is clayey, you'll need small amounts of water. As for the yellowish balls, I don't know, but if it is mold, it isn't necessary to completely get rid of it. Just cut down on watering and try to control the fungus.

Answer 9

I've got a really simple solution. I've done this with my own plants and it works wonders. I use my vacuum hose attachment and suck those little buggers right up. As for house plants, most of them only need a little water a week unless they are philodendrons which only need a drink once every couple of weeks.

Answer 10

All wonderful answers this one trick that was told to me by my grandma works also, and requires no repotting. simply take matches and stick them with the sulfur end into the soil the gnats will leave and like the experts answered you, quit watering so much. The bigger the pot the more matches..for smaller pots 2 matches will do the trick!