Little Black Flies...

[astral276]

Keep getting some teeny weeny little black 'flies' in the house. I think they are coming from soil in pot plants. Is there anything you can add when watering that will kill any bugs/eggs without killing the plant, or do I need to re-pot everything with sterilised soil?

Any tips appreciated.

[madelaine]

Top the soil in each pot with a layer of grit, that will make it impossible for the flies, known as compost flies, to carry on laying eggs in the soil.

[HerMajesty]

)What a smart idea!! (I was going to suggest just getting an itty bitty fly swatter....

[astral276]

I'll get some grit tomorrow. Does it have to be very fine or will those very small stones that I've seen some pot plants dressed with do?

Maj, swatter would be no good as the flies are so small the draught from swinging it would just push them out of its way.

[madelaine]

I'll get some grit tomorrow. Does it have to be very fine or will those very small stones that I've seen some pot plants dressed with do?

Maj, swatter would be no good as the flies are so small the draught from swinging it would just push them out of its way.

Those little stones are perfect

[astral276]

Those little stones are perfect

Ok, thanks. In that case I'll also look at that coloured fine 'gravel' that goes in fish tanks to see if that is cheaper and prettier.

[cambrensis]

They're not little flies, Mel - they're your sins, gathering around you...

When I was a lad, we had a plague of such things in the house...took ages to work out where they were coming from. They turned out to be from whatwe used to call the "cwts" - the cupboard under the stairs. My father had stored some sacks of carrots there! My mam could preach wonderful sermons...

[ejean9]

are you sure they are coming from the plants ? (possibly fruit flies) I use DE powder if you find the grit dosent work message me your addy and ill post you some DE if you wish.

[astral276]

They're not little flies, Mel - they're your sins, gathering around you...

Nowhere near enough of them to be my sins.

[Shesawaya38485]

Sounds like those pesky things we call "fruit flies" even though they appear when there is NO fruit around. They love humid areas to lay their eggs in which may be why you are seeing them around your plants. Here's a link with some ideas to trap and eliminate them - with pictures "Method 4" works best for me. Good luck!! http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Fruit-Flies