Trail Gardens, Pottsville PA

Trail Gardens

Like Us on
FACEBOOK for News & Specials

Have you noticed little black gnats flying around your houseplants or outdoor potted plants? These are probably fungus gnats. These can be a serious problem in commercial greenhouses holding thousands of plants but are easily controlled by homeowners.

gnats on plant

As weak fliers, fungus gnats live in and around damp decaying material. Plants with fungus gnats are usually being overwatered. This is the primary cause for an increase in the gnat population. Letting a plant become drier between watering will decrease the decay and fungus in the soil. Therefore, the gnats will die. Always make sure that your pots have adequate drainage and that water is not left standing in saucers.

gnats

For home use, yellow sticky traps and insecticidal sprays with Pyrethrins are available. This is used for killing the gnat. If treating a houseplant with Pyrethrins, be sure to take plants outside and follow label instructions. Although it is produced from plants, it can be harmful to pets. Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), a biological control, will also provide relatively fast control killing the larva in the soil.

For houseplants, the easiest and fastest remedy is the best. Repot the plant using new potting soil into a pot with drainage. Be sure the hole is not clogged. Prune away any dead roots, leaves and stems. The gnats will be gone immediately. In the future, use your finger or a moisture meter to check the soil before watering.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are one of the most common pests in landscapes and gardens and feed on many fruit trees, vines, berries, vegetables, and ornamental plants. These tiny mites are just large enough to be seen with the naked eye, but may just look like tiny, moving dots.

Spider mites cause damage by sucking cell fluids from plant leaves. A small number of mites usually isn’t a reason for concern, but plants can sustain heavy damage if populations are high and continue unchecked. You may notice a stippling of light or yellowish spots on affected leaves and often the webbing of mites can be seen on leaves and stems.

spider mites

Spider mites reproduce rapidly in hot, dry weather. Keeping plants well watered is a good deterrent. There are also many natural enemies, such as lacewing larvae and some lady beetles that help to keep mite populations under control. Be careful when using broad spectrum insecticides as these will kill any beneficial insects as well as the spider mites. Simply spraying plant leaves with a blast of water, taking care to spray the undersides as well, can help to reduce mite populations and insecticidal soaps are a good choice when dealing with spider mites.