Question
Hi, i have several house plants on my windowsill, this morning when i watered them i noticed lots of tiny white maggot like beasties, i think they are eating away at the roots as one of my yukka plants has lost all of its leaves and easily came away from its pot when lifted. Can you tell me what they may be, and how to get rid of them.

Kind regards, Tracy.

Answer
Tracy,

They are the larva of fungus gnats and they are eating the rotted roots that are happening because you are watering your plants too much. Yuccas especially should only be watered when they have been dry for at least 3 days or the roots begin to rot. They are desert plants. Most other plants should be watered when they are dry and lighter weight. Watering too frequently and leaving water in the drain trays causes rotting roots and fungus gnats which are much like fruit flies that attack overripe bannanas on your kitchen counter will attack them. Empty the drain trays. Let the plants dry out. Then water them with rubbing alcohol. That will kill the larva in the soil. Then be very careful not to water too often. Good luck.

Darlene