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how to get rid of fly infestation #679160

Asked January 15, 2021, 4:00 PM EST

Sorry the attached photo does not have a measure but the fly is tiny, maybe 3 mm. it is usually found flying around my plants and even in the soil base (both a pepper plant and poinsettia seem to be infested). I think it lays tiny yellow eggs on the leaves and I think it leaves string-like webs from leaf to leaf (unless I have two types of infestation going on). I keep rinsing the leaves to keep the infestation down as well as killing them with my hands. Are there any other remedies that are non-toxic to the plant? Thanks very much in advance.

Anne Arundel County Maryland

Expert Response

The photo of the insect is not in focus and we cannot accurately id it.  However the insect does look like a type of fly or gnat. Based on your description there are insects that live in the soil media such as fungus gnats. 

The larvae breed in moist soil, primarily in potted plants containing soil rich in organic matter. Larvae feed on fungi in the moist soil. Overwatering contributes to the growth of the fungi on which the larvae feed.

If the insects are coming from the plants, the soil media is staying too moist.  Let the top several inches dry out. When the soil dries, the larvae will die. See our page on fungus gnats https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/fungus-gnats-indoor-plants

The above flying insect does not make webs. If you are noticing webbing, you may be dealing with spider mites, a sucking insect. They suck chlorophyll from the leaves that results in fine white spots on the leaves, yellowing, leaf drop, and browning.  If you notice this, periodically wash down the plants with a strong spray of water and get good coverage of the lower leaf surfaces. Here is more on spider mites including photos.  If this is not what you are noticing, you can send us more photos. https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/spider-mites-indoor-plants

Marian


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