Fungus gnats
All of my houseplants have turned brown on the tips. I also have little gnats flying around them. I have sprayed and no results. What could this be caused by?
Even though brown tips can indicate dry indoor air, it sounds as if you have been overwatering your plants and brown tips and fungus gnats are the result. Fungus gnats are tiny black flying insects that looks like mosquitoes and are more of an annoyance. They lay their eggs in the soil which turn into 1/4″ larvae that thrive on fungi and decaying roots. After they pupate, they emerge from the soil as tiny flying gnats. They like consistent moist soil and are an indicator that the soil has been too wet.
Control fungus gnats
Because the larvae need moist soil to reproduce, let the soil dry out between waterings. Products such as BT (israelensis) sold as Gnatrol, Knock-Out Gnats will also take care of the larval stage. Use the mixture (BT & water) as a soil drench-follow label directions. Be aware the stuff smells bad. You may have to apply more than once. To get rid of the adult flying insects, use yellow or blue sticky cards that gnats are attracted to.
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I have a gardenia that is approximately 10 years old. I usually keep it outside during the summer months and bring indoors for the winter months. This fall, I replanted the gardenia into a larger pot, but have noticed that their are bugs all over it. They look like fruit flies. I used a the Miracle Grow Pot soil. How can I get rid of this bugs. They are getting out of control and I am finding them throughout my house. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Comment by Maria Kavouros — 1/7/2008 @ 3:32 pm